CASE Tool
CASE is an acronym for Chemically Altered Soil Environment. I developed
this test over the past few years to complement the iodine analysis that I have
been using for almost 25 years. Over the years I have developed a number of
additional tools concentrating on simplicity and repeatability.
this test over the past few years to complement the iodine analysis that I have
been using for almost 25 years. Over the years I have developed a number of
additional tools concentrating on simplicity and repeatability.
The CASE Tool is by far the most promising new soil tool that I have
developed. The magnitude of the soil modifications produced by seeping
hydrocarbons is almost unbelievable. Often the anomalies are 10 times
background values. The CASE anomaly is a bulk soil property effecting the
soil in profound ways.
developed. The magnitude of the soil modifications produced by seeping
hydrocarbons is almost unbelievable. Often the anomalies are 10 times
background values. The CASE anomaly is a bulk soil property effecting the
soil in profound ways.
Chemistry
Hydrocarbons in the soil, fuel a multitude of reactions. These reactions are
both organic (microbes) and inorganic (oxidation). Most of us, in the
geochemical exploration community, have assumed that the ultimate end
product of these reactions would be primarily simple alkali carbonates. This is
but one of a number of important soil changes that can be detected in areas of
hydrocarbon flux and these changes can be tracked using the CASE tool.
both organic (microbes) and inorganic (oxidation). Most of us, in the
geochemical exploration community, have assumed that the ultimate end
product of these reactions would be primarily simple alkali carbonates. This is
but one of a number of important soil changes that can be detected in areas of
hydrocarbon flux and these changes can be tracked using the CASE tool.
Sodium and potassium carbonates are extremely soluble and can not be
retained in the surface soils. Although calcium carbonate is only slightly
soluble it is soluble enough to be depleted from the surface by multiple
washes. Only in extremely dry conditions could carbonates be maintained at
the surface without constant replenishment.
retained in the surface soils. Although calcium carbonate is only slightly
soluble it is soluble enough to be depleted from the surface by multiple
washes. Only in extremely dry conditions could carbonates be maintained at
the surface without constant replenishment.
Areas of seepage have been associated with soil mineral decomposition. The
chemistry behind this has not been demonstrated but it is likely the negatively
charged ions generated from the electron bearing hydrocarbons "seek" the
cations held between the mineral layers. Like water freezing in a crack the
ions move between the layers and pry them apart. Mineral decomposition
associated with seepage has been demonstrated and gamma lows in areas of
seepage also supports this process. The only way to deplete the potassium and
produce gamma lows, in areas of seepage, is to free it from the mineral
structure. The freed potassium is washed from the soil most likely as the very
soluble potassium carbonate.
chemistry behind this has not been demonstrated but it is likely the negatively
charged ions generated from the electron bearing hydrocarbons "seek" the
cations held between the mineral layers. Like water freezing in a crack the
ions move between the layers and pry them apart. Mineral decomposition
associated with seepage has been demonstrated and gamma lows in areas of
seepage also supports this process. The only way to deplete the potassium and
produce gamma lows, in areas of seepage, is to free it from the mineral
structure. The freed potassium is washed from the soil most likely as the very
soluble potassium carbonate.
Excess electrons provided by the hydrocarbons not only effect the minerals
but also the soil organic matter. The organic matter in most soils is relatively
depleted in electrons with few bonds that are not fully oxidized. Hydrocarbons
carrying up to eight available electrons per carbon atom reload the humic
fraction with electrons. These three processes all contribute to the CASE
measurement. CASE numbers are reported as centimoles/kg of dried soil.
but also the soil organic matter. The organic matter in most soils is relatively
depleted in electrons with few bonds that are not fully oxidized. Hydrocarbons
carrying up to eight available electrons per carbon atom reload the humic
fraction with electrons. These three processes all contribute to the CASE
measurement. CASE numbers are reported as centimoles/kg of dried soil.
GrayStone Exploration Labs, Inc.
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