Conducting Soil Gas Surveys of New Zealand Geothermal Areas with a Portable Mass Spectrometer

Abstract

An investigationinto the feasibility of conducting soil gas surveyswith a portable quadrapole mass spectrometer connected directly to the sample hole. The study site in the Tauhara Geothermal Field hot and cold ground along a 120m line. The results are presented in a semi-quantitative format as bar graphs for He and plus two unusual gases for geothermal areas, COS and The suitabiltiy of the analyser for this type of field work are discussedalong with its wide dynamicrange and multi-gasdetection capability. Also discussed how the method can illustrate the between conductivelyand convectively heated ground. A suggestedfutureapplication, searching for buried faults in geothermal areas, is discussed briefly.