The 3He/4He Halo of the Kazbek Volcanic Center, Northern Caucasus

Abstract

Manifestations of recent volcanism in the Greater Caucasus are grouped in the El’brus and Kazbek volcanic areas [1]. The last episodes of activity in the majority of their eruptive centers date back to the Late Holocene or even first centuries of the recent era (El’brus Volcano) [2]. This implies potential volcanic hazards in the Greater Caucasus. Therefore, it is important to outline contours of this potentially hazardous region with the maximal possible accuracy. The region is characterized by indications of geodynamic stress, such as recent eruptions, crustal deformations, seismic activity, geothermal anomalies, and others. The3He/4He value in natural gases can serve as one of such indications.