For the first time, short-chain organic acids are described from serpentine-associated interstitial waters. In this geologic setting, formate typically dominates the organic acid assemblage. Within the forearc setting, the organic acids are associated only with unconsolidated serpentine. Their existence may be the result of alkaline hydrolysis of ester linkages in organic matter that has been entrained in the serpentine diapir.Fryer, P., Pearce, J. A., Stokking, L. B., et al., 1992. Proc. ODP, Sci. Results, 125: College Station, TX (Ocean Drilling Program). fluids. This discovery of an aliphatic acid in fluid inclusions prompted us to collect interstitial water samples for organic acid analysis on Leg 125.