Helium isotopes in energy exploration

Abstract

Helium isotope geochemistry is a new and rapidly developing research area with important applications in the field of earth resources. Natual variations in the helium isotopic ratio have a range in excess of 105; the wide variation is due to radioactive generation of each isotope in well-separated geochemical environments. Admixtures of tritium generated (atmospheric) 3He and a-particle derived (crustal) 4He, provide a ready means of isotopic tracing with possible applications in the mineral exploration industry. The dispersion of helium isotopes in the near surface environment is an important indicator of uranium mineralization, of heavy mineral deposits, of oil and gas reservoirs and of hydrocarbon structure boundaries.