Panel 3: Chemical models of sea water systems

We have identified many problems in the chemistry of sea water and geochemical brines that can be elucidated by the application of classical as well as new methods of solution chemistry. Examples of the latter range from new methods of analysis for trace constituents to emerging theoretical developments which bring ab initio calculations of solute stabilities and rates within the range of possibility. Thus the sparse data from classical studies of speciation, thermodynamics, transport and chemical kinetics in sea water compel us to point out many instances in which the obvious need is for more (and better) data of the same kind. At the same time, however, the promise of new experimental and theoretical techniques requires emphasis.