1. COMPUTATIONAL AND EXPERIMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY

Conveners: Devis Di Tommaso (Queen Mary University of London); Caterina Gozzi (DST, Università di Firenze); Mattia La Fortezza (DISTAV, Università di Genova)
Invited Speaker: Giulio Ottonello (Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei)

Whether it is for the determination of the thermodynamic properties of crystalline solids and fluids of various origin or for the study of the reaction rates involved in a variety of geochemical processes, both experimental and computational-modelling approaches are fundamental to the quantification of the physico-chemical parameters necessary to describe several natural systems. The use of high-resolution microscopic and spectroscopic techniques, such as those based on synchrotron radiation or neutron scattering, together with the need to understand complex phenomena at the atomic-molecular level, have led to a growing integration between increasingly powerful molecular simulations based on classical (Monte Carlo, molecular dynamics) and quantum mechanical models and state-of-the-art experimental methods. In addition, the recent advances in numerical-computational techniques allowed more accurate interpretations of experimental data, inspiring the design of specific experiments aimed at developing geochemical models that better describe the investigated reactions and processes.
This session brings together contributions from the field of thermodynamics and geochemical modelling in the broad sense along with studies based on a large range of experimental techniques and emphasizing the complementarity of the two approaches. It is thus open to a large spectrum of geochemical topics, such as: the study of the thermodynamic properties of crystalline solids and aqueous species; the determination of the isotopic fractionation of chemical species between solid phase and aqueous solution; the study of the mechanisms and kinetics of chemical weathering; the modelling of nucleation and crystal growth; the link between molecular simulations of the mineral-fluid interface and kinetic models of crystal growth; the development of reactive transport models from experimental observations; the use of statistical methods for compositional data analysis. Contribution from young researchers is particularly encouraged.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL GEOCHEMISTRY

Conveners: Maurizio Barbieri (DST, Università La Sapienza); Elisabetta Dore (DSCG, Università di Cagliari); Nicolas Greggio (BiGeA, Università di Bologna)
Invited Speaker: Mauro Masiol (DAIS, Università Ca’ Foscari Venezia)

Attention to the environment and its problems has experienced an unprecedented growth in recent years. The reason is mainly due to a reinterpretation of the relationship between man and the environment, which has favoured a changed attitude toward environmental problems and has opened new opportunities for scientific research. The environmental geochemistry session intends to focus on studying the geochemical behaviour of potentially toxic elements and compounds in the five spheres constituting the environment (hydrosphere, atmosphere, geosphere, biosphere and anthroposphere) to evaluate their sources, distribution, and interactions. These five spheres, closely interconnected and in mutual interaction, influence each other and constantly exchange matter, energy, and consequently, potentially toxic elements and compounds. Much of this interaction occurs through biogeochemical cycles in which different processes are active, with an increasing role of the anthroposphere over time. The most important and worrying example is climate change induced by the release of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere and related extreme events indeed exacerbate the negative trend in water quality.
Within this framework, particularly relevant are the geochemical and isotopic studies concerning the interaction between humans and the environment impacting to their co-evolution at the short- to medium- timescales. In particular, Isotope Geochemistry is increasingly being used in scientific investigations, from the study of the isotopic fingerprints of rocks, soils, fluids, and other matrices (i.e., bulk analyses) to the study of the isotopic variations at high-spatial resolution (e.g., in-situ techniques). The session is dedicated to the multiple aspects of environmental geochemistry, such as water-rock interaction processes, anthropogenic effects on environmental matrices (with respect to the natural geochemical background), air quality assessment, impact on human health, and biogeochemical prospecting in natural and polluted environments.

3. GEOCHEMISTRY IN VOLCANIC, GEOTHERMAL AND SEISMIC AREAS

Conveners: Alessandra Correale (INGV, Sezione di Palermo); Anna Gioncada (DST, Università di Pisa); Andrea Ricci (INGV, Sezione di Palermo)
Invited Speaker: Sergio Calabrese (DISTEM, Università di Palermo)

This session delves into the intricate interplay between geological processes and chemical and isotopic signatures of rocks and fluids in dynamic earth systems. Volcanic, geothermal, and seismic regions offer unique windows into Earth’s subsurface processes, presenting opportunities to unravel fundamental geochemical mechanisms and their implications for hazard assessment, georesources exploration, and environmental monitoring.
In volcanic settings, geochemical investigations provide insights into magma genesis, evolution, and eruption dynamics. Understanding volatile fluxes from the mantle to the Earth’s surface, element partitioning, and isotopic compositions provides valuable insights into eruption forecasting, magma storage conditions, and the evolution of volcanic systems. Furthermore, geochemical monitoring aids in assessing volcanic hazards, such as gas emissions, ash fallout, and lava flows, and is crucial for mitigating risks to human populations and infrastructure.
Geothermal areas serve as natural laboratories for exploring heat and fluid flow through Earth’s crust. Geochemical tracers unveil subsurface fluid-rock interactions, reservoir connectivity, and geothermal resource potential. Isotopic analyses elucidate fluid origins, circulation pathways, and thermal histories, guiding sustainable geothermal energy production and reservoir management strategies.
Seismic zones exhibit complex interactions between tectonic forces, rock deformation, and fluid migration. Geochemical investigations elucidate fault zone processes, stress-induced reactions, and seismicity-triggered fluid release. Isotopic signatures in seismic fluids offer clues to seismic precursors, fault reactivation, and earthquake nucleation, enhancing our understanding of earthquake dynamics and hazard assessment.
This session provides a platform for researchers to exchange knowledge, methodologies, and case studies on geochemical investigations in volcanic, geothermal, and seismic environments. We enthusiastically welcome contributions focusing on the importance, recent advances, and applications of geochemistry using data from natural case studies, laboratory experiments, theoretical calculations, geochemical models, and integrated approaches. Furthermore, contributions presenting methodological and technological developments are also welcomed.

4. COSMOCHEMISTRY AND PLANETARY SCIENCES

Conveners: Nadia Balucani (DCBB, Università di Perugia); Martina Casalini (DST, Università di Firenze); Maximiliano Fastelli (FISGEO, Università di Perugia)
Invited Speaker: Valentina Galluzzi (INAF, Roma)

The study of the formation, evolution, and current functioning of various environments within the solar system and beyond is crucial for gaining insights into the composition, evolutionary history, and dynamics of celestial bodies. These studies involve analyzing samples such as meteorites and materials from space missions, along with observations collected by missions on various celestial bodies. This session centres on the comprehensive examination of planets, planetary systems, their forming processes, and potential habitability. Cosmochemistry and planetary science are profoundly interdisciplinary fields, incorporating knowledge from various disciplines such as planetary astronomy, geology, geochemistry, astrobiology, geophysics, atmosphere analysis and the study of extrasolar planets. This session aims to gather all kinds of planetary studies, including geochemical models reconstructing planetary interior or theoretical studies on mineral physics. It also encompasses research on possible life in space or in the field of exoplanets. Additionally, we welcome the analysis of meteoritic material, the spectral characterization of planetary analogues and the interpretation of spectral features observed through spacecrafts and rovers on celestial bodies. Researchers from diverse scientific backgrounds are invited to actively participate in this session. The aim is to foster constructive discussions and provide the opportunity to cultivate multi-disciplinary collaborations.