The potential benefits to the basin modeling enterprise of modularization and incorporating organic and inorganic chemical change

Mineral and hydrocarbon resources in basins are produced by fluid movements whose nature is not fully understood. Flow models in realistically defined basins that predict chemical change are needed to make progress, but these models will be difficult to develop and keep vital. Two simple examples are given to illustrate what is required, and the challenges to basin modeling are then outlined. It is argued that the best strategy is to modularize existing physical and chemical codes and place as many of these modules as possible in the public domain. This will keep the modeling enterprise open to the new entry and continuing invigoration.