Constructing a subsurface geophysical log database for geologic hydrogen exploration, Sacramento Basin, northern California

During Spring semester 2026, our research team initiated construction of a geological database to assist in evaluating the exploration potential for geological hydrogen in the Sacramento Basin in northern California. This project, which is a collaborative effort between students and faculty in the Department of Geology & Environmental Earth Science and Koloma Hydrogen, consists of evaluating results of previous investigations that utilized paper copies geophysical logs from oil and gas wells drilled in basin during the mid to late 1900s.  Research efforts consisted of identifying well names, operators, and locations of over 600 wells used in historical studies.  Koloma provides general well location data that our research team cross referenced with wells listed in the online California Department of Conservation (CDC) oil and gas well database.  In most cases, the general well location information indicated the presence of multiple wells.  Data from the paper well logs were sometimes used to locate specific wells, but in the vast majority of instances final identification required a direct comparison with scanned raster images of the logs available through the CDC. While the process is still ongoing, identified digital logs will be incorporated into an computer database here at Miami University that will be used to identify porous lithologies that may serve as reservoirs for geological hydrogen.   The mapped three-dimensional distribution and thickness of identified reservoir rocks will be compared with the location of potential geological hydrogen source rocks and assist in helping to determine whether the volume of accumulated hydrogen is economically viable.