Sub-micrometre and nanometre-scale structures in
geological materials such as crystal defects,
grain- and phase boundaries and small-scale
chemical zoning patterns provide insight into
processes that control the kinetics of mineral
reactions and fluid-mineral interactions.
Small-scale processes at reaction sites and
material transport in-between govern the
development of microstructures and textures and
coin the geodynamic record contained in phase
assemblages and rocks' fabric. They determine how
and at what rate bulk rock properties change in
response to external forcing and possibly feed
back into geodynamic processes. Thanks to recent
advances in microanalytical techniques it is now
possible to study such small-scale processes in
more detail. This session invites contributions
that address transport processes in geomaterials
such as diffusion, exsolution in minerals, atomic
structure and kinetic properties of grain
boundaries, fluid-assisted mineral replacement,
and feedback between mineral reactions and
mechanical stress. Presentations may include
experimental and theoretical work just as studies
on natural rocks.