Identification of He sources and estimation of He ages in groundwater of the North China Plain

Dissolved helium concentrations and ³He/⁴He ratios were measured for 18 groundwater samples collected from the Quaternary confined aquifers in the North China Plain (NCP). The dissolved helium concentrations ranged from 1 × 10⁻⁷ to 1 × 10⁻⁶ cm³STP·g⁻¹ in the 14 samples from the central plain, but was approximately two orders of magnitude higher, between 6 × 10⁻⁶ and 9 × 10⁻⁵ cm³STP·g⁻¹, in 4 samples from the coastal plain. Based on these concentrations and the corresponding ³He/⁴He ratios varying from 0.09 to 0.55 R_a (where R_a is the ³He/⁴He ratio of air), the dissolved helium in groundwater in the central plain was identified to be primarily a mixture of atmospheric helium with radiogenic helium and a representative radiogenic helium ratio was estimated to be 0.035 R_a. Despite the high fraction of terrigenic ⁴He in the samples from the coastal plain, their ³He/⁴He ratios were found to be significantly above this radiogenic value, ranging between 0.20 and 0.37 R_a, indicating the presence of a mantle-derived He component in this area. About 2–4% mantle helium was estimated to be present in the groundwater of the coastal plain, which probably is associated with the regional Cangdong fault and tectonic activities. Based on the radiogenic He component, ⁴He ages of the groundwater in the central plain were calculated by assuming either pure in situ production or an external helium flux J₀ of 4.7 × 10⁻⁸ cm³STPcm⁻²a⁻¹. The estimated ⁴He ages fall between 9.5 and 51.4 ka and are comparable to the ¹⁴C ages, suggesting that the results of ⁴He dating are reasonable and can be an effective tool to estimate groundwater residence times under suitable conditions.     

Accumulation of mantle gases in a permanently stratified volcanic lake (Lac Pavin,France)

Lac Pavin is a volcanic crater lake in the Massif Central (France), characterized by a permanent vertical density stratification resulting from a strong and persistent chemocline between about 60 and 70 m depth. The deep water below the chemocline forms the monimolimnion, in which most dissolved ions as well as helium, carbon dioxide, and methane are strongly enriched. The ³He/⁴He isotope ratio of the excess helium is (9.09 ± 0.01) · 10⁻⁶, or (6.57 ± 0.01) R_a. These findings clearly indicate a flux of mantle-derived magmatic gases into the monimolimnion.In order to derive the fluxes of magmatic volatiles into Lac Pavin, it is essential to understand the hydrologic characteristics of the lake. Previously published two-box models have assumed groundwater input at the lake bottom, a short residence time in the monimolimnion, and biogenic origin of the CO₂. We propose an alternative model with a flux of magmatic gases, but not of water, into the monimolimnion, and a weak diffusive coupling between the monimolimnion and the overlying mixolimnion which leads to a long deep-water residence time (≈ 70 yr). We reassess the carbon budget of the lake and conclude that the major part of the accumulated CO₂ in the monimolimnion is of magmatic origin. From the model-derived water exchange rates, we calculated a mantle ⁴He flux of (6 ± 2) · 10¹¹ atoms m⁻² s⁻¹. This value lies near the lower end of the range found in comparable volcanic lakes. The flux of magmatic CO₂ is estimated as (1.2 ± 0.4) · 10⁻⁷ mol m⁻² s⁻¹, which is also comparatively low. The monimolimnion appears to be in steady state with respect to these fluxes, therefore no further, potentially hazardous, accumulation of CO₂ takes place.     

Can pelagic net heterotrophy account for carbon fluxes from eastern Canadian lakes?

