Goldschmidt 2004

SATELLITE SYMPOSIA held on the occasion of the XXXX International XX Conference will be announced in the xxxxxx Preliminary Programme, on http://www.xxx2003.org and by means of an ad hoc specific programme available upon registration at xxx 2003.

Satellite Symposia will be hosted before and after the dates of the Congress and also during the Congress, outside of scheduled meeting hours.

For further information on hosting or attending Satellite Symposia, please contact:

Theme 1 - The Dynamic Solid

1.1 Hydrogen and its influence on mineral structure, properties and behaviour

Jannick Ingrin (ingrin@cict.fr), Joseph Smyth (joseph.smyth@colorado.edu) and Henrik Skogby (henrik.skogby@nrm.se)

Most minerals and oxides contain hydrogen, usually in the form of hydroxide. Hydrogen content in minerals varies widely, from a few wt-ppm H2O to several percent. The presence of a small concentration of hydrogen may profoundly affect material properties such as elasticity, plastic properties, electrical conductivity, as well as the favourability of processes such as phase transitions, metamorphic reactions and melt generation. The aim of the symposia is to provide and opportunity for scientists from a number of disciplines to discuss and compare their approaches. We particularly encourage papers on topics such as: Crystal chemistry, hydrogen defects and diffusion properties of minerals; isotope geochemistry of hydrogen; solubility of hydrogen in minerals and the synthesis of hydrogen rich phases; partition coefficients of hydrogen between minerals and minerals/melt; impact of hydrogen on mineral properties; development of analytical methods: FTIR, NMR, ion probe, nuclear reaction analyses, etc.; water percolation in mantle rocks. Results from experiment, observations from natural samples and numerical modelling by geoscientists as well as material scientist are welcome.

1.2 Light elements in igneous and metamorphic processes

John M. Eiler (eiler@gps.caltech.edu) and Colin G. Macpherson (colin.macpherson@durham.ac.uk)

Light elements (H, Li, B, C, N, O, the halogens, and perhaps also including the geochemically similar S, despite its higher mass) have behaviour that is diverse and generally different from the more common lithophile and siderophile elements. Most of the light elements also have two or more stable isotopes that are strongly fractionated during geological processes. Finally, some of these elements exert disproportionate control on the rheology, melting properties and/or oxidation states of rocks. Therefore, they provide unusual constraints on the origin and evolution of the Earth’s interior. This session focuses on: The current state and evolution of light-element abundances and isotopic composition in the mantle, including sources of oceanic basalts; the origins, scale and information content of light-element distributions and isotopic variations in igneous rocks; uses of light element abundance and isotope distribution for geothermometry and measurements of vapor partial pressures; uses of light elements to trace mass transfer in subduction zones; more generally, we encourage submissions relating the geochemistry of light elements to that of more well-understood lithophile elements in igneous and metamorphic systems.

1.3 In-situ investigation of properties and processes

Tod Waight (tew@dlc.ku.dk) and Richard Harrison (rjh40@esc.cam.ac.uk)
Invited Speakers: Paul Raterron, Simon Redfern, Adam Kent

This session will focus on in-situ studies of properties and processes in Earth materials and their application to important geochemical and geological problems. "In-situ" refers to both the study of properties and behaviour of rocks and minerals under realistic Earth conditions (e.g. at high temperatures and pressures) and the use of in situ techniques to examine chemical and isotopic variations in the recent and past geological, biogeochemical and cosmochemical record. Examples include in situ investigations of crystal structures, microstructures, and phase transforma-tions in minerals, in situ determinations of the dynamical/mechanical properties of rocks and minerals, and small-scale in situ studies of isotopic and chemical variations in mineral, biological and geological materials to investigate earth processes.

1.4 Solid solutions

Udo Becker (ubecker@umich.edu) and Manolo Prieto (mprieto@geol.uniovi.es)
Invited speakers: Tiziana B. Ballaran, Richard Harrison Charles Geiger, and Ivan L'Heureux

Solid solutions are at the core of geochemistry, mineralogy and petrology and underpin the economic basis of many mineral deposits. Solid solution formation on surfaces is also an important metal uptake mechanism in environmental systems. One of the main handicaps in effective predictive modelling of such systems, is the absence of data on thermodynamic, physical, and structural properties for solid solutions at a range of scales. The aim of the session is to present advances in this field, which include 1) new data on the nature of substitutions in specific solid solution systems, and 2) new methods to study or model solid solution properties. The goal is to relate microscopic details of atomic interaction to macroscopic properties that can be applied to geochemical systems. The topics include direct experimental measurements, thermodynamic modelling, computer simulation of solid solutions at the atomic level, characterization of micro-scopic properties (by for example spectroscopy, TEM, X-ray diffraction, etc.) and definition of the thermodynamic and kinetic factors controlling ion partitioning between solids and fluids, including phase-equilibrium determinations, kinetics and non-equilibrium partitioning, reaction paths and compositional zoning patterns in crystallizing solids, non-equilibrium and self-organization phenomena, etc.

1.5 Phase transitions in minerals

Simon Redfern (satr@cam.ac.uk) and Ulli Bismayer (ubis@mineralogie.uni-hamburg.de)
Invited Speaker: Richard Harrison

The detailed description of phase transitions in low temperature, aqueous environments as well as in higher temperature and pressure systems is fundamental to gaining insight into geological processes as well as to understanding the properties of minerals and materials. In this symposium we welcome contributions that treat local phenomena, such as the various types of atomic rearrangements, ordering effects, the formation of defects and the pattern of domain boundaries which in total leads to the definition of macroscopic properties and processes. Better understanding of the thermodynamic behaviour of minerals is now being achieved through the complementary approach of combining theoretical, experimental and computer modelling studies. Discussion between various groups of Earth scientists, theoretical and experimental physicists and chemists will result in a more complete picture of the complex behaviour of minerals. Contributions from all of these approaches are welcomed.

