Sustainable forms of energies play a vital role in the effort of decarbonizing our societies and ensure that energy consumption will not compromise the needs of future generations. A decarbonized world relies on the efficient consumption of renewable energy, included the geothermal one. Geothermal energy exploits a wide range of heat sources, with low-enthalpy fluids typically used for heating/cooling buildings and greenhouses, and high-enthalpy fluids exploited for electricity production. Current frontiers of geothermal energy research and development include the feasibility assessment of hot dry rock systems (HDR) or supercritical enhanced geothermal systems (EGS), under temperature conditions (400˚C or higher) beyond the limits of present-day drilling and exploitation engineering, but also the utilization of geopressured geological formations or the repurposing of depleted oil and gas reservoirs at moderate temperature (generally below 150°C). Furthermore, the optimization of the resources already under exploitation calls for a deeper understanding of the coupled chemical and physical processes that control fluid transport, phase segregation, fluid-mineral reactivity and permeability/porosity variations under reservoir conditions, to improve reinjection strategies to prolongate the lifetime of the exploited resource. This session will address all aspects of geochemistry and geophysics methodologies used for improving our understanding of gas-water-rock interactions in geothermal science, covering (but not limited to) topics like: geochemical/reactive transport models and laboratory experiments on water-rock interactions; operation of geothermal reservoirs with CO2 as working fluid; physical chemistry of superhot/supercritical systems; use of isotopic tracers in the prospection/management of geothermal systems; chemical stimulation of geothermal reservoirs. Contributions that use an interdisciplinary approach to advance the understanding of these topics are welcome. Chairs: Fabrizio Gherardi (CNR-IGG, Pisa, Italy) and Daniele Pinti (Université du Québec, Montréal, Canada) Keynote speaker: Tianfu Xu (Jilin University, Changchun, China)
To tackle the climate emergency, keep global warming below 1.5°C and achieve climate neutrality by 2050, Europe needs all major decarbonisation options available, including Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCS and CCUS) and hydrogen production, storage, and use. This session aims to discuss all current research related to the new development of hydrogen and CO2 related technologies and the associated value chain. We invite contributions from all aspects of CCS and CCUS research, including assessment of storage potential and reservoir permeability, fluid-rock interaction studies and mineral CCS, geological, geochemical and numerical modelling and laboratory and field experiments, biogeochemical approaches, carbonation of various wastes and utilisation of carbonated products. We also invite research exploring CCS coupled with blue hydrogen production as well as the hydrogen storage in geological formation, and the new frontiers in the exploration of natural geological hydrogen. Chairs: Yousif Kharaka (USGS – USA); Chiara Boschi (IGG-CNR Italy)
Compound-Specific Isotope Analysis (CSIA) has emerged as a pivotal technique in environmental science, offering profound insights into the complexities of biogeochemical processes, tracing contaminant sources, and understanding ecological dynamics. This analytical method focuses on the isotopic composition of individual compounds, allowing researchers to dissect intricate environmental and forensic phenomena with unprecedented precision. This scientific session is designed to bring together experts and practitioners in the field of CSIA to share their latest research findings, address ongoing challenges, and chart future research directions. By fostering a collaborative environment, the session aims to advance the collective understanding of CSIA and its applications across various domains. Key topics to be covered include the foundational principles of CSIA, which underpin its effectiveness in tracing chemical processes and environmental changes. Advances in instrumentation and methodologies will be a central theme, as technological improvements continue to enhance the sensitivity, accuracy, and range of CSIA. Presentations will explore the latest developments in analytical techniques, which enable more detailed and reliable isotope measurements. The session will also delve into laboratory and microcosm experiments, where controlled conditions allow for the examination of isotope behavior and transformation in isolated environments. These experiments provide crucial data for interpreting complex environmental interactions and assessing the impact of contaminants. Field site applications of CSIA will be another significant focus. By applying this technique in real-world settings, researchers can trace pollution sources, understand natural processes, and evaluate the effectiveness of remediation strategies. Case studies and fieldwork results will illustrate the practical applications and benefits