Helium Isotopes

Helium Isotopes

Helium gas is a trace constituent of groundwater and thermal fluids, and the ratio of 3He to 4He can be measured with a high-precision mass spectrometer to determine whether it is derived from air, from the radioactive decay of uranium and thorium in the crust, or from the mantle. The latter is a characteristic feature of volcanic and geothermal gases.

Geothermal Glossary

Word of the Week – Fumarole

Word of the Week – Fumarole

Fumarole A steam vent and surface thermal feature that is commonly associated with steaming ground and mud pots in hydrothermally and volcanically active areas.

Word of the Week – Geochemical Tracer

Word of the Week – Geochemical Tracer

Geochemical Tracer An environmentally benign chemical that is injected to trace fluid movement through the geothermal reservoir and that can be easily detected in produced hot fluid.

Utah FORGE

Advancing innovative technologies to unlock Earth’s limitless geothermal energy.