Helium isotopes in gases of Mineral Waters in the western Caucasus

Research on helium isotopes in the Western Caucasus reveals significant variations in mantle-derived components, with ³He/⁴He ratios ranging from (46–114) × 10⁻⁸ to (70–134) × 10⁻⁸, indicating a notable presence of mantle helium. These values are substantially higher than those in mud volcanoes on the Taman Peninsula and suggest regional differences in magmatic activity along the orogen strike. The study analyzed gases from mineral springs, stratal waters, and mud volcanoes, providing insights into the distribution of mantle derivatives and the age of intrusive magmatic activity in this region.

Polyak, B. G., Lavrushin, B. Yu., Inguaggiato, S., & Kikvadze, O. E. (2011). Helium isotopes in gases of Mineral Waters in the western Caucasus. Lithology and Mineral Resources, 46(6), 495–506. https://doi.org/10.1134/s0024490211060113