Tectonic implications of radiogenic noble gases in planetary atmospheres

An account is given of the ways in which the He-4 and Ar-40 radiogenic isotopes furnish important constraints on planetary interior tectonics. In the case of the earth, where there are such independent constraints on radiogenic isotope concentrations as observed surface heat flow, the specification of radiogenic isotope concentration allows the interpretation of data on the Ar-40 atmospheric mass and mantle He-4 in terms of models for the entire mantle and of layered mantle convection. He loss rate estimates through the Venus atmosphere indicate a flux that is nearly equal to that through the earth atmosphere.