Lakes worldwide are commonly oversaturated with CO₂, however the source of this CO₂ oversaturation is not well understood. To examine the magnitude of the C flux to the atmosphere and determine if an excess of respiration (R) over gross primary production (GPP) is sufficient to account for this C flux, metabolic parameters and stable isotopes of dissolved O₂ and C were measured in 23 Québec lakes. All of the lakes sampled were oversaturated with CO₂ over the sampling period, on average 221 ± 25%. However, little evidence was found to conclude that this CO₂ oversaturation was the result of an excess of pelagic R over GPP. In lakes Croche and à l’Ours, where CO₂ flux, R and GPP were measured weekly, the annual difference between pelagic GPP and R, or net primary production (NPP), was not sufficient to account for the size of the CO₂ flux to the atmosphere. In Lac Croche average annual NPP was 14.4 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹ while the average annual flux of CO₂ to the atmosphere was 34 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹. In Lac à l’Ours average annual NPP was −9.1 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹ while the average annual flux of CO₂ to the atmosphere was 55 mg C m⁻² d⁻¹. In all of the lakes sampled, O₂ saturation averaged 104.0 ± 1.7% during the ice-free season and the isotopic composition of dissolved O₂ (δ¹⁸O_DO) was 22.9 ± 0.3‰, lower than atmospheric values and indicative of net autotrophy. Carbon evasion was not a function of R, nor did the isotopic signature of dissolved CO₂ in the lakes present evidence of excess R over GPP. External inputs of C must therefore subsidize the lake to explain the continued CO₂ oversaturation. The isotopic composition of dissolved inorganic C (δ¹³C_DIC) indicates that the CO₂ oversaturation cannot be attributed to in situ aerobic respiration. δ¹³C_DIC reveals a source of excess C enriched in ¹³C, which may be accounted for by anaerobic sediment respiration or groundwater inputs followed by kinetic isotope fractionation during degassing under open system conditions.     

Noble gas isotopic compositions and water/gas chemistry of soda springs from the islands of Bioko,São Tomé and Annobon,along with Cameroon Volcanic Line,West Africa

Chemical and isotopic compositions are reported for water, and CO₂ and noble gases in groundwater and soda springs from Bioko, Principé, São Tomé and Annobon, all islands located in the off-shore part of the Cameroon Volcanic Line in West Africa. The soda spring waters are of Ca–Mg–HCO₃ type, with δD and δ¹⁸O values that range from −20 to −8‰ and −5.4 to −2.7‰ respectively, indicative of a meteoric origin. CO₂ is the main gas species in the springs. δ¹³C–CO₂ values vary from −2.8 to −5.0‰, overlapping the observed mantle C range (−3 to −8‰). CO₂/³He ratios (3–9×10⁹) suggest that most C (∼90%) in the samples is derived from the mantle. Neon has atmospheric isotopic compositions, while Ar is slightly enriched in radiogenic ⁴⁰Ar. ³He/⁴He ratios (3.0 to 10.1×10⁻⁶ or 2.1 to 7.2R_a, where R_a is the atmospheric ratio of 1.4×10⁻⁶) are much higher than those for typical crustal fluids (∼10⁻⁸) but lower than those expected for fluids derived from ‘high-³He/⁴He’ hotspots like Loihi and Iceland. This precludes significant contributions of such fluids in the source regions of the gases, and by inference, in the magmatism of these oceanic islands. Alternatively, approximately 90% of the He in São Tomé gases is inferred to be derived from a source similar to the MORB source. The ³He/⁴He ratio for the Bioko gas (6.6×10⁻⁶) may be derived from a source with a higher time integrated (U+Th)/³He ratio than the MORB source.     

Uranium geochemistry on the Amazon shelf: Evidence for uranium release from bottom sediments

In Amazon-shelf waters, as salinity increases to 36.5 × 10⁻³, dissolved uranium activities increase to a maximum of 4.60 dpm 1⁻¹. This value is much higher than the open-ocean value (2.50 dpm 1⁻¹), indicating a source of dissolved uranium to shelf waters in addition to that supplied from open-ocean and riverine waters. Uranium activities are much lower for surface sediments in the Amazon-shelf seabed (mean: 0.69 ±.09 dpm g⁻¹) than for suspended sediments in the Amazon River (1.82 dpm g⁻¹). Data suggest that the loss of particulate uranium from riverine sediments (and the consequent input of dissolved uranium to shelf waters) is probably the result of uranium desorption from the ferric-oxyhydroxide coatings on sediment particles, and/or uranium release by mobilization of the ferric oxyhydroxides. The total flux (i.e., riverine flux plus desorbed-remobilized particulate flux) of dissolved ²³⁸U from the Amazon shelf (about 1.2 × 10¹⁵ dpm yr⁻¹) constitutes about 15% of uranium input to the world ocean, commensurate to the Amazon River's contribution to world river-water discharge (approximately 18%). Measurement of only the riverine flux of dissolved ²³⁸U underestimates, by a factor of about 5, the flux of dissolved²³⁸U from the Amazon shelf to the open ocean.     

