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Aaron M. Jubb, Ph.D.

Dr. Aaron Jubb is a Research Chemist with the USGS Geology, Energy & Minerals (GEM) Science Center in Reston, Virginia.

Following his graduate studies, Dr. Jubb completed post-doctoral work at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Chemical Science Division in Boulder, Colorado focusing on the atmospheric chemistry of CFC replacements and at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee with an emphasis on the development and application of surface enhanced Raman scattering sensors. Dr. Jubb joined the USGS in 2017 where his principle areas of study involve:

  • Composition of oil and gas-associated wastewaters
  • Molecular characterization of sedimentary organic matter
  • In situ characterization of rock wettability

Professional Experience

  • 2017 – Present: Research Chemist, U.S. Geological Survey, Reston, VA

  • 2015 – 2016: Post-doctoral Research Associate, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Oak Ridge, Tennessee

  • 2012 – 2015: Research Scientist 1, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Boulder, Colorado

Education and Certifications

  • Ph.D. Chemistry, The Ohio State University, 2012

  • B.A. Chemistry, Lawrence University, 2006

Affiliations and Memberships*

  • American Chemical Society

  • American Geophysical Union

  • Geochemical Society

  • The Society for Organic Petrology

Science and Products

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AGGER Project - Immature Tasmanite

Advancements in Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology of Energy Resources (AGGER)

The AGGER project seeks to advance the understanding of factors that indicate and control the sources, generation, composition, stimulation, accumulation, movement, and production potential of petroleum, nuclear fuel resources (e.g., uranium and thorium), and their byproducts as well as the potential for resource recovery from wastes generated during extraction.
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Energy Resources Program, Mineral Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Eastern Energy and Environmental Laboratory (EEEL)
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Advancements in Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology of Energy Resources (AGGER)

The AGGER project seeks to advance the understanding of factors that indicate and control the sources, generation, composition, stimulation, accumulation, movement, and production potential of petroleum, nuclear fuel resources (e.g., uranium and thorium), and their byproducts as well as the potential for resource recovery from wastes generated during extraction.
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Energy Geochemistry Molecular Representation Thumb

Molecular Fingerprinting of Energy Materials

The chemical composition of complex solid organic matter (OM) from sedimentary reservoirs is a key parameter in the generation of hydrocarbon fuels. Vibrational spectroscopies such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman have been widely applied to understand the molecular make-up of these hydrocarbon precursors, as well as provide links to their thermal histories via correlation to proven...
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
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Molecular Fingerprinting of Energy Materials

The chemical composition of complex solid organic matter (OM) from sedimentary reservoirs is a key parameter in the generation of hydrocarbon fuels. Vibrational spectroscopies such as Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman have been widely applied to understand the molecular make-up of these hydrocarbon precursors, as well as provide links to their thermal histories via correlation to proven...
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Filter Total Items: 18

Strain induced molecular heterogeneity in ancient sedimentary organic matter mapped at nanoscales using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy

Here we report ultra-high resolution infrared mapping of organic matter functional group distribution in Tasmanites (algal microfossils) from the Upper Devonian Ohio Shale using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy (O-PTIR). O-PTIR is capable of rapidly measuring the vibrational response of samples in situ with ~500-nm spatial resolution, well below the infrared diffraction limit. Our result
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Textural occurrence and organic porosity of solid bitumen in shales

This study presents Raman spectroscopic data paired with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess solid bitumen composition and porosity development as a function of solid bitumen texture and association with minerals. A series of hydrous pyrolysis experiments (1-103 days, 300-370°C) using a low maturity (0.25% solid bitumen reflectance, BRo), high total organic carbon [(TOC), 14.0
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Absorbance and Fluorescence Excitation-Emission Matrix Data for Produced Waters from Oil and Gas Producing Basins in the United States

Waters co-produced during petroleum extraction are normally considered wastes but are also possible resources, especially in water-stressed regions. Produced waters can be chemically complex. High salinity, naturally occurring radioactive materials, and organic substances derived from the producing formation can complicate treatment processes. Rapid screening methods to characterize produced water
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Maturation study of vitrinite in carbonaceous shales and coals

This study evaluated carbonaceous shales proximal to coal measures and coal samples via isothermal hydrous pyrolysis (HP) to compare differences in the maturation pathways of vitrinite in different matrices and with different starting aromaticity. Sample residues were analysed via vitrinite reflectance (VRo), geochemical screening tests (organic carbon and programmed temperature pyrolysis), and in
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

