Greetings

Was there ever a reply to Tom Trull's query regarding whether we are
oxidising organics (meaning carbohydrates and hydrocarbons?) or just
decomposing/pyrolysing them?  The problems of combustion in O2 probably
hinge on poor temperature control if the organics start to decay
exothermically, but I wonder whether there might not be other problems
resulting from reduction by organic matter if heated in vacuo?

Really, the aragonite/calcite conversion problem is perhaps a completely
separate question.

What changes will occur in organics at 220 degrees C in vacuo?

Either way, what happens to organics trapped inside mineral grains, such as
humic material in speleothem?

Does anybody have any thoughts on this?

Hilary Stuart-Williams
Research Officer
Environmental Sciences
University of East Anglia
England

.