1.6 Nano-scale properties of materials

Carrick Eggleston (carrick@uwyo.edu), Georges Calas (calas@lmcp.jussieu.fr) and Robert Hough (robert.hough@csiro.au)
Invited Speakers: David Vaughan, Francois Guyot, and Peter Weidler

The recent upsurge in research in the general area of nanoscience is well reflected in the geosciences. Nano-minerals constitute a unique class of Earth materials and play an important role in important physical and chemical properties of natural systems. They form through a variety of processes and range from crystalline nuclei in volcanic glasses and low temperature nano-scale minerals to amorphous materials, colloids, and biomolecules which interact with minerals. The objective of this session is to discuss and present recent advances in understanding the unique properties of natural nano-materials: interactions between nano-scale materials, between them and larger particles, materials reactivity (including solubility, charging, charge transfer, solute transport and trapping of contaminants) magnetic and optical properties, quantum size effects and photo-chemical properties. We encourage contributions on the relationships between physical/chemical and structural properties, formation conditions and stability, novel crystal growth mechanisms or composition of nano-scale minerals. This session aims to bring together researchers in geochemistry and mineral physics, materials science and environmental science.

1.7 Glasses and amorphous solids

Ian Farnan (ifarnan@esc.cam.ac.uk) and

Characterisation, composition and behaviour of glasses of all sorts, natural and synthetic; old and new.

1.8 Minerals and glasses as wasteforms

Bernd Grambow (grambow@subatech.in2p3.fr), Fred P. Glasser (f.p.glasser@abdn.ac.uk) and Thomas Christensen (thc@er.dtu.dk)

Nature has been hiding trace components in minerals and glasses since solids first formed. What can we learn from natural materials? And what can we learn from synthetic minerals and glasses? This session collects contributions on all topics relating to the storage of waste in mineral and glass form.

1.0 Open session

Theme 2 - The Dynamic Interface

2.1 Mineral surface reactivity

Kevin Rosso (kevin.rosso@pnl.gov), Steven Higgins (steven.higgins@wright.edu) and Randall Cygan (rtcygan@sandia.gov)
Invited Speakers: Nora de Leeuw, Claudine Noguera, Wolfgang Schmickler and Kenneth B. Eisenthal

The reactivity of mineral surfaces, particularly that at mineral-fluid interfaces, has an enormous influence on geochemical systems. The focus of this session is on the elucidation of relationships between the structure at surfaces and interfaces of natural materials, including the atomic, electronic, and topological structure, with their reactivity and physical properties. Experimental and theoretical research, integrating any of the various theoretical concepts and microscopic or spectro-scopic tools of mineral surface science, physical chemistry of surfaces, solid state physics, electro-chemistry, or crystal chemistry, is particularly encouraged. Possibilities include but are not limited to studies based on scanning probe, X-ray, electron or optical microscopies and spectroscopies, and molecular or mesoscale modeling studies of various kinds. Scientific themes welcomed include thermo-dynamics and kinetics, electron transfer, mechanisms of dissolution and growth, nano-particle reactivity, transport phenomena, and sorption reactions of inorganic, organic, and microbial interfacial systems.

2.2 Growth and dissolution of minerals – linear and non-linear processes

Eric H. Oelkers (oelkers@lucid.ups-tlse.fr), Wayne Nesbitt (hwn@uwo.ca) and Paul Frogner (paul.frogner@geo.su.se)
Invited Speaker: Oleg Pokrovsky

This session addresses the full spectrum of rates, mechanisms, and consequences of mineral-fluid reactions, studied from field, laboratory, and computational approaches. Some areas include: 1) Mineral growth: Application of surface-sensitive techniques to determine growth mechanisms, such as e.g. spiral growth and surface nucleation; trace element control on growth rate; field characterisation of precipitation rates; and first principle computation. 2) Inorganic dissolution: Quantification of weathering rates and mechanisms from laboratory studies; surface area rate control; numerical modelling; and links between surface speciation and adsorption or exchange reactions and mechanism. 3) Biotic weathering and growth: Microbe and organic acid influence on dissolution, growth and isotopic fractionation under various conditions, e.g pH, T, or Eh. 4) Coupled growth and dissolution: links between dissolution, leached layers and growth; confined volumes and in porous media. 5) Isotopic evolution: Field, laboratory and theoretical studies on fractionation mechanisms; application of fractionation to quantify growth rates in natural systems.

2.3 In-situ investigation of interface processes

Liane Benning (l.g.benning@earth.leeds.ac.uk), Paul Bertsch (bertsch@srel.edu) and Willem H. van Riemsdijk (willem.vanriemsdijk@wur.nl)
Invited Speakers: Mike Machesky, Gordon Brown, John Bargar

Interfacial processes play an important role in regulating and facilitating geo- and biogeochemical reactions. Interfaces between gases, liquids, solids and microbes influence reactive transport and geochemical transformations over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. In recent years, significant insight has emerged on interface reactivity and many breakthroughs have been a direct result of advances in in-situ analytical, spectroscopic, and imaging methods. Such techniques allow detailed measurement while maintaining environmentally-relevant conditions, allowing elucidation of previously intractable interface-facilitated reaction mechanisms, such as sorption/desorption, mineral dissolution/transformation, oxidation/reduction, microbe/mineral interactions, etc. Such processes control biogeochemical reactivity and transport in multiphase systems and have been studied by coupling more conventional methods and novel reaction cell design with these advanced techniques. This symposium aims to bring together scientists who use in-situ analytical, spectroscopic, and imaging techniques to complement classical methods for investigating geo- and biogeochemically relevant interfacial processes over a variety of temporal and spatial scales.

2.4 Confined fluids

Dag K. Dysthe (d.k.dysthe@fys.uio.no) and Roy A. Wogelius (roy.wogelius@man.ac.uk)
Invited Speakers: Neal Skipper, Fernando Bresme, Chris Spiers

Confined fluids are a critical phase in a variety of geological systems. Transport and deformation-processes in most water-bearing or partially molten rocks are mediated through small fluid pores, films or channels that are confined by the surrounding mineral grains. Confinement changes the physico-chemical properties of pore-filling fluids, including: diffusivity, viscosity, effective dielectric constant, hydrolytic weakening effects and the melting/freezing point. Confinement may also have significant effects on the saturation state of the fluid with respect to the surrounding mineral phases. Thermodynamically, confined fluids can be considered as separate 'low-dimensional' phases with properties that are particular to confined fluids. This session will focus on the interactions between confined fluids and their confining solid phases and the implications for transport, deformation- and growth-dissolution processes.

