Everett Shock and members of his research group, GEOPIG, apply thermodynamic calculations to understand the driving forces behind geochemical processes, microbial metabolisms, and biosynthetic pathways. Field work and lab analyses elucidate mechanisms by which chemotrophic microbes access energy and nutrients from geochemical environments. GEOPIG also tests the reactivity of organic compounds in water at elevated temperatures and pressures. Within RPL, the Shock lab is providing the logistical and scientific interface with the Oman Drilling Project, funded by the International Continental Drilling Program, analyzing samples of fluids and gases from actively serpentinizing systems, and calculating energy and power supplies available to chemotrophic microbes during the overall process of serpentinization.