of CSIA in environmental monitoring and management. Finally, the session will address future directions and emerging trends in CSIA research. As the field evolves, new challenges and opportunities arise, including the integration of CSIA with other analytical methods and the development of novel applications. Both oral and poster presentations will be featured, providing a comprehensive overview of current advancements and encouraging interactive discussions among attendees. Overall, this session aims to highlight the transformative potential of CSIA in advancing environmental and forensic science, driving innovation, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. Chairs Daniel Hunkeler (University of Neuchâtel) – Martin Elsner (Technical University of Munich) – Jordi Palau Capdevila (University of Barcelona)
The transition to a low carbon society will necessarily pass through a sharp increase in the global demand for minerals, metals and new forms of “clean energies”. Metals critical to the energy transition (e.g., Ni, Mn, Co, Li, Cu, Ag, Al, Pt, Rare Earth Elements…) are increasingly requested for electricity generation from solar, eolian, and hydro power, and for production of batteries for electric vehicles and energy storage. Recent developments in research and instrumental methodology have resulted in an unprecedented emphasis on critical minerals and innovative techniques for discovering new unconventional resources and preserving known ones. The aim of this session is to showcase and integrate complementary state-of-the art approaches to geochemical exploration and environmental monitoring to provide new insights into exploration for critical minerals and to identify present and future challenges. The session will invite contributions showing how geochemical and isotopic tools can be helpful in the isotopic application in determining the sustainability of groundwater resources, understanding of magmatic and crustal processes leading to the formation of ore deposits of critical metals (Li, Co, Cu, Sr, trace elements) and natural resources (hydrogen, helium). Chairs Gordon Williams (Duke University – USA), Tiziano Boschetti (University of Parma -Italy)
This session represents a cutting-edge exploration into the latest advancements in isotope geochemistry, with a focus on the most recent developments in mass spectrometry. As technology continues to progress, mass spectrometry has expanded the range of isotopes available for study in Earth sciences, enabling more precise and detailed analyses of geological and environmental samples. This session aims to highlight these advancements and their implications for the field. A significant aspect of the session will be the discussion of challenges associated with developing new international certification standards for isotopic analysis. Whether dealing with classical stable isotope applications or more specialized CSIA standards, researchers face the ongoing difficulty of ensuring the elemental and isotopic homogeneity and stability. The session will address how these challenges are being met through the development of more accurate and reliable standards, which are crucial for maintaining consistency and accuracy in isotopic measurements. In addition, the session will showcase newly developed isotopic methodologies and their practical applications in Earth sciences and biogeochemistry. These innovative methods are transforming how researchers approach the study of isotopic compositions, offering enhanced sensitivity and resolution. Presentations will cover a range of topics, including new techniques for isotopic fractionation, improvements in analytical precision, and novel applications of isotopic data in understanding geological processes and biogeochemical cycles. Overall, this session will provide a comprehensive overview of the state-of-the-art techniques and standards in isotope geochemistry, reflecting the dynamic nature of the field and its continuous evolution. By bringing together experts and showcasing the latest developments, the session aims to advance knowledge, address key challenges, and explore future directions in isotope geochemistry research. Chairs Orfan Shouakar-Stash (Isotope Tracer Technologies Inc.) – Martin Elsner (Technical University of Munich) – Jodie Miller (IAEA)
Our society’s transition to green energy, such as hydrogen and geothermal energy, as well as the need for removing carbon dioxide (CDR) through geochemical processes like enhanced rock weathering (ERW) and storing CO₂ in basalts and sandstone aquifers, has renewed our interest in the thermodynamics and kinetics of geochemical reactions. For the example of critical minerals, understanding the fundamental geochemical processes involved in the transport, distribution, formation, extraction, chemical processing, and recycling of critical minerals is essential. This knowledge is crucial for discovering new resources and developing environmentally friendly extraction technologies. This session invites submissions that cover experimental, theoretical, and molecular-level research on geochemical thermodynamics and kinetics. We also welcome presentations that identify knowledge gaps, build bridges between basic research and industrial applications, develop educational curricula, and promote data sharing following the FAIR guidelines. Chairs Chen Zhu (Indiana University -USA); Donato Belmonte, (University of Genoa – Italy)
