On the stability of organic molecules in subduction zone fluids

According to some recent theoretical studies, organic molecules such as the acetate ion may be stable in aqueous fluids occurring in subduction zones below volcanic arcs. The presence of these organic species has been linked to various effects, including diamond formation or excess silicate solubilities in fluids. Experimental confirmation of the stability of organic species in high-pressure, high-temperature aqueous fluids is, however, completely lacking. In this project, we will systematically study the speciation in C-H-O fluids up to 5 GPa and 800 ˚C by a combination of ex-situ piston cylinder experiments and in-situ Raman spectroscopy in externally-heated diamond anvil cells.

DFG Programme Research Grants