Radiolysis is the process of splitting a water molecule into hydrogen and various ions under the influence of ionizing radiation. This occurs in the subsurface where radioactive minerals, like Uranium-238, come in contact with water.
Radiolysis of water with radioactive rocks
(H2O → H2, H2O2 plus various ions)Alpha, beta and gamma radiation released in the radioactive decay of U-, Th- and K-bearing minerals.
Alpha particle decay U238 to Th234 is in the form of He4 so H2 and He are sometimes found together
The process of Radiolysis is a relatively slow process
