Dissolved helium in groundwater: A possible method for uranium and thorium prospecting

Abstract

Measurement of dissolved helium in groundwater should indicate the presence of uranium (or thorium) mineralization. Such measurements have been made near two known deposits, near Elliot Lake, Ontario, and near Inda Lake, Labrador. Helium contents of up to 600 times normal solubility were found, while neon contents were all within 20 percent of solubility equilibrium with the atmosphere. The ratio 4He/3He is correlated with 4He content for the samples, although 3He is enriched above solubility (up to a factor of 6) in some cases. Tritium contents were measured for the Labrador samples and indicate that the water residence time is less than 20 years. This rules out the possibility that the high helium values are due to rocks of "normal" uranium and thorium content. © 1973 Society of Economic Geologists, Inc.