Reply to Lang et al.: Using field analyses to properly address the kinetics of methane genesis in olivine-rich hydrothermal systems

We appreciate the opportunity to clarify the supplementary use of field data used to investigate abiotic CH4 genesis in hydrothermal systems containing olivine (1, 2). We agree that laboratory experiments cannot replicate the complexity of natural systems. However, the scientific value of experimental studies is to simplify complex systems by first examining the most relevant processes guiding the reactions. This is precisely what our manuscript presents. It should also be noted that carbon isotope geochemistry and thermodynamics, which Lang et al. (2) readily cite to justify their argument, have their roots in simple “benchtop” experiments.