Dissolution of silica and the development of concentration profiles in freshwater sediments

The dissolution of silica and diffusion of reactive dissolved Si in the porewaters of river sediments are investigated using sediments of different physical and chemical properties. Three sediments are considered: (a) from sectioned cores taken from a river-bed, (b) fine organic-rich surface sediment (<5 cm depth) installed in a fluvarium channel and, (c) coarse river sediment of low organic matter content also installed in a fluvarium channel. Dissolution rates of silica are measured at 10°C using batches of suspended material. The derived dissolution rate constants show large differences between the sediments. The river bed-sediment cores had vertical concentration profiles of dissolved Si that are consistent with the diffusion and dissolution of biogenic silica. Experiments in a fluvarium channel enabled Si fluxes to be calculated from a mass-balance of the overlying solution. The results are consistent with the attainment of a steady-state concentration profile of dissolved Si in the sediment. There are no discernible effects of water velocity over the sediment between 5 and 11 cm s⁻¹. However, at 20 cm s⁻¹, the flux increases as a result of either entrainment of fine particles at the surface or advective effects in the surface sediment. A fluvarium experiment with the fine sediment (<125 μm) over 61 days, produced a concentration profile with the highest concentration of 1025 μmol dm⁻³ at a depth of 4–5 cm in the sediment. A FORTRAN program is used to model the results of the increase in dissolved Si in the overlying water and development of a concentration profile in the porewater. This leads to a sediment diffusion coefficient of 1.21×10⁻⁹ m² s⁻¹ at 8.8°C at the beginning of the experiment and rate constant k=13.1×10⁻⁷ s⁻¹ at pH=7.82 and average temperature of 7.6°C for the entire experiment. Fluxes measured at the sediment–surface interface and calculated assuming steady-state profiles had developed are typically 0.01–0.04 μmol m⁻² (of river bed) s⁻¹. The approach enables the efflux of dissolved Si from bottom-sediments to be estimated from dissolution rates measured using suspensions of bed-sediment.     

Correlation between dissolved He concentration and Cl in groundwater at Äspö, Sweden

Tunnel excavation at Äspö Island, Sweden, has caused severe groundwater disturbance, gradually extending deeper into the tunnel as present-day Baltic seawater intrudes through fractures connecting to the surface. However, the paleo-hydrogeochemical conditions have remained in the deep highly saline waters that have avoided mixing. A correlation has been observed between dissolved ⁴He concentration and Cl⁻ ion concentration, measured every two years from 1995 to 2001 at Äspö. Groundwater mixing conditions can be examined by the correlations between 1/Cl, ³⁶Cl/Cl, and ³H concentrations. Subsurface production is responsible for the majority of the ³⁶Cl and excess dissolved ⁴He of interstitial groundwater in fractures. The secular equilibrium ratio of ³⁶Cl/Cl in rock was theoretically estimated to be (5.05 ± 0.82) × 10⁻¹⁴ based on the neutron flux intensity, a value comparable to the measured ³⁶Cl/Cl ratio in rock and groundwater. The degassing crustal ⁴He flux was estimated to be 2.9 × 10⁻⁸  1.3 × 10⁻⁶ (ccSTP/cm²a) using the HTO diffusion coefficient for the Äspö diorite. The ⁴He accumulation rate ranges from 6.8 × 10⁻¹⁰ (for the in situ accumulation rate) to 7.0 × 10⁻⁹ (ccSTP/(g_water · a) considering both ⁴He in situ production and the degassing flux, assuming ⁴He is accumulated constantly in groundwater. By comparing the subsurface ³⁶Cl increase with ⁴He concentrations in groundwater, the ⁴He accumulation rate was determined from data for groundwater arriving at the secular equilibrium of ³⁶Cl/Cl. The ⁴He accumulation rate was found to be (1.83 ± 0.72) × 10⁻⁸ ccSTP/(g_water · a) without determining the magnitude of degassing ⁴He flux.     

