On June 26, 2010, the time had come once again: the traditional Petrology/Petrophysics Section Meeting of the Deutsche Mineralogische Gesellschaft took place. A total of 44 scientists from across Germany followed the invitation of Alan Woodland and Kevin Klimm to the Institute of Geosciences at Goethe University in Frankfurt am Main.
Many participants had already gathered the evening before in a relaxed atmosphere, exchanging news of various kinds and gaining initial insights into the upcoming program. Alongside established researchers, numerous early-career scientists also made their way to Frankfurt to present their latest scientific results and engage in discussions with colleagues.
Following a brief welcome by Alan Woodland, the highly diverse program began with a keynote lecture by Prof. Katsura (Bavarian Geoinstitute, Bayreuth). He gave a detailed account of his work on multi-anvil apparatuses, which enable X-ray diffraction measurements under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. However, this was far from the only contribution focusing on experimental laboratory studies. Other presentations addressed topics such as the formation of reaction rims on minerals, water–rock interactions in submarine hydrothermal systems, CO₂ sequestration at the laboratory scale, and the composition of the Archean and Proterozoic atmosphere and seawater.
Equally prominent were reports on a wide range of field studies, including investigations of fluid processes in subduction channels, metasomatic processes in eclogites, the Annandagstoppane granite of East Antarctica, and Ta–Nb mineralization in the Colombian Amazon region. Additional scientific perspectives were provided through presentations on methodological developments in X-ray micro-computed tomography and electron backscatter diffraction, as well as atomic-scale simulations of silicate melts. Special mention should be made of the introduction of the Petrologen Network, which offers scientists a platform to exchange problems and ask questions. Further information can be found at www.expet-network.com.
The broad scope of the program, comprising a total of 16 presentations, enabled participants to look beyond their own fields and gain insights into, in some cases, entirely different areas of research. During the lunch break and after the scientific sessions, participants also had the opportunity to tour the newly constructed institute and explore several of its laboratory facilities.
After a day of intensive intellectual engagement, the evening concluded with various active and passive sporting activities. Excellent catering was also provided, with delicious barbecue and chilled beverages (kindly supported by Springer Verlag).
With a heartfelt “thank you” to the hosts and their dedicated helpers, participants bid farewell—already looking forward with anticipation to the next meeting in Bochum in 2011.
Katja Beier (Kiel)