2.5 Processes near geochemical fronts: making space and filling space

Bjørn Jamtveit (bjorn.jamtveit@geologi.uio.no)
Invited Speakers: Andrew Putnis and Anders Malthe Sørenssen

This session focuses on the coupling between transport, deformation and dissolution-precipitation reactions that generate geochemical fronts. We invite field-, modelling- and/or experimental studies of geochemical fronts on scales ranging from the micro-scale of individual mineral grains to the kilometer-scale fluid flow pathways near the Earth’s surface. Examples of pertinent topics could be: Mineral replacement processes, vein-formation, volatilization or devolatiliza-tion fronts in metamorphic rocks, mantle-metasomatism, fronts connected to ore-deposition, weathering fronts, redox fronts, migration of contaminant plumes at undersaturated or saturated conditions. Studies of geochemical fronts arising near the interface between the geo- and biosphere are welcome.

2.6 Biofilms on mineral surfaces: Formation, characterisation and impact on environmental processes.

David Vaughan (david.vaughan@man.ac.uk) and Terry Beveridge (tjb@uoguelph.ca)
Invited Speakers: Lesley Warren, Roy Wogelius, Geoff Gadd and Vern Phoenix

In natural environments, bacteria often grow as biofilms forming adhesive gelatinous interfaces whereby bacteria and their associated exopolymeric substances (EPS) are intermingled over inanimate surfaces, such as minerals. Depending on fluid flow, biofilms can form complex macrostructures, such as pillars and canals, which aid diffusion to the cells. As biofilms mature, they become stratified so that geochemical microenvironments of pH, redox, electro-lytes, etc are formed. Metal ions are sorbed to both cell surfaces and EPS and nano-scale mineral phases develop. Some bacteria, such as dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria, can even respire metal-ion couples (e.g., Fe(III)/Fe(II) and Mn(II)/Mn(I)), using them as terminal electron acceptors, thereby altering the geochemical conditions under which they grow. This interdisciplinary session will cover bacterial attachment, biofilm growth and characterization, transport/fate of metals, biomineralization, and biofilm influence on fluid flow and hydrodynamics.

2.7 Biomineralisation

Anne Cohen (acohen@whoi.edu), Brigitte Wopenka (bwopenka@levee.wustl.edu) and Nathan Yee (nyee@earth.leeds.ac.uk)
Invited Speakers: Patricia Dove, Steven Stanley and Denis Allemand

Biomineralization describes the variety of processes by which inorganic minerals are synthesized, assembled and organized into functional units within biological systems. Over 60 types of biominerals are found in nature. These include the aragonitic concretions of reef corals, bacteriogenic iron minerals, and minerals found in humans and other animals as parts of teeth, bone and various pathological calcifications. Together, they form an important link between life and the geosphere and play a fundamental role in the geochemical cycling of elements on the Earth’s surface. This session will highlight the diversity of biominerals and the environments in which they occur, focusing on the processes by which they are formed and maintained. The study of biomineralization is necessarily interdiscipli-nary and combines aspects of chemistry, biology and materials science with important spin-offs for paleoclimatology, paleontology, astrobiology, medicine and dentistry. Contributions to this session are expected to reflect this. Potential topics include: dynamic interface of biominerals and organic macromolecules; the size and structural dependent properties of biominerals; the chemistry and isotopic composition of biominerals; and the mechanisms by which organisms interact with mineral surfaces and aqueous metal complexes.

2.8 Clusters and Nanoparticles

David Rickard (rickard@cardiff.ac.uk), Gerhard Furrer (gerhard.furrer@env.ethz.ch) and Staffan Sjöberg (staffan.sjoberg@chem.umu.se)
Invited Speakers: Jill Banfield, George Luther III, Denis Rancourt

Study of these materials is new in geochemistry. They lie somewhere between dissolved species and macroscopic solids. but their properties and behaviour are sometimes unexpected. They play a role in mass transport in the environment, in the formation and dissolution of minerals and in geobiology, where they are fundamental to ecosystem function because of their intimate relationship with microorganisms and as moieties in key biochemical processes. We encourage submissions on: the nature of oxide, sulfide, silicate and carbonate clusters and nanoparticles; their structure, composition, and reactivity; the role of clusters in prebiotic synthesis of key biological molecules and in the formation and dissolution of minerals; the mechanisms of reactions between solution species and nanoparticles; the interaction of microbes with clusters and nanoparticles; surface properties of nanoparticles; theoretical considerations of their behaviour and properties; and their environmental significance.

2.0 Open session

Theme 3 - The Volatiles of the Earth

3.1 Petroleum geochemistry and migration

Andy Bishop (andrew.bishop@shell.com), Brian Horsfield (horsf@gfz-potsdam.de) and Malvin Bjorøy (malvin@geolabnor.no)

This session offers a unique forum for a multi-discipline discussion on geochemical processes associated with the generation, migration and alteration of oil and gas. Papers are invited which address any of the topics: 1) Interaction of Petroleum with the Subsurface and Subsea Biosphere: Deep biosphere electron donors and acceptors; Petroleum and biogeochemistry of subsea hydrocarbon vents; Formation of biogenic gas; Biodegradation. 2) Tracing Sources, Sinks and Fluxes of Petroleum and associated basin fluids: Biogeochemical and biodegradation markers; Novel isotopic applications (e.g. 2H, 14C); Identifying early gas formation; Compositional kinetics; Phase behaviour. 3) Water as a Reactant and Transport Medium: Role of water in petroleum generation; Effects of water interaction during migration; Biodegradation products in formation waters. 4) Geochemistry of Unconventional Gas Resources: Shale gas; Coal Bed Methane; Basin-Centred Gas. Interdisciplinary studies are highly encouraged.

