Geochemistry: meaning, definitions and examples
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geochemistry
[ ˌdʒiːoʊˈkɛmɪstri ]
scientific study
Geochemistry is the study of the chemical composition of the Earth and its rocks and minerals. It involves the analysis of the distribution of chemical elements in geological environments and the processes governing their variation. This field combines aspects of geology, chemistry, and physics to provide insights into the composition of the Earth, the processes that shape it, and the interactions between geological and biological systems.
Synonyms
chemical geology, earth chemistry, geological chemistry
Examples of usage
- Geochemistry is essential for understanding the distribution of elements in the Earth's crust.
- Researchers utilize geochemistry to investigate climate change indicators in soil samples.
- The geochemistry of groundwater can reveal information about pollution sources.
Translations
Translations of the word "geochemistry" in other languages:
🇵🇹 geoquímica
🇮🇳 भू रासायनिकी
🇩🇪 Geochemie
🇮🇩 geokimia
🇺🇦 геохімія
🇵🇱 geochemia
🇯🇵 地球化学
🇫🇷 géochimie
🇪🇸 geoquímica
🇹🇷 jeokimya
🇰🇷 지구화학
🇸🇦 الجيوكيمياء
🇨🇿 geochemie
🇸🇰 geochémia
🇨🇳 地球化学
🇸🇮 geohemija
🇮🇸 jarðefnafræði
🇰🇿 геохимия
🇬🇪 გეოქიმია
🇦🇿 geoKimya
🇲🇽 geoquímica
Etymology
The term 'geochemistry' was first used in the early 20th century, combining 'geo-', meaning 'Earth', and 'chemistry', the science of matter and its interactions. Initially, it emerged as a distinct discipline focusing on the chemical elements that compose the Earth and their natural distributions. Pioneering scientists in this field sought to understand the chemical processes that govern the formation and alteration of rocks and minerals. The development of analytical techniques in the mid-20th century, such as mass spectrometry and chromatography, greatly advanced geochemical studies. Geochemistry now plays a pivotal role in various scientific inquiries, including natural resource exploration, environmental science, and understanding Earth's history and evolution.