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. Front Matter....Pages I-VIII Introduction to the Role of Organic Acids in Geological Processes....Pages 1-21 Techniques and Problems in Sampling and Analyzing Formation Waters for Carboxylic Acids and Anions....Pages 22-39 Distribution and Occurrence of Organic Acids in Subsurface Waters....Pages 40-69 Organic Acids from Petroleum Source Rocks....Pages 70-114 Material Balance Considerations for the Generation of Secondary Porosity by Organic Acids and Carbonic Acid Derived from Kerogen, Denver Basin, Colorado, USA....Pages 115-137 Role of Soil Organic Acids in Mineral Weathering Processes....Pages 138-161 Chemistry and Mechanisms of Low-Temperature Dissolution of Silicates by Organic Acids....Pages 162-200 Comparison and Evaluation of Experimental Studies on Dissolution of Minerals by Organic Acids....Pages 201-225 Experimental Studies of Organic Acid Decomposition....Pages 226-269 Application of Thermodynamic Calculations to Geochemical Processes Involving Organic Acids....Pages 270-318 Metal Transport in Ore Fluids by Organic Ligand Complexation....Pages 319-354 Geochemical Models of Rock-Water Interactions in the Presence of Organic Acids....Pages 355-397 Organic Acids and Carbonate Stability, the Key to Predicting Positive Porosity Anomalies....Pages 398-448 How Important Are Organic Acids in Generating Secondary Porosity in the Subsurface?....Pages 449-470 Back Matter....Pages 471-483 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.