Variability of dissolved reactive phosphate flux rates in nearshore estuarine sediments: Effects of groundwater flow

Theoretical diffusive flux rates for dissolved reactive phosphate (DRP) were determined for sediments in a small area of the Indian River, Florida for the period March–May 1982. Flux rates from the sediment varied from 29 to 70 × 10^?6g per m² per day in seagrass associated sediments to 3–25 × 10^?6g per m² per day for an area devoid of seagrass. Simultaneous measurements of groundwater seepage velocities indicated greater velocities in seagrass associated sediments (1.03 × 10^?6m per sec) than an area devoid of grass (0.77 × 10^?6m per sec). Measured seepage flux accounted for more than 99% of the combined estimated diffusive and seepage flux of DRP for nearshore seagrass sediments. Also noted was an apparent direct relationship between tidal height, DRP and seepage velocity in nearshore sediments (25 m from shore) which further demonstrates the importance of hydrogeologic variables to these areas.     

Preliminary estimate of CO2 output from Pantelleria Island volcano (Sicily,Italy): evidence of active mantle degassing

Total CO₂ output from fumaroles, bubbling and water dissolved gases and soil gases was investigated at Pantelleria Island volcano, Italy. The preliminary results indicate an overall output of 0.39 Mt a⁻¹ of CO₂ from the island. The main contribution to the total output was from diffuse soil degassing (about 0.32 Mt a⁻¹), followed by dissolved CO₂ (0.034 Mt a⁻¹), focussed soil degassing (0.028 Mt a⁻¹) and bubbling CO₂ (0.013 Mt a⁻¹). The contribution of CO₂ from fumarole gases was found to be negligible (1.4×10⁻⁶ Mt a⁻¹). Carbon-13 values for CO₂ coupled with those for associated He in gases from fumaroles and sites of focussed soil degassing clearly rule out any significant organic CO₂ component and suggest a common mantle origin for these gas species. The inferred mantle source beneath Pantelleria would seem to have peculiar geochemical characteristics, quite distinct from those of mantle producing MORB but compatible with those of magmatic sources of central Mediterranean and central European volcanoes. These findings indicate that the Pantelleria volcanic complex is a site of active mantle degassing that is worthy of attention for future geochemical surveillance of the island.     

Helium accumulation in groundwater. II: A model for the accumulation of the crustal 4He degassing flux

A model of ⁴He accumulation in a confined aquifer is presented which includes in situ production and a crustal degassing flux of ⁴He into the bottom of a confined aquifer. The model is consistent with the measurements of ⁴He concentration in the Great Artesian Basin, Australia (Torgersen and Clarke, 1985) and also with the measurements of ⁴He concentration in the Auob Sandstone of Namibia (Heaton, 1981). The measured value of the crustal degassing flux of ⁴He from these two areas is comparable with the ⁴He degassing flux calculated from the atmospheric budget of ⁴He (Wasserburget al., 1963; Ozima and Podosek, 1983). A literature review suggests that a crustal degassing ⁴He source may account for the ⁴He accumulation in many other groundwater systems. It is concluded from the literature review, the detailed modelling of ⁴He accumulation in GAB and the Auob Sandstone, and the atmospheric budget that crustal degassing of ⁴He may be a common and widespread phenomena.     

Using multiple chemical indicators to characterize and determine the age of groundwater from selected vents of the Silver Springs Group, central Florida, USA

The Silver Springs Group, Florida (USA), forms the headwaters of the Silver River and supports a diverse ecosystem. The 30 headwater springs divide into five subgroups based on chemistry. Five selected spring vents were sampled in 2007 to better understand the contaminant sources and groundwater flow system. Elevated nitrate-N concentrations (>0.8 mg/L) in the five spring vents likely originate from inorganic (fertilizers) and organic sources, based on nitrogen and oxygen isotope ratios of nitrate. Evidence for denitrification in the Lost River Boil spring includes enriched δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O, excess N₂ gas, and low dissolved O₂ concentrations (<0.5 mg/L). Multiple age-tracer data (SF₆, ³H, tritiogenic ³He) for the two uppermost springs (Mammoth East and Mammoth West) indicate a binary mixture dominated by recent recharge water (mean age 6–7 years, and 87–97% young water). Tracer data for the three downstream spring vents (Lost River Boil, Catfish Hotel-1, and Catfish Conventional Hall-1) indicate exponential mixtures with mean ages of 26–35 years. Contamination from non-atmospheric sources of CFCs and SF₅CF₃ precluded their use as age tracers here. Variations in chemistry were consistent with mean groundwater age, as nitrate-N and dissolved O₂ concentrations were higher in younger waters, and the Ca/Mg ratio decreased with increasing mean age.     

