Evaluating natural hydrogen migration paths in complex tectonic settings: example of the south-Pyrenean foreland system

The existence of geological fluids rich in hydrogen (H2) must be explored in order to determine the energy potential of this possible carbon-free resource. For over a century, numerous natural H2 emissions have been identified, particularly in the northern Pyrenean foothills, and more recently with the discovery of natural hydrogen flows in a borehole located on the southern flank of the mountain range (Monzón well). 
The aim of this thesis is to evaluate the possible migration and accumulation pathways of H2 through the various overlapping and faulted structures that characterise the southern Pyrenean deformation, by reproducing the structures and their geometries in 3D using analogue models, then modelling them numerically to simulate H2 migration. Understanding the evolution of the tectonic system on a geological timescale will enable us to clearly define the migration pathways and also to test the still-debated hypotheses of a dynamic system of hydrogen recharge in the present day or a slower system of H2 production and accumulation on a geological timescale.
This thesis has three parts:
- A first phase of geological characterization of the structure and geometry of the major overlaps and faults structuring the southern Pyrenean foreland basin, based on seismic, field data and existing literature;
- A second phase involving the creation of analogue models in the laboratory to reconstruct the evolution of the architecture of the southern Pyrenean foreland basin;
- The third phase involves numerical modelling of the formation of structures and simulation of scenarios for H2 migration and accumulation pathways.

Keywords: fluid migration, foreland basin, analogue and numerical modelling, Pyrenees

• Academic supervisor    Prof Charles AUBOURG, Laboratoire des Fluides Complexes et leurs Réservoirs, University of Pau and Pays de l'Adour (UPPA), ORCID : 0000-0003-1018-4539 & Dr Esther IZQUIERDO LAVALL, CN IGME-CSIC, ORCID : 0000-0002-3102-8001
• Doctoral School    ED SEA 211 Ecole doctorale sciences exactes et leurs applications, UPPA
• IFPEN supervisor    Dr Sylvie SCHUELLER
• PhD location    IFPEN, Rueil-Malmaison, France
• Duration and start date    3 years, starting in the fourth quarter 2026 (November 2)
• Employer    IFPEN
• Academic requirements    University Master degree in Geosciences   
• Language requirements    English level B2 (CEFR), French or willingness to learn French  
• Other requirements    A geologist profile that combines experimental (analog modeling), numerical (TemisFlow) and field approaches. Knowledge of deformed foreland basins would be appreciated.

To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to the IFPEN supervisor indicated here below.