Organic Acids in Geological Processes

In May of 1991, Victor Van Buren, who was then with Springer Verlag in New York City, asked us for timely topics in the earth sciences that would be appropriate for publication as a book. We all quickly agreed that recent interest and research activity on the role of organic acids in geological processes would make a timely book on this diverse and controversial topic. As coeditors, we outlined chapter topics for such a book that maintained a good balance between geological and geochemical interests. Specific authors were then sought for each of the chapter topics. We had exceptional success in getting leading researchers as authors, and their response was universally enthusiastic. This approach has been most gratifying in that it provides a cohesion and conciseness that is not always present in books representing compilations of papers from symposia. This book does not resolve the controver sies that exist regarding the significance of organic acids in geolog ical processes. However, it does present both sides of the controver sies in terms of available data and current interpretations. Readers may judge for themselves and envisage research necessary to resolve these controversies in the future. We thank the authors of this book for their participation, dedication, and cooperation. We are also grateful for support from Dr. Wolfgang Engel and his staff at Springer-Verlag (Heidelberg) in expediting the editing and publication of this book in a timely manner.

This book provides an overview of an extremely active field of research. From the weathering of surface outcrops to the development of secondary porosity in sedimentary rocks, organic acids have a profound effect on geologic processes. The contributing authors provide both a historical perspective for this important research topic, and discuss in detail the specific role that organic acids play in a variety of geologic environments.

1 Introduction to the Role of Organic Acids in Geological Processes.- 2 Techniques and Problems in Sampling and Analyzing Formation Waters for Carboxylic Acids and Anions.- 3 Distribution and Occurrence of Organic Acids in Subsurface Waters.- 4 Organic Acids from Petroleum Source Rocks.- 5 Material Balance Considerations for the Generation of Secondary Porosity by Organic Acids and Carbonic Acid Derived from Kerogen, Denver Basin, Colorado, USA.- 6 Role of Soil Organic Acids in Mineral Weathering Processes.- 7 Chemistry and Mechanisms of Low-Temperature Dissolution of Silicates by Organic Acids.- 8 Comparison and Evaluation of Experimental Studies on Dissolution of Minerals by Organic Acids.- 9 Experimental Studies of Organic Acid Decomposition.- 10 Application of Thermodynamic Calculations to Geochemical Processes Involving Organic Acids.- 11 Metal Transport in Ore Fluids by Organic Ligand Complexation.- 12 Geochemical Models of Rock-Water Interactions in the Presence of Organic Acids.- 13 Organic Acids and Carbonate Stability, the Key to Predicting Positive Porosity Anomalies.- 14 How Important are Organic Acids in Generating Secondary Porosity in the Subsurface?.