Extended Learning Session: Noble Gases: A New Tool for Tracking the Source and Migration of Hydrocarbons in Groundwater

Presented on Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Despite the fact that noble gas geochemistry has been be a valuable research tool in the geological and hydrological sciences for decades, it is not applied in practical applications as often as some other geochemical parameters (stable isotopes). Recent research applications demonstrate that noble gases have great potential for delineating the source and mechanism of natural gas transport in groundwater. Specifically, recent work by the instructor demonstrates how noble gases can be used as a forensic technique to determine if methane in shallow aquifers is related to natural migration or poor gas well integrity, and where applicable determine the ultimate source of leaky wells. In the extended learning session, we will discuss the basics of noble gas geochemistry in groundwater, the fundamentals of groundwater dating techniques using noble gases, and explain noble gases can track the source and migration pathways that lead to gas contamination.

MP3 Presentation Slides
Presenter:
Thomas Darrah
School of Earth Sciences, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
Tom Darrah is an Assistant Professor of Geochemistry in the School of Earth Sciences at OSU, the director of Ohio State University's Rare Gas and CLIA-certified WHEEL (Water, Health, Energy, and the Environment Laboratory) laboratories. Tom received his B.S. in the Geological Sciences and Ph.D. in Geochemistry from the University of Rochester. His research expertise includes noble gas geochemistry, gas-phase fluid migration, groundwater dating techniques, and other aspects of environmental chemistry.

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