*** 9415558 Shock This three-year award will support U.S.-France cooperative research in geochemistry between Everest L. Shock of Washington University and Vladimir Mayer of the University of Blaise Pascal. The objective of their research is to test models of thermodynamic data with experimental measurements for a wide variety of aqueous inorganic and organic fluids. Minerals, gases, organic compounds, microorganisms and the byproducts of human activity are brought into contact by aqueous fluids in relatively shallow regions of the earth's crust. These fluids facilitate reactions which would otherwise be sluggish. Accurate thermodynamic data for dissolved ions, electrolytes, gases, and organic compounds are needed to develop predictive models. Dr. Shock brings to this collaboration his expertise in theoretical geochemistry. He has developed a model for prediction of thermodynamic data for thousands of aqueous organic and inorganic species. Data are incomplete or wholly lacking at high temperatures. The French investigator, Dr. Mayer, has worked for a number of years in the generation of high temperature measurements for these species. His experimental work will provide the high temperature data that are needed to extend the accuracy and applicability of the existing model. Their joint effort will advance our understanding of sub-surface earth processes and improve current efforts to contain, and eventually avoid environmental problems. ***