TOC, Reflectance and Raman Data from Eocene Green River Mahogany Zone

Geological models for petroleum generation suggest thermal conversion of oil-prone sedimentary organic matter in the presence of water promotes increased liquid saturate yield, whereas absence of water causes formation of an aromatic, cross-linked solid bitumen residue. To test the influence of exchangeable hydrogen from water, organic-rich (22 wt. percent total organic carbon, TOC) mudrock sample
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Solid bitumen and vitrinite reflectance suppression explored using hydrous pyrolysis of artificial source rock (2021)

The most commonly used parameter for thermal maturity calibration in basin modelling is mean random vitrinite reflectance (Ro). However, Ro suppression, or lower than expected Ro, has been noted in samples containing a high proportion of liptinite macerals. This has been empirically demonstrated using hydrous pyrolysis experiments of artificial source rock containing various proportions of thermal
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Atomic Force Microscopy-based Infrared Spectroscopy Data within Immature Eagle Ford Shale at the Nanometer-scale

The nanoscale molecular composition of kerogen is a challenging parameter to characterize given the chemical and structural complexity exhibited by this important biopolymer. However, kerogen composition will strongly impact its reactivity and so is a critical parameter to understand petroleum generation processes during kerogen catagenesis. The recent advent of tip-enhanced analytical methods, su
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Investigating the effects of broad ion beam milling to sedimentary organic matter

To test if reflectance increases to sedimentary organic matter (vitrinite) caused by broad ion beam (BIB) milling were related to molecular aromatization and condensation, we used Raman and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopies to evaluate potential compositional changes in the same vitrinite locations pre- and post-BIB milling. The same locations also were examined by atomic force micr
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Fluorescence spectroscopy of ancient sedimentary organic matter via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM)

Fluorescence spectroscopy via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to analyze ancient sedimentary organic matter, including Tasmanites microfossils in Devonian shale and Gloecapsomorpha prisca (G. prisca) in Ordovician kukersite from North American basins. We examined fluorescence emission as a function of excitation laser wavelength, sample orientation, and with respect to location
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Reflectance, Raman band separation and Mean multivariant curve resolution (MCR) in organic matter in Boquillas Shale

The molecular composition of petroliferous organic matter and its composition evolution throughout thermal advance are key to understanding and insight into petroleum generation. This information is critical for comprehending hydrocarbon resources in unconventional reservoirs, as source rock organic matter is highly dispersed, in contact with the surrounding mineral matrix, and may be present as m
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Energy Resources Program, Central Energy Resources Science Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Input Files and Code for: Machine learning can accurately assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major geochemical parameters

As more hydrocarbon production from hydraulic fracturing and other methods produce large volumes of water, innovative methods must be explored for treatment and reuse of these waters. However, understanding the general water chemistry of these fluids is essential to providing the best treatment options optimized for each producing area. Machine learning algorithms can often be applied to datasets
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Results of leaching experiments on 12 energy-related shales from the United States

Inorganic compositions of flowback and co-produced waters from hydrocarbon extraction have been studied directly and through laboratory experiments that seek to replicate subsurface water-rock interaction. Here a broad analysis is made of compositions from the U.S. Geological Survey Produced Waters Database (v2.3) and leachates (water, hydrochloric acid, artificial brine) for 12 energy-resource re
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center
Filter Total Items: 26

Mapping ancient sedimentary organic matter molecular structure at nanoscales using optical photothermal infrared spectroscopy

Elucidating the molecular structure of sedimentary organic matter (SOM) is key to understanding petroleum generation processes, as well as ancient sedimentary environments. SOM structure is primarily controlled by biogenic source material (e.g., marine vs. terrigenous), depositional conditions, and subsurface thermal history. Additional factors, e.g., strain, may also impact the molecular structur
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Relating systematic compositional variability to the textural occurrence of solid bitumen in shales

This study presents Raman spectroscopic data paired with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images to assess solid bitumen composition as a function of solid bitumen texture and association with minerals. A series of hydrous pyrolysis experiments (1–103 days, 300–370 °C) using a low maturity (0.25% solid bitumen reflectance, BRo), high total organic carbon [(TOC), 14.0 wt%] New Albany Shale sample
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Maturation study of vitrinite in carbonaceous shales and coals: Insights from hydrous pyrolysis

