GEOC Call for Abstracts: ACS Fall 2023 Meeting
Harnessing the Power of Data
The Fall 2023 ACS National Meeting will be held from August 13-17, 2023 in San Francisco, CA.
Abstract Deadline: Tuesday, April 4, 2023
The Fall 2023 ACS National Meeting will be held August 13 – 17, 2023 in San Francisco, CA. The meeting theme is “Harnessing the Power of Data”. Abstracts can be submitted to one of the following symposia:
Reactivity at the Mineral-Water Interface: Validation through Modeling and Experiments at the Pore Scale
Recent developments in experimental and modeling techniques have had a huge impact on geoscience research. High flux neutron and X-ray sources enable in situ observations of nonequilibrium processes such as phase transformations on flat surfaces and in complex porous matrices. Large scale molecular simulations and highly resolved pore scale simulations give us an unprecedented ability to quantitatively test hypotheses regarding processes at the mineral-water interface. However, the connection between experiments and simulations remains an important challenge for geoscientists. In part, this is due to the large range of scales associated with these processes and the heterogeneity of geomaterials. This session focuses on how the data from experimental and modeling studies can be successfully utilized for testing hypotheses and validating theories. In particular, we seek to explain how experimental observations can validate modeling techniques, identify previously unconsidered phenomena, and help researchers understand complex chemical mechanisms occurring on mineral surfaces. We are specifically interested in contributions that incorporate modeling or experiments at the pore scale. Studies that use molecular-scale-derived understanding of mineral and liquid solution properties to fill the knowledge gaps in pore-scale studies are also encouraged. We welcome submissions that combine characterization, experimental, data processing, and modeling methods to explain mineral reactivity in CO2 capture and transformation, contaminant remediation, and other subsurface geochemical applications.
Si Chen, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Email: chens1@ornl.gov
Sergi Molins, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Email: smolins@lbl.gov
Vitalii Starchenko, Oak Ridge National Laboratory
Email: Starchenko@ornl.gov
Advancements in the Characterization and Modeling of Interfacial Phenomena Driving Environmental Processes
Environmental processes occur in complex sample matrices across a wide range of time and length scales; characterization and modeling of the fundamental phenomena controlling such processes brings challenges. Ongoing advancements in experimental and computational abilities are transforming our ability to discover and understand these phenomena. This symposium will showcase ongoing developments in experimental techniques (e.g., vibrational spectroscopy, x-ray/neutron scattering) and modeling efforts (ranging from molecular dynamics simulations to macro-scale predictions) that are being used to answer important scientific questions related to mineral nucleation/growth, interfacial chemistry and reactivity, and nanostructure/confinement, among other topics.
Matthew Landsman, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Email: mrlandsman@lbl.gov
Gregory Su, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Email: gsu@lbl.gov
Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data in Geochemistry: The use of Big Data and Machine Learning approaches for molecular level geochemistry
Understanding geochemical processes at the molecular level is challenging due to increasing time scales and mixture complexity. Molecular modeling approaches including density functional theory and molecular dynamics are currently being utilized to understand some of these processes including adsorption, reaction kinetics, nanoconfinement effect, and others. Large datasets are often generated and developing patterns within that data is an on-going challenge. This symposium will highlight the current uses of machine learning applied to big data sets to help better understand geochemical processes at the molecular level.
Jacob Harvey, Sandia National Laboratory
Email: jharve@sandia.gov
Promoting Diversity in Geochemistry: Bridging People and Science to Communities
Geochemistry applies chemistry in an attempt to explain diverse natural systems that are comprised of various elemental isotopes and compounds. These complex systems require a diverse community of scientists and researchers for the field to reach its full potential. This session is dedicated to diversity across the field of geochemistry with focus on bridging people and science to communities. The first part of this session will honor researchers and scientists from diverse backgrounds or those who have been champions for diversity in the field by reducing and eliminating bias and discrimination. Invited speakers will share experiences and challenges from their careers along with their vision for cultivating diversity, inclusion, and equity. The second part of this session will showcase research on geochemistry in historically marginalized communities. Of particular interest are studies focused on how geochemical phenomena and anthropogenic contamination have impacted humans or the environment.
Stetson Rowles, Georgia Southern University
Email: lrowles@georgiasouthern.edu
PFAS on Surfaces: Adsorption and Reactivity
Understanding the fate and transport of fluorinated compounds in the environment is of critical importance as these compounds have been detected in soils, groundwater, surface water and seawater. We are inviting papers examining the fate and transport of PFAS and other fluorinated compounds in the environment with an emphasis on adsorption processes to soils, clays and clay minerals. Papers addressing both the thermodynamics or kinetics of adsorption are of interest, and adsorption to novel materials are also of interest as these help to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of adsorption in ideal and complex environments.
Marina Tsianou, University of Buffalo
Email: mtsianou@buffalo.edu
Permafrost Geochemistry
The Arctic is warming four times faster than the rest of the planet, increasing the vulnerability of permafrost soils to thaw. An improved understanding of the geochemical composition of permafrost is needed to predict how a warming climate will impact local Arctic ecosystems and global biogeochemical cycles. Permafrost thaw may mobilize organic carbon that is easily decomposed to greenhouse gases, nutrients that fuel primary and secondary production, as well as mercury and other contaminants that impact food webs. We seek abstract topics including, but not limited to: characterization of permafrost organic matter and/or organo-mineral interactions, impacts of permafrost thaw on greenhouse gas production, redox and/or trace metal biogeochemistry in permafrost-affected environments, and the lateral transport of geochemical constituents from permafrost soils to watersheds.
Emily Bristol, The University of Texas
Email: bristol@utexas.edu
General Geochemistry
This session is open to any papers related to the broad field of geochemistry. We are especially looking for presentations in areas that broaden our division both in terms of the composition and diversity of the membership as well as the breadth of topics explored. In addition, we are seeking presentations that address teaching pedagogy and novel approaches to engaging students at all levels.
Lynn Katz, The University of Texas
Email: lynnkatz@mail.utexas.edu