Geochemistry is the scientific study of the Earth’s chemical composition and processes, integrating principles from chemistry, geology, and physics to understand the mechanisms behind the distribution and interaction of chemical elements within the Earth’s crust, mantle, atmosphere, and oceans. This field explores topics ranging from the formation of minerals and rocks to the behavior of elements at high pressures and temperatures within the Earth. Geochemistry also plays a crucial role in studying the cycling of elements and their isotopes through Earth’s systems, which helps in understanding past climates, biogeochemical cycles, and the formation of natural resources. Moreover, it provides insights into environmental issues such as pollution and resource management. Applied geochemistry is used in the exploration of mineral and hydrocarbon resources, and in assessing environmental contamination and remediation strategies. The field has expanded to include the study of other planets, contributing to planetary science and the search for life beyond Earth.
This research highlights that both early melting-volatilization and late accretion of volatile-rich materials are integral to understanding the distribution of nitrogen in silicate Earth. These…
Prior to the emergence of life on Earth, essential chemistry was necessary to create organic molecules from the elemental building blocks of nitrogen, sulfur, carbon,…
A new study leverages detrital zircons to unveil the ancient geological processes shaping Earth, from crust-to-mantle recycling to the formation of supercontinents. The research was…
The Webb telescope has observed what appear to be young methane deposits on the surfaces of Eris and Makemake. A team co-led by Southwest Research…
The research team has discovered complex microbial communities in ecosystems dating back over 3 billion years. Microorganisms are believed to be Earth’s earliest life forms,…
The examination of organic compounds known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), obtained from the Ryugu asteroid and Murchison meteorite, reveals that some PAHs probably originated…
Eighteen years following the return of NASA’s Stardust mission to Earth, which brought back the first samples from a known comet, the true nature of…
Scientists from Northwestern University contributed to the analysis of lunar samples that were collected by astronauts during the Apollo 17 mission. By analyzing tiny crystals…
The system demonstrates 90% accuracy in distinguishing between biological and non-biological samples. Humankind is looking for life on other planets, but how will we recognize…
“The Holy Grail of astrobiology” – New machine learning technique can determine whether a sample is of biological or non-biological origin with 90% accuracy. Scientists have…
The study highlights the significance of organic sulfur compounds in the biogeochemical cycle. Geochemist Alexandra Phillips has sulfur on her mind. The yellow element is…
A recent study led by Macquarie University earth scientist Dr. Chunfei Chen sheds new light on geological processes from up to three billion years ago…
Researchers have identified a link between ancient atmospheric shifts and Earth’s mantle chemistry, shedding light on the planet’s evolution. An international team of scientists has…
Using synchrotron techniques, scientists have unveiled important information on The Great Oxidation Event by studying apatite inclusions in zircon crystals from old magmas with the…
All that glitters is not gold, or even fool’s gold in the case of fossils. New research carried out by scientists at The University of…
New experiments have called into question a popular explanation for the properties that give rise to dry land. Despite being a crucial factor in making…
The oceans play a crucial role in mitigating global warming by absorbing carbon dioxide emissions. However, researchers have found that as the oceans warm up…
The red streaks crisscrossing the surface of Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, are striking. Scientists suspect it is a frozen mixture of water and salts,…