3.2 Macromolecular organic matter: discerning biological and non-biological origins.

Roger Summons (rsummons@mit.edu), Sylvie Derenne (sylvie-derenne@enscp.jussieu.fr) and Bob Hazen (r.hazen@gl.ciw.edu)

Macromolecular organic matter (MOM) abounds on Earth and beyond. It is an important component of the modern ocean and sediments throughout geological time. In meteorites, and other extraterrestrial materials, it carries information about interstellar carbon chemistry. In Archean sedi-ments, it constitutes one of the potentially important pieces of evidence for the antiquity of life on Earth although much controversy surrounds efforts to demonstrate biogenicity. In the Phanero-zoic, it is the ultimate source of much of our energy needs and, through its presence in soils and its ability to take up and retain inorganic components, it indirectly supports agriculture. This session focuses on the innate qualities of macromolecular organic matter and techniques that are used to determine its struc-ture and origins. We are especially soliciting contributions on novel properties of MOM, characterization techniques and potential tools for identifying and distin-guishing MOM from biological, non-biological and extraterrestrial sources.

3.3 Fluids from sedimentary basins through the metamorphic cycle

Bruce Yardley (b.yardley@earth.leeds.ac.uk) and Kurt Bucher (kurt.bucher@minpet.uni-freiburg.de)

The purpose of this session is to bring together researchers studying the composi-tion, origins and behaviour of fluid in the Earth’s crust. We want to span the arbitrary divide between diagenesis and metamorphism, and to clarify the distinctive fluid processes involving devolatilisation and volatilisation. The emphasis is on fluids from environments where there is extensive equilibration between fluids and their host rocks, and where mass may be exchanged between mineral and fluid phases. Appropriate topics would include but is not limited to studies of the controls on fluid compositions in specific settings, the effects of mineral devolatilisation or of hydration/carbonation reactions on fluid composi-tion, metal loads in crustal fluids, tracking the passage of fluids through the crust or identifying the sources of crustal fluids.

3.4 Hydrothermal solutions and their input to the biosphere and hydrosphere

Stefán Arnórsson (stefanar@raunvis.hi.is) and Henrik Svensen (henrik.svensen@geologi.uio.no)

The interaction between the geosphere, hydrosphere and the biosphere has been the focus of intense research during the last few decades. This emerging branch of multi-disciplinary research provides important insight into the development of Earth systems. In particular, active hydrothermal systems provide settings where the linkage between these three spheres is the most striking and will undoubtedly provide us with new discoveries in the years to come. In this session, we encourage contributions on the physical and chemical aspects of hydrothermal solutions in all kinds of geological environments, including topics such as processes affecting their compositions, e.g. with respect to salinity, pH, Eh, gas content, formation of organic compounds, mineral-fluid reactions and the geochemical structure of active geothermal systems. Results of studies on fossil geothermal systems are also encouraged. Topics of particular interest include discharge of hydrothermal fluids into the hydrosphere and atmosphere and its effect on life and on water and air quality. Numerical modelling of fluid evolution through progressive water-rock interaction, giving insight into flow paths, fluxes and time scales, are highly relevant.

3.5 Volatile components in the deep Earth

Bjørn Mysen (b.mysen@gl.ciw.edu), Mike Carroll (michael.carroll@unicam.it) and David L. Kohlsted (dlkohl@umn.edu)
Invited Speakers: Shun-ichiro Karato, Craig Manning, Stefano Poli, Kenji Mibe, Max Schmidt

This session aims to trace the behaviour of volatiles as well as their influence on physical and chemical properties during their transfer from the surface to the deep Earth and back to the surface. The symposium will address PVT properties of volatiles in the C O H system as well as silicate solubility in C O H fluids at high pressure. It will also examine devolatilization equilibria in the pressure/tempera-ture regime of subduction and the fate of volatiles bound in dense hydrous magne-sium silicate minerals as well as nominally anhydrous minerals in the upper and lower mantle and the transition zone. The carbon cycle in the Earth’s interior will be explored via carbonate stability relations and the CO2 graphite diamond relations in the deep upper mantle and below. The rheological and transport properties of dry and wet mantle minerals at high pressures will be discussed. This session will also focus on transport of volatiles as a free phase (“wetting angle restrictions”) as a function of pressure, temperature, and silicate compositions, the fluxing effects of C O H volatiles on melting behaviour in the interior of the Earth, solubility and solubility mechanisms of C-O-H volatiles in silicate melts and minerals, relationships between volatile content of silicate melts and minerals and their physical and chemical properties in the Earth’s interior.

3.6 Solubility, transport and hydrothermal ore deposition

Christoph A. Heinrich (heinrich@erdw.ethz.ch), Nick Oliver (nick.oliver@jcu.edu.au) and Andri Stefánsson (as@hi.is)
Invited Speakers: Osvaldo Rabbia, Teresa Pi, Thomas Ulrich, and Alexander Zotov

This session will integrate recent contributions from experimental solubility and spectroscopic studies with ab-initio and molecular-dynamics simulations focussed on improving our fundamental understanding of aqueuous complex stability and surface kinetics in fluid-mineral systems at high pressure and temperature. The session should also attract contributions involving biotic and organic interactions at higher temperatures. We would like to link studies of fundamental material properties of the ore minerals with quantitative applications of such data to natural geologic systems. Of particular interest today are natural magmatic-hydrothermal and basin-hosted environments and their role in ore formation and oceanic hydro-thermal systems that support biocommunities at extreme conditions.

3.0 Open session

Theme 4 - The Earth's Surface

4.1 Ocean water and its interactions with sediments and atmosphere

John Morse (jmorse@ocean.tamu.edu), Frank Millero (fmillero@rsmas.miami.edu), Jack Middelburg (middelburg@cemo.nioo.knaw.nl) and Peter Liss(p.liss@uea.ac.uk)
Invited Speakers: Eric Achterberg, Wolfgang Bach, Antje Boetius, Nicki Gruber

This session welcomes contributions on the thermodynamics, kinetics, and biogeochemistry of marine systems and processes. Topics may include, but are not limited to: dissolution and precipitation of minerals, mineral-water interface processes, (organic) complexation of trace elements, (stable) isotope biogeoche-mistry, early diagenesis, biogeochemical cycling of carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, silica, iron, etc. This session welcomes contributions on the oceanic interior and internal cycling processes, as well as studies on fluxes across and processes within oceanic boundaries. The latter may include shelf and ocean margin systems, marine sediments and marine atmospheric boundary layer. Contributions reporting results from laboratory experimentation, field observations, field experimentation, as well as modelling approaches are encouraged. We invite in particular contribu-tions relevant to further understanding of marine carbon cycling.

