Geochemistry is the study of the chemical composition of the Earth and the chemical processes that govern the distribution of elements and isotopes among rocks, soils, water and the atmosphere. Its methods include measuring the ratios of stable and radioactive isotopes, which allow geochemists to date rocks, trace the origin of magmas, and reconstruct ancient environmental and climatic conditions, and the discipline played a central role in establishing the age of the Earth itself at roughly 4.5 billion years through radiometric dating of meteorites. Geochemistry today spans applications from mineral exploration to tracing the movement of pollutants through groundwater.
Facts
Central QuestionWhat chemical mechanisms drive geological processes such as mantle convection, planet formation and the origin of major rock types. 1 ScopeGeochemistry uses the tools and principles of chemistry to explain the mechanisms behind major geological systems such as the Earth's crust and oceans, extending to the entire Solar System. 1 SignificanceGeochemistry's reach extends beyond Earth across the whole Solar System, contributing to the understanding of mantle convection and planet formation. 1 Sources
1. Geochemistry (Wikipedia)
WikipediaLead section, definition sentence
Geochemistry is the science that uses the tools and principles of chemistry to explain the mechanisms behind major geological systems such as the Earth's crust and its oceans.
Lead section, scope sentence
has made important contributions to the understanding of a number of processes including mantle convection, the formation of planets and the origins of granite and basalt.
Lead section, closing sentence
The realm of geochemistry extends beyond the Earth, encompassing the entire Solar System
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