It has been more than a decade since scientists discovered that Yellowstone holds huge amounts of helium gas, but questions remain over whether this helium could ever be extracted to address critical shortages. Now, a new study of ancient rocks beneath Yellowstone National Park and two other regions inches closer to providing answers.
The research, published April 5 in the journal International Geology Review, focused on regions that are known to waft relatively concentrated helium gas without associated emissions of methane, which is a potent greenhouse gas. Helium is produced almost exclusively as a byproduct of natural gas (methane), because natural gas deposits trap helium — but scientists are searching for greener sources to limit global warming.