4.2 Metals in the environment: Molecular processes and role in soil, sediment and water

Bernhard Wehrli (Bernhard.wehrli@eawag.ch), Jean-François Gaillard (jf-gaillard@nwu.edu) and Dieke Postma (djp@er.dtu.dk)
Invited Speakers: Franz Geiger, Andre Scheidegger and Mark Rehkamper

Direct observations at the molecular scale by spectroscopic, stable isotope or microscopic techniques allow the study of metal speciation - adsorption, (co)preci-pitation and redox transformations - in unprecedented detail. Microscale measure-ments are now also possible by techniques such as analytical electron microsopy, laser-ablation or micro-EXAFS. The challenge for future progress is the applica-tion of such detailed molecular information to interpretations of large-scale pheno-mena, such as plant-soil interactions, contaminant transport in groundwater, trace metal mobilization by acidification or sulfide oxidation and the development of paleo-redox indicators for sediments. This session brings together specialists from a number of fields to discuss current trends in trace-metal research that bridge between molecular level observations and the field scale.

4.3 Rates and mechanisms of biogeochemical processes

Karsten Pedersen (karsten.pedersen@gmm.gu.se) and Philippe van Cappellen (pvc@geo.uu.nl)
Invited Speakers: Jorge Molinero, Carl Steefel

Biological activity plays a major role in determining the chemical structure and evolution of the Earth's surface, including marine and coastal basins, lakes, estuaries, soils, sediments and aquifers. These environments are sites of extensive transformation and cycling of nutrients and metals. They also offer a variety of geochemical habitats in which organisms and abiotic reactions compete for available chemical substrates. Recent decades have witnessed rapid developments in understanding the complex reaction pathways in biogeochemical systems. The goal of this session is to highlight the emergence of novel approaches and theoreti-cal models, which allow researchers to measure, rationalise and predict in situ rates of biogeochemical transformation in natural and engineered systems. We invite field-oriented, laboratory-based and modelling contributions that offer quantitative insight into the dynamic functioning of biogeochemical systems. Particularly welcome are contributions that: 1) combine observations of reaction pathways and kinetics with reactive transport modelling in order to derive in situ rate distribu-tions of biologically-driven processes, and 2) integrate a characterization of the biogeochemical processes.

4.4 The deep biosphere

Bo Barker Jørgensen (bjoergen@mpi-bremen.de), Harald Furnes (harald.furnes@geol.uib.no) and Nils Holm (nils.holm@geo.su.se)
Invited Speakers: Karsten Pedersen, Ingunn H. Thorseth, Karlis Muehlenbachs, Hubert Staudigel

Prokaryotic organisms inhabiting the deep terrestrial subsurface (soil, rock, ground water) or marine subsurface (sediments, basalt, volcanic glass) comprise the vast majority of all bacteria and archaea on earth. In spite of the large cell numbers, carbon transformations and other biological processes in the subsurface proceed at extremely low rates compared to surface environments. Among the challenges in current deep biosphere research is the exploration of the functional diversity of the prokaryotic populations, their energy sources, their biogeochemical transforma-tions, as well as their adaptation to the subsurface environment and to a minimal energy supply. This requires integrated studies by, e.g. microbiologists, geoche-mists, and geophysicists as well as an open mind toward new and unexpected microbial environments, energy generating processes, or bacterial-mineral inter-actions. This session invites submissions on this broad spectrum of topics and aims at a truly interdisciplinary discussion.

4.5 Physical and chemical weathering at local and global scale.

Siggi Gislason (sigrg@raunvis.hi.is), Cornelis H. van der Weijden (chvdw@geo.uu.nl), Art White (afwhite@usgs.gov) and Mark Hodson (m.e.hodson@reading.ac.uk)
Invited Speakers: Susan Brantley, Jean Dominique Meunier, Kevin Burton, Christian France-Lanord

This symposium will focus on past and present physical, chemical and biological processes of weathering, from nano- to global scale. In particular we welcome field, experimental and modelling studies of weathering processes in soil, catch-ment areas and deltas and the coupling of climate, hydrology, vegetation, litho-logy, topography and weathering. New elemental and isotopic tracers of past and present weathering rates are especially welcome as well as studies of how chemi-cal fluxes have varied through time as a function of tectonics and climate.

4.6 Pollution, climate and anthropogenic effects
4.61 Aftermaths of catastrophic contaminant releases

Pradeep K. Aggarwal (p.aggarwal@iaea.org)

When catastrophic events occur, environmental conditions are dramatically altered, over a very short time. They can be natural events, such as the sudden flooding or draining of a basin, or the eruption of a volcano, or the release of toxic gases, or they can be man-induced, such as dramatic spills of contamination such as happened at Chernobyl, or in Romania or Spain a few years ago, or that which results from oil spills at sea. But what happens afterwards? How does nature adjust to the dramatic change? This session will gather people who have experience with the long term effects of catastrophic events, and will encourage discussion and hopefully set up a continuing dialogue between them, to find the differences and similarities, and to assemble information that might help mediate future disasters more effectively.

4.62 Contaminant transport and the water cycle

Mario Schirmer (schirmer@pro.ufz.de), Richelle Allen-King (richelle@geology.buffalo.edu), Greg Malina (g.malina@is.pcz.czest.pl) and Per Aagaard (per.aagaard@geologi.uio.no)
Invited Speakers: Peter Grathwohl, Jadwiga Szczepanska and Margot Isenbeck Schroeter

The availability of clean water plays a pivotal role in the protection of the ecosystem and the quality of human life. Tremendous efforts, mostly in developed countries, have been directed toward reducing toxic industrial effluent releases into lakes and rivers, optimising waste water treatment and producing safe drinking water. In spite of these efforts, pressure on water as an essential resource continues to rise. With growing population and accelerated urbanisation, water demand increases while good quality water at reasonable cost is limited in many parts of the world. This session will bring together fundamental and applied researchers who study the proces-ses controlling contaminant fate and transport in the water cycle. We seek papers that: 1) describe catchment and regional contaminant mass balance studies in a variety of hydrologic contexts, e.g. urban watersheds, arid and semi-arid areas; 2) define and model contaminant sources, migration path-ways and removal processes, including natural attenuation; 3) present analytical and toxicological methods for contaminant identification; 4) determine the behaviour of emerging pollutants; 5) show new approaches such as active and passive surface and groundwater sampling techniques.

