US scientists from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln are exploring the Midcontinent Rift beneath Lake Superior, which spans parts of Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas, for its potential as a rich source of natural hydrogen. This rift, a 1,200-mile stretch of volcanic rocks formed when North America nearly split 1.1 billion years ago, could hold vast amounts of hydrogen that is constantly regenerated underground through interactions between water and volcanic rock. The researchers, led by principal investigator Seunghee Kim, anticipate that the rift's geological conditions may contribute to the preservation of naturally generated hydrogen, making it economically viable to extract. The demand for hydrogen is on the rise globally as countries seek cleaner energy sources to reduce carbon emissions. The team has been granted $1 million through the National Science Foundation to delve into various aspects of hydrogen research, including flow dynamics, storage options, geological interactions, and microbial consumption rates. They aim to create computer models to analyze data collected from the rift and unlock the secrets of this potential hydrogen-rich region. The successful extraction of hydrogen could pave the way for a hydrogen economy, offering a sustainable alternative to fossil fuels and aiding in the fight against climate change.