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

Chunhui Cao (), Liwu Li, Zhongping Li and Huanhuan Zhao
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Chunhui Cao: Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
Liwu Li: Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
Zhongping Li: Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China
Huanhuan Zhao: Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Lanzhou 730000, China

Energies, 2025, vol. 18, issue 16, 1-15

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.

Keywords: noble gas isotope; analytical technology; isotope tracer; geochemical tracers; migration and accumulation; helium resources (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: Q Q0 Q4 Q40 Q41 Q42 Q43 Q47 Q48 Q49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
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