Spatial variations of radon and helium concentrations in soil-gas across the Shan-Chiao fault, Northern Taiwan

Spatial variability of gases like radon and helium in soil-gas can be used for seismic surveillance and for finding fault system. The present study is aimed at determining a possible connection between eventual radon/helium anomalies and active fault. Radon and helium concentrations in subsurface soil-gas have been monitored along the Shan-Chiao fault, Northern Taiwan. Twenty transverse profile surveys have been conducted across the fault, where 235 and 125 samples were collected for helium and radon analyses, respectively. The data analysis clearly reveals anomalous values of both radon and helium along the fault. To find the fault system, where the migration of gases is governed by advection, it is essential to identify the anomalies in both radon and helium together. The consistency of this pattern confirms that radon and helium together can act as a powerful tool for the detection and mapping of active fault zones.