Helium: The Disappearing Element (SpringerBriefs in Earth Sciences)

It's an inert gas, for crying out loud! But I was intrigued by the title of this book, so I thoughtI would give it a read.It turns out that Mr. Sears tells a very interesting story, going far beyond toy balloons andblimps. In fact, one of the best things about this book is how he starts at "first principles"to tell his story.Who knew that helium was discovered on the sun before it was discovered here on earth?The tale of its discovery is a great scientific detective story.Who knew that our helium, the second most abundant element in the universe, comes notfrom the atmosphere, where one might think, but from the decay of some of the universe'sscarcest elements, in the earth's crust?Who knew that since helium is so light, once it enters the atmosphere, it escapes earth'sgravity--it disappears--in a couple of years?Mr. Sears covers the story of Helium, the Disappearing Element, from literally the birth ofthe universe to the present-day helium industry.This is an excellent book. Much of what he relates will surprise you as it did me.My one quibble is that Springer chose to price it so high. It is unfortunate that this maylimit the audience of this entertaining and informative book.

Opened my views as to what is happening to our dwindling supply

Great read. Very informative.