Helium, neon, argon, krypton and xenon in gas emanations from Yellowstone and Lassen volcanic National Parks

Abstract

The abundance of helium, neon, argon, krypton and xenon were measured in gas emanations from thermal springs in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming and Lassen National Park, California. The determinations were made using an isotope dilution procedure. The isotopic composition of argon and the relative abundances of argon, neon, krypton and xenon indicate that these gases originated from the atmosphere through dissolution in ground water. Helium was found to be in marked excess, which is attributed to the contribution of juvenile helium from radioactive decay.

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