Formation of Abnormal Gas-Geochemical Fields of Methane, Helium, and Hydrogen in Northern Vietnam, Its Coastal and Adjacent Water Areas

Abstract

Gas-geochemical studies of the methane, helium, and hydrogen concentrations in the water of thermal and mineral springs, as well as the subsurface atmosphere, of northern Vietnam showed that the region is in the hypabyssal degassing zone of hydrogen and helium flowing to the surface through a fault system in the Earth’s crust. A joint transit of these gases through the fault structures was established. Distribution pattern of hydrogen and helium concentrations in the Red River Rift area (northern Vietnam) was obtained from the extensive gas and water sample data. Intense linear anomalies are associated with the Red River Rift and the Dien Bien regional rift. Seismic events are associated with the fault, and earthquake epicenters are located in the Dien Bien Province.