The presence of vitrinite in sedimentary rocks of post-Silurian age allows its reflectance to be used to estimate the thermal maturation of organic matter in petroleum systems. Increasing reflectance of vitrinite, which is primarily driven by aromaticity, depends primarily on the time and temperature attributes of its evolutionary pathway. This study evaluated carbonaceous shales proximal to coal
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Dissolved organic matter within oil and gas associated wastewaters from U.S. unconventional petroleum plays: Comparisons and consequences for disposal and reuse

Wastewater generated during petroleum extraction (produced water) may contain high concentrations of dissolved organics due to their intimate association with organic-rich source rocks, expelled petroleum, and organic additives to fluids used for hydraulic fracturing of unconventional (e.g., shale) reservoirs. Dissolved organic matter (DOM) within produced water represents a challenge for treatmen
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Evaluating aromatization of solid bitumen generated in the presence and absence of water: Implications for solid bitumen reflectance as a thermal proxy

Geological models for petroleum generation suggest thermal conversion of oil-prone sedimentary organic matter in the presence of water promotes increased liquid saturate yield, whereas absence of water causes formation of an aromatic, cross-linked solid bitumen residue. To test the influence of hydrogen from water, organic-rich (22 wt% total organic carbon, TOC) mudrock samples from the Eocene lac
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Machine learning can assign geologic basin to produced water samples using major ion geochemistry

Understanding the geochemistry of waters produced during petroleum extraction is essential to informing the best treatment and reuse options, which can potentially be optimized for a given geologic basin. Here, we used the US Geological Survey’s National Produced Waters Geochemical Database (PWGD) to determine if major ion chemistry could be used to classify accurately a produced water sample to a
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Compositional evolution of organic matter in Boquillas Shale across a thermal gradient at the single particle level

The molecular composition of petroliferous organic matter and its compositional evolution throughout thermal maturation provides insight for understanding petroleum generation. This information is critical for understanding hydrocarbon resources in unconventional reservoirs, as source rock organic matter is highly dispersed, in contact with the surrounding mineral matrix, and may occur as multiple
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Central Energy Resources Science Center

Water–rock interaction and the concentrations of major, trace, and rare earth elements in hydrocarbon-associated produced waters of the United States

Studies of co-produced waters from hydrocarbon extraction across multiple energy-producing basins have generally focused on major ions or a few select tracers, and studies that examine trace elements and involve laboratory experiments have generally been basin specific. Here, new perspective is sought through a broad analysis of concentration data for 26 elements from three hydrocarbon well types
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Water Resources Mission Area, Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Colorado Water Science Center

A review of spatially resolved techniques and applications of organic petrography in shale petroleum systems

This review examines new techniques and applications of organic petrography in source-rock reservoir petroleum systems that have occurred along with development of the global ‘shale revolution’ in energy resources. The review is limited to techniques and instrumentation that provide spatially resolved information, typically at or below microscales, for dispersed organic matter occurring in situ in
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Ecosystems Mission Area, Climate Adaptation Science Centers, Florence Bascom Geoscience Center, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Investigating the effects of broad ion beam milling to sedimentary organic matter: Surface flattening or heat-induced aromatization and condensation?

Previous work has proposed transfer of kinetic heat energy from low-energy broad ion beam (BIB) milling causes thermal alteration of sedimentary organic matter, resulting in increases of organic matter reflectance. Whereas, other studies have suggested the organic matter reflectance increase from BIB milling is due to decreased surface roughness. To test if reflectance increases to sedimentary org
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Utica shale play oil and gas brines: Geochemistry and factors influencing wastewater management

The Utica and Marcellus Shale Plays in the Appalachian Basin are the fourth and first largest natural gas producing plays in the United States, respectively. Hydrocarbon production generates large volumes of brine (“produced water”) that must be disposed of, treated, or reused. Though Marcellus brines have been studied extensively, there are few studies from the Utica Shale Play. This study presen

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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center, Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Water Science Center, Upper Midwest Water Science Center, Brine Research Instrumentation and Experimental (BRInE) Laboratory

Examination of inertinite within immature Eagle Ford Shale at the nanometer-scale using atomic force microscopy-based infrared spectroscopy

The nanoscale molecular composition of sedimentary organic matter is challenging to characterize in situ given the limited tools available that can adequately interrogate its complex chemical structure. This is a particularly relevant issue in source rocks, as kerogen composition will strongly impact its reactivity and so is critical to understanding petroleum generation processes during catagenes
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Energy Resources Program, Geology, Energy & Minerals Science Center

Science and Products

*Disclaimer: Listing outside positions with professional scientific organizations on this Staff Profile are for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement of those professional scientific organizations or their activities by the USGS, Department of the Interior, or U.S. Government