geochemistry
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of geochemistry
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.
Vocabulary lists containing geochemistry
Earth Science - Middle School
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Earth Science - High School
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Earth Materials and Systems - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Our research highlights the dynamic interplay between hydrology, geochemistry and microbiology at the groundwater-surface water interface of acid mine drainage streams," Hoagland said.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 23, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
