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Optimizing Helium Exploration: Noble Gas Isotopes as Probes for Migration–Enrichment Processes

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  • Chunhui Cao

    (Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
    Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China)

  • Liwu Li

    (Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
    Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China)

  • Zhongping Li

    (Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
    Key Laboratory of Petroleum Resources, Gansu Province, Lanzhou 730000, China)

  • Huanhuan Zhao

    (Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
    University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China)

Abstract

Helium, as a strategic resource with broad applications in industry and science, has drawn increasing global attention due to its scarcity and non-renewable nature. Noble gas isotopes, especially those of helium, neon, and argon, provide unique geochemical tracers for understanding helium genesis, migration, and accumulation. This short review summarizes recent advances in the application of noble gas isotope techniques to helium resource research. It covers (1) the fundamental isotope systematics and transport mechanisms, (2) key analytical methods for gas extraction and measurement, and (3) typical case studies illustrating helium source identification and reservoir evaluation. In particular, we highlight three emerging trends: (i) field-adaptable analytical protocols for diverse geological samples, (ii) diffusion models incorporating nanoscale confinement effects, and (iii) isotopic ratio-based frameworks for guiding helium exploration strategies. These integrative approaches offer new insights into the “carrier–pathway–trap” paradigm in helium migration systems and support more effective helium resource assessment.

Suggested Citation

  • Chunhui Cao & Liwu Li & Zhongping Li & Huanhuan Zhao, 2025. "Optimizing Helium Exploration: Noble Gas Isotopes as Probes for Migration–Enrichment Processes," Energies, MDPI, vol. 18(16), pages 1-15, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jeners:v:18:y:2025:i:16:p:4218-:d:1720362
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    1. Maoliang Zhang & Zhengfu Guo & Sheng Xu & Peter H. Barry & Yuji Sano & Lihong Zhang & Sæmundur A. Halldórsson & Ai-Ti Chen & Zhihui Cheng & Cong-Qiang Liu & Si-Liang Li & Yun-Chao Lang & Guodong Zheng, 2021. "Linking deeply-sourced volatile emissions to plateau growth dynamics in southeastern Tibetan Plateau," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 12(1), pages 1-10, December.
    2. Yang, Xue & Chen, Zeqin & Liu, Xiaoqiang & Xue, Zhiyu & Yue, Fen & Wen, Junjie & Li, Meijun & Xue, Ying, 2022. "Correction of gas adsorption capacity in quartz nanoslit and its application in recovering shale gas resources by CO2 injection: A molecular simulation," Energy, Elsevier, vol. 240(C).
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