Helium and mercury in the central Seward Peninsula

Conference · Fri May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1981

OSTI ID:7369425

Wescott, E; Ruscetta, C A; Foley, D ^[1]

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1. eds.

The central Seward Peninsula, Alaska, has one Known Geothermal Resource Area (KGRA) at Pilgrim Springs, and has recent volcanic flows, fault systems, topographic and tectonic features which can be explained by a rift model. As part of a geothermal reconnaissance of the area we used helium and mercury concentrations in soil as indicators of geothermal resources. The largest helium concentrations were found in the vicinity of the Pilgrims Springs KGRA, and indicate prime drilling sites. Five profile lines were run across the suspected rift system. Significant helium anomalies were found on several of the traverses, where future exploration might be concentrated. Mercury values showed a great range of variability on the traverses, and seem unreliable as geothermal indicators except in the vicinity of the Pilgrim Springs. Permafrost at the surface resulting in variations in sampling depth may contribute to the mercury variations.

• Research Organization: Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks
• OSTI ID: 7369425
• Report Number(s): DOE/ID/12079-39; ESL-59; CONF-8105132-5; ON: DE82003944
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY
150302* -- Geothermal Exploration & Exploration Technology-- Geochemical Techniques & Surveys
ABUNDANCE
ALASKA
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
ELEMENTS
EXPLORATION
FLUIDS
GASES
GEOCHEMICAL SURVEYS
GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES
GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION
Geothermal Legacy
HELIUM
MERCURY
METALS
NONMETALS
NORTH AMERICA
PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION
RARE GASES
RIFT ZONES
SITE SELECTION
SOILS
SURVEYS
USA