Water-rock interactions are critical in ore-forming processes involving numerous classes of mineral deposits. In endogenic environments, ore mineral concentration may be an effect of physicochemical evolution of hydrothermal fluids of various nature migrating in different ways into the crust. This involves multiple interactions with the rocks traversed, which may act as sources and chemical and physical traps for metals. Moreover, water-rock interactions lead the development of the alteration patterns around the mineral deposits, providing fundamental guides for mineral exploration. In exogenic environments, water-rock interactions may also have a critical role, e.g., driving the formation of supergene deposits from primary ones. This session solicits contributions on the various topics related to water rock interactions involved in mineral systems and in the formation and supergene evolution of ore deposits. Chairs: Andrea Dini (IGG – CNR – Italy); Stefano Naitza (University of Cagliari – Italy), Yuan Mei (CSIRO Australia)
Industrial minerals are essential sources of raw materials in many fields of modern industry and are of considerable strategic importance for national economies. They originate from processes operating on the Earth’s surface and subsurface that involve various degree of reaction of water with rocks and minerals. These water-rock interactions play a crucial role not only in the formation of minerals but also in their application across different industrial sectors. This session will focus on the innovative use of industrial minerals in water treatment, including mining water, industrial wastewater, and groundwater. The session welcomes contributions that explore the formation processes of the most common industrial minerals, such as bentonites, zeolites, perlites, and others, and on the discovery of some characteristics of a mineral, previously unknown, which would open the way to new applications, perhaps covered in the past by other minerals with not always optimal results. Emphasis will be placed on the technological advancements in chemical and physical treatments of water related to industrial minerals. Topics of interest include, among the others, flocculation, filtration, and adsorption techniques, which leverage the unique properties of industrial minerals to enhance sustainability and environmental remediation efforts. Participants will discuss how these minerals, derived from raw material extraction, can be utilized to address critical challenges in water treatment. Case studies demonstrating the effectiveness of industrial minerals in removing contaminants, improving water quality, and contributing to sustainable practices will be welcome. The session aims to foster an interdisciplinary dialogue on the potential of industrial minerals to provide eco-friendly solutions in water management. By examining the intersection of mineral deposits and technological applications, attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how water-rock interactions can be harnessed to promote sustainability in industrial processes. The goal is to advance knowledge and inspire innovative approaches to using industrial minerals in addressing the global challenges of water treatment and environmental protection. Chairs: Stefano Milia (IGAG -CNR, – Italy); Fabio Granitzio (Sarda Bentoniti – Italy)
Critical Zone science has fostered a worldwide network of researchers and observatories promoting an integrated and multidisciplinary approach to studying Earth’s thin surface veneer. This session invites submissions that encompass experimental, observational, and modeling studies related to the critical zone. Additionally, we encourage reviews and synthesis reflecting on the past 25 years of critical zone research as well as proposed energy transition and climate change mitigation actions such as the exploration and mining of critical minerals and Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW), which, if implemented on a global scale, could substantially alter the critical zone. Chairs: Sophie Opfergelt (Université catholique de Louvain, Belgium); Franziska Stamm (Graz University of Technology, Austria); Joel Brugger (Monash University, Australia); Alan Fryar (Univ of Kentucky, United States); Chen Zhu (Indiana University, USA); Keynote speakers Sue Brantley, Pennsylvania State University, USA. W Berry Lyons, Ohio State University, USA. Suzanne Anderson, University of Colorado, USA Geochemistry of Earth’s Surface Working Group Session
