A Visual Approach Towards Introduction of Bio-Geochemistry at Non-Ambient Conditions

Visualization of processes is considered an important aspect of education at an introductory as well as advanced levels. To facilitate a deeper understanding of the mechanisms in which chemistry takes place in geological processes, molecular interaction mechanisms have been introduced in novel ways by computer animated models. As successful such approach may be, it does little to provide a 'real' visualization of the various controls and mechanisms. Any attempts on observing real geochemical systems is further complicated by the fact that most of the ongoing geochemical activity is at non-ambient conditions. In this presentation, the author will introduce techniques and examples of direct visualization of 'chemistry at extremes' that are currently under use in classroom and are aimed towards future development of web-based interactive lectures. In this approach the author is using various optical cells to demonstrate 'model' system behavior under non-ambient conditions to infer further details regarding possible on-going geochemistry in the deep subsurface. As an example, observations and in-situ spectroscopic measurements are used to demonstrate changes in the chemical properties of fluids from sub-critical to super-critical conditions. Such direct observation approach has been helpful in not only providing a visual perspective of 'extreme' processes, but also helpful in introducing some rather advanced topics to a more receptive introductory student population ranging from elementary school to college. This presentation will provide some example successfully used in the classroom and provide an introduction to a web-based interactive learning tool accessible to a wider student population.