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.

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Word of the Week – Brine

Word of the Week – Brine

Brine In producing geothermal fields, this term refers to the hot water that is produced from wells. It is rarely as salty as implied. Instead, the salinities of most natural hot waters are...

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Word of the Week – Cap Rock

Word of the Week – Cap Rock

Cap Rock A poorly permeable or impermeable layer that overlies a geothermal reservoir. The term is borrowed from the oil industry and was once considered an essential feature of a producing...

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Word of the Week – Casing Shoe

Word of the Week – Casing Shoe

Casing Shoe In geothermal wells, this is the bottom of the cemented casing string. Below the casing shoe, the well may be unprotected and open to the surrounding rock or lined with a...

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