Helium and mercury in the central Seward Peninsula

• Main Authors: Wescott, E., Ruscetta, C.A., Foley, D.
• Language: unknown
• Published: 2006
• Subjects: 15 GEOTHERMAL ENERGY; ALASKA; GEOCHEMICAL SURVEYS; HELIUM; ABUNDANCE; MERCURY; SOILS; CHEMICAL COMPOSITION; GEOTHERMAL EXPLORATION; RIFT ZONES; SITE SELECTION; ELEMENTS; EXPLORATION; FLUIDS; GASES; GEOLOGIC STRUCTURES; METALS; NONMETALS; NORTH AMERICA; PACIFIC NORTHWEST REGION; RARE GASES; SURVEYS; USA; Pacific; permafrost; Seward Peninsula; Alaska
• Online Access: http://www.osti.gov/servlets/purl/7369425; https://www.osti.gov/biblio/7369425

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.