geochemistry

American  

[jee-oh-kem-uh-stree] / ˌdʒi oʊˈkɛm ə stri /

noun

1. the science dealing with the chemical changes in and the composition of the earth's crust.

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geochemistry British  

/ ˌdʒiːəʊˈkɛmɪstrɪ, ˌdʒiːəʊˈkɛmɪkəl /

noun

1. the geology and chemistry concerned with the chemical composition of, and chemical reactions taking place within, the earth's crust

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geochemistry Scientific  

/ jē′ō-kĕm′ĭ-strē /

1. The scientific study of the chemical composition of the Earth or other celestial body and of the reactions that control the distribution of chemical elements in its minerals, rocks, soil, waters, and atmosphere.

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Other Word Forms

• geochemical
  adjective
• geochemically
  adverb
• geochemist
  noun

Etymology

Origin of geochemistry

First recorded in 1900–05; geo- + chemistry

Explanation

Geochemistry is the study of the chemical makeup and processes of the earth, from its deep interior to its oceans and atmosphere. Despite the name, it also includes studying the chemical compositions and processes taking place on other planets. Geochemistry merges geology with chemistry. Geology is the study of the earth's physical structure, and chemistry explores the properties of substances and their reactions. Rather than just asking how a mountain formed, a geochemist asks what chemical elements the rocks contain and how they interact with the environment. This field is essential for understanding everything from volcanic eruptions to the chemical conditions required to support life on Earth and potentially on other planets.

Example Sentences

Formulated on the basis of Venusian atmospheric chemistry, the team synthesized several iron-bearing sulfate minerals in an aqueous geochemistry laboratory in the Department of Earth Sciences.

From Science Daily • Jan. 5, 2024

The return of carefully selected samples, such as ones weathered by geothermal vents, as well as sedimentary and aggregated rocks, will allow scientists on Earth to extensively examine their geochemistry and microscopic composition.

From Scientific American • Oct. 3, 2023

Gattacceca's team presented their findings at a geochemistry conference in France on July 11, 2023.

From DOGO News • Sep. 1, 2023

The Pasadena-based institute, with a 3% admission rate last year, boasts 46 Nobel laureates and cutting-edge research in such fields as earthquake engineering, behavioral genetics, geochemistry, quantum information and aerospace.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 31, 2023

“Imagine a shell like a thick book, where the animal has added one page after another as it grows,” says lead author Nasser Al-Qattan, a geochemistry professor at Kuwait University.

From National Geographic • Aug. 23, 2023