Helium–carbon relationships in geothermal fluids of western Anatolia,Turkey

We investigate the helium, carbon and oxygen–hydrogen isotopic systematics and CO₂/³He ratios of 8 water and 6 gas samples collected from 12 geothermal fields in western Anatolia (Turkey). ³He/⁴He ratios of the samples (R) normalized to the atmospheric ³He/⁴He ratio (R_A = 1.39 × 10^? 6) range from 0.27 to 1.67 and are significantly higher than the crustal production value of 0.05. Fluids with relatively high R / R_A values are generally found in areas of significant heat potential (K?z?ldere and Tuzla fields). CO₂/³He ratios of the samples, ranging from 1.6 × 10⁹ to 2.3 × 10¹⁴, display significant variation and are mostly higher than values typical of an upper mantle source (2 × 10⁹). The δ¹³C (CO₂) and δ¹³C (CH₄) values of all fluids vary from ? 8.04 to + 0.35‰ and ? 25.80 to ? 23.92‰ (vs. PDB), respectively. Stable isotope values (δ¹⁸O–δD) of the geothermal waters are conformable with the Mediterranean Meteoric Water Line and indicate a meteoric origin. The temperatures calculated by gas geothermometry are significantly higher than estimates from chemical geothermometers, implying that either equilibrium has not been attained for the isotope exchange reaction or that isotopic equilibration was disturbed due to gas additions en route to the surface.Evaluation of He–CO₂ abundances indicates that hydrothermal degassing and calcite precipitation (controlled probably by adiabatic cooling due to degassing) significantly fractionate the elemental ratio (CO₂/³He) in geothermal waters. Such processes do not affect gas phase samples to anywhere near the same extent. For the gas samples, mixing between mantle and various crustal sources appears to be the main control on the observed He–C systematics: however, crustal inputs dominate the CO₂ inventory. Considering that limestone is the main source of carbon (～ 70 to 97% of the total carbon inventory), the carbon flux from the crust is found to be at least 20 times that from the mantle. As to the He-inventory, the mantle-derived component is found to vary up to 21% of the total He content and is probably transferred to the crust by fluids degassed from deep mantle melts generated in association with the elevated geotherm and adiabatic melting accompanying current extension. The range of ³He/enthalpy ratios (0.000032 to 0.19 × 10^? 12 cm³ STP/J) of fluids in western Anatolia is consistent with the release of both helium and heat from contemporary additions of mantle-derived magmas to the crust. The deep faults appear to have facilitated the deep circulation of the fluids and the transport of mantle volatiles and heat to the surface.     

Analysis of groundwater mining in two carbonate aquifers in Sierra de Estepa (SE Spain) based on hydrodynamic and hydrochemical data

The carbonate aquifers of Lora and Mingo form part of the hydrogeological unit of Sierra de Estepa (SE Spain). By means of time series analysis and a 1D numerical groundwater model, groundwater exploitation was quantified and the mean annual recharge in both systems was estimated (2001–2004). During this period, the Lora and Mingo aquifers received an average groundwater recharge of 0.29 × 10⁶ m³/year and 0.14 × 10⁶ m³/year, respectively, whereas an average of 0.34 × 10⁶ m³/year and 0.21 × 10⁶ m³/year, respectively, was extracted. These conditions led to a conspicuous lowering of the water table in both systems. In addition, the analysis of the evolution of the main hydrogeochemical parameters of the groundwater showed that the increased pumping rates produced an increase in total dissolved solids, and chloride and sodium ions in both aquifers. In the case of the Lora aquifer, the only ion that presented decreased levels was nitrate. The results show that groundwater pumping in both aquifers should not exceed the mean annual recharge of 0.29 × 10⁶ m³/year and 0.14 × 10⁶ m³/year in the Lora and Mingo aquifers, respectively. Nevertheless, it would be advisable to reduce pumping rates to below these values in order to restore piezometric levels and improve groundwater quality for different uses in the future.     

