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.
The project combines expertise from biology, geochemistry, materials science, metallurgy, engineering, computational chemistry, and artificial intelligence.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 19, 2026
One of the bill’s supporters was Francois Tissot, a Caltech geochemistry professor who has not returned to his smoke-damaged Altadena house.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 1, 2026
The team also examined sediment structures, mineralogy, diatoms and geochemistry to characterize the depositional record.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 21, 2024
"We see some interesting signs of hot times in cool places," said SwRI's Dr. Christopher Glein, an expert in planetary geochemistry and lead author of a paper about this discovery.
From Science Daily ● Feb. 15, 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
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