4.63 Climate and global geochemical fluxes – now and in the past

Sigfus Johnsen (Sigfus@gfy.ku.dk), Miryam Bar-Matthews (matthews@mail.gsi.gov.il)
Invited Speakers: Miryam Bar-Matthews, Raimund Muscheler, Joellen Russell, Jørgen Peder Steffensen

Whether the causes are natural or anthropogenic, there is little doubt that climate is changing. What can we learn from the past and the present that can help us see into the future? This session will gather scientists from a wide range of disciplines, to discuss results from studies of the various media where information can be gained: ice, lake and sea sediment , soil, sea-water and the biominerals produced in it, etc.

4.64 Radionuclides in the environment

Jordi Bruno (jbruno@enviros.biz), Thomas Fanghänel (fanghaenel@ine.fzk.de) and Peter Hans Santschi (santschi@tamug.tamu.edu)
Invited Speakers: Peter Schlosser, Glen Snyder, Dirk Bosbach, and Petra Panack

The flux of anthropogenic radionuclides to the environment has increased exponentially since the Manhattan project, 60 years ago. Thus, there is a vital need to understand and predict the consequences of anthropogenic contamination, relative to natural sources. At the same time, the very nature of both anthropogenic and natural radionuclides to decay, provides a valuable tool for determining time and space scales for key geo- and bio-geochemical processes. This session focuses on the processes that control radionuclide cycling and their consequences in natural and anthropogenic systems including: 1) Radionuclide speciation in water and atmosphere, including particulates and colloids and the role of biological processes in determining radionuclide mobility, oxidation state and degree of organic complexation; 2) Sources and sinks of radionuclides in the geosphere, including dissolution and sorption or incorporation into secondary phases; 3) Use of radiotracers for investigation of space and time scales in geo-l and biogeochemical processes; 4) Geochemistry and geochronology of natural and anthropogenic archives; and 5) Geochemical controls on the dose to man and human health, relevant in population risk assessment and nuclear waste disposal safety.

4.65 Fate of arsenic, antimony and similar elements in the environment

Pat Brady (pvbrady@sandia.gov) and Laurent Charlet (laurent.charlet@obs.ujf-grenoble.fr)
Invited Speakers: Annette Johnson, Dirk Wallschlaeger, and Andreas Scheinost

Recent megascale contamination episodes such as the large-scale utilization of arsenic-contaminated water in Bangladesh, Vietnam and the United States have focused the attention of world leaders on the science of micro-pollutant fate and transport. Contamination of waters used for drinking and irrigation by As, antimony, and other trace micro-pollutants, is increasingly seen as a potential threat to human health and economic growth. The geo-chemical controls over micropollutant fate and transport are in many cases the critical determinant of water useability, suggesting that the international language of water utilization and health will increasingly rely on the language of geochemistry. This symposium seeks to emphasize the richness of that vocabulary by considering all aspects of fate and transport, inclu-ding field studies, new analytical techniques and experimental results, global cycling measurements and models, and geochemistry-based in situ and ex situ treatment technologies. We encourage the submission of presentations that address these areas but hope for presentations that extend the boundaries of the subject as well. For this reason, we also encourage the submission of presentations that anticipate “the next wave” pollutants – such as uranium, fluoride, and perchlorate.

4.66 Micropollutants and health

Eva Valsami-Jones (evj@nhm.ac.uk), Michalann Harthill (michalann_harthill@usgs.gov) and Steven Banwart (s.a.banwart@sheffield.ac.uk)

This session aims to examine the role of geochemistry on influencing mechanisms, pathways and bioavailability of a variety of substances: inorganic, organic, radioactive, and biological that are detriment to health (primarily human but also to animals, plants and microorganisms). A non-exhaustive list of subtopics includes: nanomineralogy of particulate pollutants, reactive transport processes for micropollutants, airborne particles and human health, fate and exposure of pharmaceuticals in geosphere, endocrine disruptors in natural waters, pathogen fate and transport, TSE risk, sub-surface disposal of animal tissue and waste, geosphere modelling for human health risk assessment. We particularly encourage papers with a multidisciplinary approach or on novel topics.

4.7 Geochemical maps (poster session)

Agnete Steenfelt (ast@geus.dk), Jane Plant (jane.plant@imperial.ac.uk) and Robert Garrett (garrett@gsc.NRCan.gc.ca)
Invited Speakers: get again!

This poster session presents geochemical maps and demonstrates their applications, for example, to portray results from environmental, land-use, resource development and fundamental scientific studies. Topics include studies to identify pollution problems, including eutrophication and urban geochemistry, use of geochemical mas to support environmental risk assessment, mineral exploration applications and land use planning, understanding the evolution of the Earth's crust, including metallogenesis and many more. Because geochemical maps are difficult to present in abstract form, in black and white, we encourage that, in addition to submitting the written abstract by the deadline January 26, you also submit your poster or key map(s) to Agnete Steenfelt before may 20. We intend to make a CD with all of the contributions available for the meeting. Please contact Agnete Steenfelt if you need more information.

4.0 Open session

Theme 5 - The Deeper Earth

5.1 Reconciling mantle geochemistry and geophysics: mantle reservoirs and other tales.

David Bercovici (david.bercovici@yale.edu) and Stein B. Jacobsen (jacobsen@neodymium.harvard.edu)

One of the long-standing paradoxes about the Earth's mantle is that isotopic evidence points to long-term separation of chemically distinct reservoirs while geophysical evidence suggests convection extending over its entire depth. Geochemical observations: isotopic variations of midocean ridge basalts and the continental crust, budgets and fluxes of noble gases, the Earth's heat production and flow, all suggest at least two large separate mantle reservoirs. One is depleted of incompatible elements (such as U and Th) compared to initial mantle composi-tion; the other is enriched in incompatible elements and possibly, part of primor-dial mantle composition. However, recent seismic tomography images suggest that subducting slabs descend across the entire mantle, thus destroying layering or reservoirs. So how are isotopically distinct reservoirs preserved over Earth history? Geodynamic models also suggest that layering would induce a plume-dominated form of convection at odds with inferred hotspot plume fluxes. This session will explore ways to reconcile the disparate observations by re-assessing the key observations by drawing on research across disciplinary boundaries.