Estimation of heat flow in Tuva from data on helium isotopes in thermal mineral springs

Concentrations of helium isotopes were measured in gas and water samples from 28 thermal mineral springs in Tuva and adjacent regions of Buryatia and Gorny Altai. It is shown that fluids from 16 springs are rich in mantle helium (4–35%). With regard to the air contamination of the samples, the corrected ratios of helium isotopes (R_cor = ³He/⁴He) in these springs vary from 5.3 × 10^–8 to 422 × 10^–8. Using these R_cor values, we estimated the heat flow; these estimates were then applied to calculate the deep-level temperatures and thickness of thermal lithosphere. According to these parameters, the Tuva region is divided into two parts. Eastern Tuva (from ~96° E to the boundary with Buryatia) is characterized by abnormal helium isotope ratios and heat flow indicating the intense heating of the Earth’s crust in eastern Tuva: At a depth of 50 km, a temperature reaches 1000–1200 °C, and the thickness of thermal lithosphere is reduced to 70–50 km. This testifies to a rift process west (probably, up to 96° E) of the Baikal Rift Zone. In western Tuva, the average heat flow is much lower, ~45–50 mW/m², which is commensurate with that in the Altai–Sayan folded area as a whole. The deep-level temperatures here are twice lower, and the lithosphere thickness increases to 150 km.     

Noble gas and carbon isotope ratios in Argyle diamonds,Western Australia: Evidence for a deeply subducted volatile component

The Argyle lamproite pipe of Western Australia contains diamonds formed at depths exceeding 150 km. We undertook noble gas and carbon isotope ratio (δ¹³C) analyses of three diamonds (likely of eclogitic paragenesis) from the Argyle lamproite to test for the possible presence of deeply subducted volatile components, and to further constrain the noble gas evolution of the Earth's mantle. The Argyle diamonds are characterised by mantle ³He (with ³He/⁴He ratios of 0.79 R _A to 0.25 R _A, where R _A is the atmospheric ³He/⁴He ratio of 1.4 × 10^–6), small excess Ar and Xe isotope anomalies relative to atmospheric components, and δ¹³C values of –11.6 to –10.2‰ VPDB. These observations indicate that noble gas and carbon isotopic compositions of the mantle where the Argyle diamonds formed, represent mixtures of an intrinsic mantle component with sedimentary and atmospheric components that may have been introduced through subduction processes.     

Geochemistry of tin in rivers and estuaries

On the basis of measurements from a large number of rivers from pristine and polluted regions, we estimate the riverine fluxes of tin to the oceans to be 0.76 × 10⁶molyr⁻¹ for the dissolved fraction and 300–600 × 10⁶ mol yr⁻¹ for the paniculate fraction. The paniculate flux agrees with the flux calculated from denudation rates. Estuaries were found not to have a large effect upon the transport of tin to the oceans. Evidence for the remobilization of tin was found in an estuary that is highly polluted with tin from mining and smelting activities. Monobutyltin was found to be present in polluted estuaries and is presumed to be a degradation product of tributyltin additives to antifouling paint.     

Effects of terrigenic He components on tritium–helium dating: A case study of shallow groundwater in the Saijo Basin

Dating using a combination of ³H and ³He is believed to be the most practical method for estimating the short residence time of shallow groundwater. However, this method must estimate tritiogenic ³He alone and tends to overestimate the residence time of groundwater, if terrigenic ³He from the mantle cannot be excluded from the total dissolved ³He. We demonstrate the exclusion of terrigenic ³He in the Saijo Basin, where mantle He is easily released along the major active fault, Median Tectonic Line. The ³He/⁴He ratios suggest that the west bank of the Kamo River, which lies within the basin, has experienced greater emanations of mantle He than the east bank. We estimate the residence times to be 1.1–96 years by the proposed exclusion method.     

Numerical simulations to assess thermal potential at Tauranga low-temperature geothermal system,New Zealand

Tauranga low-temperature geothermal system (New Zealand) has been used for the last 40 years for direct uses including space heating, bathing and greenhouses. Warm-water springs in the area are between 22 and 39 °C, with well temperatures up to 67 °C at 750 m depth. A heat and fluid flow model of the system is used to determine reservoir properties and assess thermal potential. The model covers 130 km by 70 km to 2 km depth, and was calibrated against temperatures measured in 17 wells. Modelling shows that to maintain the observed primarily conductive heat flow regime, bulk permeability is ≤2.5?×?10^?14 m² in sedimentary cover and ≤1?×?10^?16 m² in the underlying volcanic rocks. The preferred model (R ²?=?0.9) corresponds to thermal conductivities of 1.25 and 1.8 W/m² for sedimentary and volcanic rocks, respectively, and maximum heat flux of 350 mW/m². The total surface heat flow is 258 MW over 2,200 km². Heat flux is highest under Tauranga City, which may be related to inferred geology. Model simulations give insights into rock properties and the dynamics of heat flow in this low-temperature geothermal system, and provide a basis to estimate the effects of extracting hot fluid.     

