Based on the volcanic nature of the area, I'd look for near surface lava flows with a high iron content. This could potentially generate strong magnetic flux that would induce current and/or heat in wires, metal pipes, etc.
Once this bleeds over into civilian use it will make a great transitional step. Hydrogen is too difficult to transport in bulk, and we can't afford to just up and replace the existing fuel transport infrastructure. If the catalytic converter can be made small enough it can be installed at individual gas stations allowing the Hydrogen to be produced on demand or in small batches that are stored locally.
Using a calytic conversion process also allows us to capture the carbon dioxide, sulfur and other by-products at a control point for further processing, rather than just dumping them into the atmosphere as we currently do.
Slashdot Mirror
Based on the volcanic nature of the area, I'd look for near surface lava flows with a high iron content. This could potentially generate strong magnetic flux that would induce current and/or heat in wires, metal pipes, etc.
Once this bleeds over into civilian use it will make a great transitional step. Hydrogen is too difficult to transport in bulk, and we can't afford to just up and replace the existing fuel transport infrastructure. If the catalytic converter can be made small enough it can be installed at individual gas stations allowing the Hydrogen to be produced on demand or in small batches that are stored locally. Using a calytic conversion process also allows us to capture the carbon dioxide, sulfur and other by-products at a control point for further processing, rather than just dumping them into the atmosphere as we currently do.