5.2 Large igneous provinces

Lotte Melchior Larsen (lml@geus.dk), John Mahoney (jmahoney@soest.hawaii.edu) and David W. Peate (dwp@dlc.ku.dk)
Invited Speakers: Sarah Jane Barnes, Adam Kent, Greg Ravizza, and Andy Saunders

Large igneous provinces represent some of the volumetrically most significant magmatic episodes in Earth's history, and they have frequently been invoked as a cause of global climate change. We welcome contributions for this session that demonstrate how geochemistry can further our understanding of these magmatic events, in particular contributions that focus on the following aspects: (i) environ-mental effects - e.g. volatile emissions during eruption, chemical weathering and impact on ocean chemistry; (ii) geochronology - e.g. duration of magmatism, possible coincidence between large igneous provinces and stage boundaries; (iii) melt inclusions - e.g. pre-eruptive volatiles, tracers of melting, mixing, and crustal assimilation; (iv) mantle sources - e.g. compositional features and origin of mantle sources, novel methods and/or new evidence to assess contributions from the lithosphere; (v) ore-forming potential - e.g. PGE content, oxygen fugacity, and accumulation mechanisms for mineral deposits.

5.3 Subduction processes and the subcontinental lithosphere

James Connolly (connolly@erdw.ethz.ch) and Stefano Poli (stefano.poli@unimi.it)

At subduction zones, rocks get pushed, or maybe pulled, down into the Earth. Regardless of whether they are pushed or pulled, things happen to the rocks as they get deeper. This session invites papers that examine those things as well as what might happen in the surrounding rocks as a consequence. We look forward to lively discussions that shed more light on some of the most controversial issues in the field.

5.4 Processes in magma chambers

Marian Holness (marian@esc.cam.ac.uk), David Pyle (dmp11@esc.cam.ac.uk) and Olgeir Sigmarsson (o.sigmarsson@opgc.univ-bpclermont.fr)
Invited Speakers: Andy Woods, Ilya Bindeman

The purpose of this session is to bring together researchers working in any discipline on any aspect of processes occurring in magma chambers. Topics might include: dynamics of melt segregation and accumulation; the processes of separation of crystals and residual melt in the chamber; evolution of cumulates; magma fractionation and mixing; the dynamics of replenishment of open-system chambers and the relationship between recharge events and eruptions; passive and active degassing; the composition of evolving gaseous phases; rate and timescales of magmatic processes; and the links between observations and fluid dynamical models of magma chambers.

5.5 Granites and Crustal Anatexis

Tom Andersen (tom.andersen@geologi.uio.no), Lew Ashwal (ashwall@geosciences.wits.ac.za) and Tapani Rämö (tapani.ramo@helsinki.fi)
Invited Speakers: Bruce Chappell, Roberto Dall'Agnol, Chris Hawkesworth, and Robert Wiebe

The session focuses on the processes of melting, emplacement and crystallization of granitoid rocks, broadly defined. Contributions are invited on the mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, applied geochronology, structure, geophysics and tecto-nics of granitoid migmatites, plutons and batholiths. Outstanding questions of interest include the following: Can the classification of granitoids into A-, I-, S-type, etc. be justified, specifically with regard to tectonic setting and overall sources? What combination of techniques can most effectively be used to con-strain source types and heat budgets for granitoid magmatism? Have any new advances been made on the role of fluids, magma mixing & blending, assimilation & hybridization, and/or tectonic setting of granitoids and granitoid migmatites?

5.6 Dynamics of slow and ultra-slow spreading ridges

Peter B. Kelemen (peterk@whoi.edu) and Charles H. Langmuir (langmuir@eps.harvard.edu)
Invited Speakers: Peter Michael, Javier Escartin, Jay Miller and Jeff Standish

A ridge system involves physical and chemical processes that are inextricably linked. The slow end of the spreading rate spectrum (<4 cm per year full rate) provides unique constraints on mantle heterogeneity, melt production and transport, crustal accretion, and solid state deformation. This session invites both geochemical and geophysical approaches to these topics, with an emphasis on how each specialty casts light on the larger system. For example, we invite geochemists to frame their observations in terms of constraints on physical processes and geophysicists to consider how their studies might shed light on or predict chemical observations, rather than specialized reports on particular measurements or field areas. Major new investigations of slower spreading ridges (e.g. SWIR, Gakkel, ODP leg 209) will provide a springboard for discovery and discussion of larger scale questions.

5.7 Intraplate magmatism and lithosphere

Else-Ragnhild Neumann (e.r.neumann@geo.uio.no) and Graham Pearson (d.g.pearson@durham.ac.uk)

5.0 Open session

Theme 6 - The Early Earth and the Planets

6.1 From accretion to core formation

Bernard J. Wood (b.j.wood@bristol.ac.uk) and Sara Russell(sara.russell@nhm.ac.uk)

The session will cover the early history of the solar system. Topics of interest include the nature of the primordial solar system material; the chronology of the early solar system, from grain growth to planetary differentiation; the origin and distribution of short-lived isotopes; the physical and chemical conditions in the accretion disk, chondrules, opaques and matrix material in primitive chondrites; asteroidal metamorphism and metasomatism; asteroidal and planetary core formation and the earliest planetary crusts.

