Abstract
The subsoil radon gas anomaly in and around the anticlinal structure of the Geleki oilfield, Assam Shelf was studied using LR-115 (II) nuclear track detectors following a grid-sampling pattern. The present study was undertaken to understand the variability of the soil-gas radon concentrations with reference to the oil-wells, drilling activities and local geology. From the alpha-tracks formed on the detectors, the soil-gas radon concentrations were determined using a Spark Counter. The results showed that the natural background soil-gas radon radiation levels in the Geleki oilfield ranged from 1 to 5 kBq/m3 over the subsurface reservoir with anomaly of enhanced values of 12–13 kBq/m3 around the periphery of the oilfield. It has been concluded from the observed soil-gas radon distribution patterns that drilling beyond the extent of the northwestern and eastern corners of the oilfield may yield potential subsurface oil accumulations.
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Acknowledgments
We are thankful to the ONGCL, Geleki and local inhabitants for providing cooperation during the field work.
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Barooah, D., Phukan, S. Study of subsoil radon anomaly using LR-115 (II) nuclear track detectors in and around the Geleki oilfield, Assam Shelf. Indian J Phys 86, 801–805 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12648-012-0136-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12648-012-0136-9