Helium and carbon isotope systematics of natural gases from Taranaki Basin,New Zealand

The chemical and isotopic compositions of gases from hydrocarbon systems of the Taranaki Basin of New Zealand (both offshore and onshore) show wide variation. The most striking difference between the western and south-eastern groups of gases is the helium content and its isotopic ratio. In the west, the Maui gas is over an order of magnitude higher in helium concentration (up to 190 μmol mol⁻¹) and its ³He/⁴He ratio of 3.8 R_A (where R_A=the air ³He/⁴He ratio of 1.4×10⁻⁶) is approximately half that of upper mantle helium issuing from volcanic vents of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. In the SE, the Kupe South and most Kapuni natural gases have only a minor mantle helium input of 0.03–0.32 R_A and low total helium concentrations of 10–19 μmol mol⁻¹. The ³He/C ratio (where C represents the total carbon in the gas phase) of the samples measured including those from a recent study of on-shore Taranaki natural gases are generally high at locations where the surface heat flow is high. The ³He/CO₂ ratio of the Maui gases of 5 to 18×10⁻⁹ is higher than the MORB value of 0.2 to 0.5×10⁻⁹, a feature found in other continental basins such as the Pannonian and Vienna basins and in many high helium wells in the USA. Extrapolation to zero CO₂/³He and CO₂/C indicates δ¹³C(CO₂) values between −7 and −5‰ close to that of MORB CO₂. The remaining CO₂ would appear to be mostly organically-influenced with δ¹³C(CO₂) c.−15‰. There is some evidence of marine carbonate CO₂ in the gases from the New Plymouth field. The radiogenic ⁴He content (He_rad) varies across the Taranaki Basin with the highest He_rad/C ratios occurring in the Maui field. δ¹³C(CH₄) becomes more enriched in ¹³C with increasing He_rad and hydrocarbon maturity. Because ³He/⁴He is related to the ratio of mantle to radiogenic crustal helium and ³He/C is virtually constant in the Maui field, there is a correlation between R_C/R_A (where R_C=air-corrected ³He/⁴He) and δ¹³C(CH₄) in the Maui and New Plymouth fields, with the more negative δ¹³C(CH₄) values corresponding to high ³He/⁴He ratios. A correlation between ³He/⁴He and δ¹³C(CO₂) was also observed in the Maui field. In the fields adjacent to Mt Taranaki (2518 m andesitic volcano), correlations of some parameters, particularly CO₂/CH₄, C₂H₆/CH₄ and δ¹³C(CH₄), are present with increasing depth of the gas reservoir and with distance from the volcanic cone.     

Dynamic changes in hydrogeochemical conditions caused by tunnel excavation at the Aspo Hard Rock Laboratory (HRL), Sweden

Hydraulic changes caused by tunneling at the Aspo Hard Rock Laboratory (HRL) in Sweden have been investigated over a period of 2a using different hydrochemical approaches, i.e. noble gas content, isotopic measurements and major ion concentrations. The dissolved noble gases (⁴He and Ne contents, and the ratio of ³He/⁴He, ⁴⁰Ar/³⁶Ar), stable isotopes, chemical concentrations of major ions, and ³⁶Cl/Cl ratios, were determined in groundwater samples collected in the tunnel from borehole sections isolated by inflated packers. Groundwater was categorized into 3 groups based on ⁴He and Cl⁻ contents: undisturbed groundwater (i.e. prior to tunnel construction) with high ⁴He and Cl⁻ contents, groundwater that has been gradually changed by mixing with Baltic seawater and whose ⁴He and Cl⁻ contents have gradually increased with increasing depth, and groundwater that has been totally changed due to a rapid mixing of Baltic seawater and/or shallow groundwater and whose ⁴He and Cl⁻ contents are extremely low compared with other samples collected at the same surrounding depth. The oldest groundwater with a high salinity of more than 14,000 mg l⁻¹ of Cl⁻ is estimated to be more than 1.8 Ma old. The groundwater residence time ranges from 0.9 to 900 Ka in the mixing-zone. Groundwater in the disturbed zone where rapid mixing has occurred is hard to date reliably and its primary hydrochemical character has already been lost.