6.2 Composition and evolution of the early Earth

Martin Whitehouse (martin.whitehouse@nrm.se), Yuri Amelin (yamelin@nrcan.gc.ca) and Minik Rosing (minik@savik.geomus.ku.dk)
Invited Speakers: Wouter Bleeker, Balz Kamber, Jan Kramers and Robert Pidgeon

What do we really know about the composition and evolution of the early Earth? Participants in this session are invited to critically examine the known material record of early terrestrial processes, and to explore the possibilities of extending and improving this record. Topics to be discussed include but are not limited to: factors that controlled growth and survival of early terrestrial crust; possible ways of finding new, more extensive and less disturbed early Archean rocks and Hadean minerals; geological and geochemical diversity of early terrestrial and planetary crusts; preservation of chemical and structural information in Hadean minerals, and recovery of this information; analytical, methodological and conceptual advances necessary for progress of early Earth research.

6.3 From dust to planets

Herbert Palme (palme@min.uni-koeln.de), Morten Bo Madsen (mbmadsen@fys.ku.dk), Mini Wadhwa (wadhwa@fieldmuseum.org) and Alex Halliday (halliday@erdw.ethz.ch)

This session will collect submissions on the topic of extraterrestrial materials and will focus on determining the processes that occurred in the early the solar system, such as the collapse of molecular clouds to proto-planetary disks, the formation of primitive meteorites and their components, and the accretion and differentiation of planetary bodies.

6.4 Early giant ore bodies

Peter Appel (pa@geus.dk) and Andy Barnicoat (andrew.barnicoat@ga.gov.au)
Invited Speakers: Joaquin Ruiz, Bruce Hobbs

Many of the world’s largest and most profitable orebodies formed early in the Earth’s history. Investigation of these orebodies yields critical information about physical and chemical conditions of the early Earth as well as key data on ore-forming processes. Furthermore, different types of giant deposits formed at different times in the Earth's history. Why? How important were changes in the hydrosphere and atmosphere? What role did changes in lithosphere thickness play? We invite contributions on giant Archaean and Proterozoic ore bodies, in particular those focussing on comparisons of mineralising systems and what they reveal about changes in conditions and processes throughout the Precambrian. Contribu-tions addressing thermal and chemical (e.g. pH, redox) conditions and their implications for Earth evolution will also be welcomed.

6.5 Early atmosphere

Bruce Runnegar (bruce.runnegar@nasa.gov), Juha Karhu (jkarhu@mappi.helsinki.fi) and Alex Pavlov (pavlov@lasp.colorado.edu)
Invited Speakers: Steven Mojzsis, Andrey Bekker, Don Lowe

This session solicits papers that present new experimental data, modeling results and observational constraints on the Hadean, Archean and Proterozoic atmosphere. The composition and climate of the early terrestrial atmosphere are important parameters that affect theories for the emergence and early evolution of life. Emphasis will be placed on theoretical and observational studies that provide constraints on greenhouse gas (e.g. CO2, CH4, SO2, H2O) concentrations and the changing redox state of Precambrian atmospheres with time. Fundamental problems to be discussed include: Noble gases in the context of the origin of the Earth’s atmosphere (timing, loss and change), mass independent isotope fractionations (O, S) observed in the geochemical record, Paleoproterozoic carbon isotope excursions and their application to tracing changes in the geochemical carbon cycle, composition of volcanic emissions in Archean and Proterozoic, hydrogen escape, geological constraints on paleo-temperature, the history of atmospheric oxygenation and the appearance of an atmospheric UV-shield.

6.6 Early environments on Earth and their role in the evolution of life

Jeffrey L. Bada (jbada@ucsd.edu) and Donald E. Canfield (dec@biology.sdu.dk)
Invited Speakers: Jochen Brocks, Minik Rosing, Mark van Zullen, and Christopher House

Two fundamental requirements for origin of life as we know it are: liquid water and organic polymers, such as nucleic acids and proteins. Water provides the medium for chemical reaction and polymers carry out the central biological functions of replication and catalysis. The harsh conditions and high temperatures during the final phase of Earth’s accretion would have made liquid water and an extensive surface organic carbon reservoir unlikely. As the Earth surface cooled, water and organic compounds from a variety of sources would have accumulated. This set the stage for the synthesis of biologically important polymers, some of which acquired a variety of simple catalytic functions. Increasingly complex macromolecules were produced and eventually molecules with the ability to catalyze their own replication appeared. Thus began the processes of multiplica-tion, heredity and variation, and the origin of both life and evolution. This session will focus on theoretical considerations and direct observation of the types of environments likely present on the early Earth. We will consider how these early environments may have fostered both abiotic organic chemistry and the transition from abiotic reaction to autonomous self-replicating molecules capable of evolving by natural selection. We will also consider the metabolic nature of the Earth’s earliest living entities and the likely structure of the earliest-Earth microbial eco-systems.

6.7 Astrobiology: The detection of life in the Solar System

Andrew Steele (a.steele@gl.ciw.edu) and Jan Toporski (j.toporski@gl.ciw.edu)
Invited Speakers: Pamela Conrad, John Baross, Giovanni Picardi, and Hans E.F. Amundsen

This session will cover one specific aspect of Astrobiology research, namely research and development dedicated to the detection of life in the solar system. We invite papers dedicated to detecting life in Earth environments as well as in the Solar System, especially on Mars and Europa. This is of particular interest considering that both ESA's Beagle II and NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers 1 and 2 are scheduled to land on the surface of Mars in January and have some initial analyses completed. Contributions to this session should cover aspects concerning the chemistry, geochemistry and organic geochemistry of life detection, demonstrated on examples from Earth's fossil record, on extraterrestrial materials or in life detection simulations, as well as technological or mission programmatic concepts for solar system exploration. We seek to gather contributions to present the community with the most up-to-date knowledge and information, and to foster exchange and discussion in this exciting field.

6.0 Open session

The open sessions in each of the themes provide an opportunity for submission of abstracts that do not appear to fit elsewhere. Depending on the topics of the contributions, the organisers may generate additional symposia or merge some of those listed, where the program would benefit. Likewise, to optimise topic groupings, the organisers may transfer some contributions from one session to another.

No sessions are planned exclusively on modelling- or analytical techniques. Abstracts on techniques should be submitted to the session where they best can be applied. If a group of participants wishes to organise a workshop on a particular technique before or after the conference, arrangements can be made. Contact goldschmidt@geol.ku.dk to include it in the program and bh@vanhauen.dk to arrange practical details.