Soil-gas Radon Emanation in Active Hydrothermal Areas at Lassen Volcanic Center, Northern California

Located along the Southern Cascade Range in Northern California, the Lassen Volcanic Center is one of the youngest major Cascade volcanoes. Aside from Mount Saint Helens, Lassen is the only Cascade volcano to erupt in the 20th century. In an effort to assess outgassing in and around Lassen, and to provide information that will contribute to a better understanding of its hydrothermal system, we have conducted detailed soil-gas radon emanation surveys in several active hydrothermal areas, which possess bubbling mud pots, steaming fumaroles, and boiling hot springs. Dozens of measurements have been made in each of these areas, which are then used to create maps that indicate areas of high outgassing. These maps are then employed to assess the degree to which volcanic and other gases are currently being emitted at Lassen, as well as to investigate patterns associated with these emissions. The mean of measurements made in a specific survey area is considered to represent the average radon flux in that area. Individual values exceeding the mean plus one standard deviation are considered to represent anomalously high emanation, while values less than the mean minus one standard deviation represent anomalously low emanation. Based on preliminary analysis of data collected so far, significant outgassing occurs along well-defined, northwest-southeast trending elongate zones in several areas. Values obtained in these zones are as much as three times background radon flux. These zones are believed to contain fractures that act as pathways for migrating gases. The results of studies conducted thus far indicate that further emanation surveys will generate very useful information.