Hydrothermal and geothermal systems in active volcanic areas are rarely in steady state. Significant short-wavelength changes typically occur at short (days to months) timescales overprinting long-term (years) system evolution across the entire plumbing system of the volcanic setting. Such changes are often triggered by tectonic stress variations and can herald volcano unrest, changing the thermodynamic state of the system, affecting composition of fluids, rock permeability and fracture network, and ultimately cause volcanic hazard. In parallel, climate change imposes an energetic transition causing hydrothermal and geothermal systems to be investigated for the extraction of geothermal energy. Surface manifestations allow direct monitoring of geochemical and temperature parameters which are key data to assess magmatic vs. phreatic sources and the thermodynamic state of the system. Geophysical studies instead, provide a picture of the current state of the hydraulic system and are a useful tool to forecast its temporal evolution. A full geological characterization of hydrothermal systems allows gathering information on fluid flow, permeability distribution in fractured domains and the caprocks, and the stress system. Numerical simulations help in understanding and characterizing rock-fluid interaction processes and the geophysical observations associated with them. This session promotes discussions on the state of the art and recent advances on the knowledge and strategy to characterize hydrothermal systems at active volcanoes, and their potential use. We welcome studies aimed at characterizing and understanding the dynamics and peculiarity of these systems and their evolution through time. New approaches for the comprehensive interpretation of 4D multidisciplinary datasets are a key asset to promote future exploration, monitor hydrothermal fluids and hazard assessments associated with phreatic explosions, gas emission and volcano reactivation. Chairs: Matteo Lupi (Universitè de Gèneve – Swisse) Adriano Mazzini (University of Oslo -Norway) Laura Pioli (Università di Cagliari)
Considerable efforts have been invested in the last thirty years to determine the elementary mechanisms and rates of mineral dissolution-precipitation reactions and to generate rate equations that could be used to model chemical weathering and several related geochemical processes. Yet, existing kinetic data and current reactive transport models often fail to capture the complexity of water-rock interaction processes at different length scales, providing only approximate descriptions of the investigated phenomena. Recent progresses in modelling approaches and access to more advanced experimental and analytical tools able to provide more detailed and real-time data have spurred new interest into the study of various coupled processes occurring at the interface between fluids, rocks and living organisms. The study of the complex interplay among different physio-chemical variables is expected to provide improved kinetic parametrizations for fundamental processes such as: nucleation and growth of mineral phases; development of surface coatings and associated change of underlying mineral dissolution rates; time-dependent evolution of mineral surface reactivity; ion exchange and sorption reactions. Advances in the quantitative description of many of these environmentally relevant processes and better defined effects of flow regimes on reaction kinetics are key to improve the long-term predictions of geochemical models, and to help finding appropriate solutions to the pressing problems our society is facing in view of climate changes and the need of alternative energy resources and their sustainable development. We welcome contributions from experimental, computational, or field studies that address various kinetic aspects relevant to water-rock interactions with applications in, but not limited to, enhanced weathering, CO2 sequestration, hydrogen storage, biological weathering, biogeochemical cycling, enhanced geothermal systems, contaminant remediation, waste disposal and reactive transport modelling development. Chairs: Jordi Cama (IDAEA-CSIC – Spain); Giordano Montegrossi (CNR-IGG – Italy); Giuseppe Saldi (University of Perugia -Italy)
Knowing the crystal/solution interfaces is fundamental to gain more insights into kinetic processes occurring both in Nature and Laboratory during growth and dissolution phenomena. Nowadays, direct observations through advanced analytical instruments (i.e., confocal microscopy, glazing angle XRD, STEM-HRTEM, micro-Raman) and simulations by means of powerful computational tools (i.e., static ab initio calculations, empirical and quantum mechanical molecular dynamics) allow acquiring deeper knowledge about: the surface structure of minerals, their surface ad-absorption, and the complex epitaxy processes occurring on them. This section is open to experimental and computational/theoretical contributions devoted to the study of the mineral/solution interfaces. In particular, the session will be focused on: (i) structure of the mineral surfaces, (ii) ad-absorption of inorganic/organic impurities on crystal surfaces, along with their habit modifications and polymorphic transitions, (iii) growth/dissolution processes, (iv) epitaxial phenomena, (v) ordering/disordering of solvent molecules at the crystal/solution interface. Chairs M. Bruno (University of Turin – Italy); G. Valdrè (University of Bologna – Italy); A. Putnis (Curtin University – Australia)