Thermal energy and diffuse 4He and 3He degassing released in volcanic-geothermal systems

Active/recent volcanism indicates the presence of high-enthalpy resources at depth, but sometimes there is not any evidence of endogenous fluids manifestations at surface, that confirms the presence of an active geothermal system. In this study we present an extensive study of published and new diffuse He-4 and He-3 emission and thermal energy released data from fifteen volcanic systems, confirming a direct relationship between diffuse helium emissions and thermal energy released associated with the rise of mantle fluids. The results are useful to infer the existence of deep and/or hidden geothermal resources and to estimate roughly its potential at those areas without obvious geothermal manifestations at the surface, but with measureable anomalous emissions of He-4 and He-3. Tracing diffuse He emission anomalies at the surface environment of volcanic systems provides very important information for the exploration and discovery of geothermal resources at those areas where the resources are either hidden or lie at great depth. (C) 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

This study presents an extensive analysis of helium emissions and thermal energy released from volcanic systems, revealing a direct relationship between diffuse helium emissions and the rise of mantle fluids. These findings are important for inferring the existence of deep and hidden geothermal resources, especially in areas without obvious geothermal manifestations.