Temperature and pH Dependence of Mineral Water Reaction Rates

The principal objective of this research project is to conduct laboratory experiments that will provide the foundation for quantitative prediction of mineral-water reactions. This research will ultimately find application in studies of groundwater aquifers and of fluid-mediated processes both at the Earth's surface and at depth. The proposed experiments involve measurement of dissolution rates, leaching, and hydrogen penetration for plagioclase, olivine and pyroxene. Leaching experiments will be conducted up to 800oC and over a pH range of 1 to 7. Techniques used to measure surface hydrogen and metal cation inventories include SIMS, RNRA, XPS, and Auger electron spectroscopy.