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Gas Chemistry and Isotope Data for Volcano Monitoring at the Lassen Volcanic Center, Lassen Volcanic National Park

Open-File Report 2025-1056
Volcano Science Center
By: , , , and 
https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251056

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Abstract

This report presents chemical and isotopic compositions of volcanic gases collected from thermal areas within Lassen Volcanic National Park in northern California from 1974 through 2019. As the southernmost volcano in the Cascade Range and designated a very-high-threat volcano by the U.S. Geological Survey, the Lassen Volcanic Center (LVC) requires consistent monitoring to assess potential volcanic hazards. In 2014, the California Volcano Observatory established a gas geochemical monitoring program at LVC to provide baseline data to evaluate future changes. Results demonstrate consistent spatial patterns in bulk gas chemistry that support a two-circulation-cell hydrothermal model previously established for LVC. Gas samples from circulation cell 1 thermal areas have higher helium isotope ratios (6.59–7.50 times the air value) than those from circulation cell 2 (5.86–6.52 times the air value), indicating a stronger magmatic signature. The Sulphur Works and Pilot Pinnacle thermal areas within circulation cell 1 consistently emit gases with the highest magmatic helium contents, suggesting gas at these areas best represents conditions in the underlying volcanic system. A slight decrease in helium isotope values since 1974 may indicate progressive dilution of magmatic helium-3 (3He) by radiogenic helium-4 (4He) in the absence of recent magma intrusion. Carbon isotope compositions of carbon dioxide across all thermal areas are relatively uniform (−9.7–−7.3 per mil), falling within the range observed at other Cascade Range volcanoes. Based on gas geochemical characteristics and site accessibility, the Sulphur Works and Pilot Pinnacle thermal areas represent optimal targets for continued monitoring of the LVC magmatic-hydrothermal system. This study includes the most comprehensive helium isotope dataset collected at LVC currently available and establishes critical baseline data for future volcanic monitoring efforts.

Suggested Citation

Bergfeld, D., Lewicki, J.L., Peek, S.E., and Hunt, A.G., 2025, Gas chemistry and isotope data for volcano monitoring at the Lassen Volcanic Center, Lassen Volcanic National Park: U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report 2025–1056, 23 p., https://doi.org/10.3133/ofr20251056.

ISSN: 2331-1258 (online)

Table of Contents

  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Background
  • Field and Laboratory Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • Summary
  • References Cited
Publication type Report
Publication Subtype USGS Numbered Series
Title Gas chemistry and isotope data for volcano monitoring at the Lassen Volcanic Center, Lassen Volcanic National Park
Series title Open-File Report
Series number 2025-1056
DOI 10.3133/ofr20251056
Publication Date December 10, 2025
Year Published 2025
Language English
Publisher U.S. Geological Survey
Publisher location Reston, VA
Contributing office(s) Volcano Science Center
Description Report: ix, 23 p.
Online Only (Y/N) Y
Additional publication details