Release of radiogenic noble gases as a new signal of rock deformation

Bauer, Stephen J.; Gardner, W. Payton; Lee, Hyunwoo

doi:10.1002/2016GL070876

Release of radiogenic noble gases as a new signal of rock deformation

Journal Article · Sun Oct 09 00:00:00 EDT 2016 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1002/2016GL070876· OSTI ID:1418468

Bauer, Stephen J. ^[1]; Gardner, W. Payton ^[2]; Lee, Hyunwoo ^[3]

Sandia National Lab. (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)
Univ. of Montana, Missoula, MT (United States)
Univ. of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM (United States)

In this paper we investigate the release of radiogenic noble gas isotopes during mechanical deformation. We developed an analytical system for dynamic mass spectrometry of noble gas composition and helium release rate of gas produced during mechanical deformation of rocks. Our results indicate that rocks release accumulated radiogenic helium and argon from mineral grains as they undergo deformation. We found that the release of accumulated ⁴He and ⁴⁰Ar from rocks follows a reproducible pattern and can provide insight into the deformation process. Increased gas release can be observed before dilation, and macroscopic failure is observed during high-pressure triaxial rock deformation experiments. Accumulated radiogenic noble gases can be released due to fracturing of mineral grains during small-scale strain in Earth materials. Helium and argon are highly mobile, conservative species and could be used to provide information on changes in the state of stress and strain in Earth materials, and as an early warning signal of macroscopic failure. These results pave the way for the use of noble gases to trace and monitor rock deformation for earthquake prediction and a variety of other subsurface engineering projects.

View Accepted Manuscript (DOE)

Research Organization:: Sandia National Laboratories (SNL-NM), Albuquerque, NM (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: National Science Foundation; USDOE National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA)

Grant/Contract Number:: AC04-94AL85000

OSTI ID:: 1418468

Journal Information:: Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 20 Vol. 43; ISSN 0094-8276

Publisher:: American Geophysical UnionCopyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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Release of radiogenic noble gases as a new signal of rock deformation

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References (19)

Cited By (2)

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