What is Geochemistry?
• Geochemistry is concerned with the laws governing the distribution of the
chemical elements and their isotopes throughout the Earth (Correns,
1969).
• Used as a tool to investigate
• the composition of the earth as a whole and of its various components.
• Uncover the laws tat control the distribution of the various elements
• Use quantitative methods of problem solving to gain a better
understanding of natural phenomena and so allows us to convert
observation or speculation into understanding.
• Analytical data of terrestrial material (rocks, water and atmosphere).
• Meterorites and Astrophysical data (cosmic bodies)
• Geophysical data (Earths interior)
EN 411 Environmental Geochemistry
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What is Environmental Geochemistry?
• The branch of geochemistry that explores the complex geochemical
interactions involving the geosphere and the other environmental
spheres
• The study of the geologic processes involving chemical reactions at
the Earth’s surface (geosphere), emphasizing soil production, surface
and ground water chemistry, atmospheric transport, and cycling of
elements, especially contaminant elements.
what are the test questions to be asked for the information?
1. What is the main focus of geochemistry?
2. How does geochemistry help us understand the distribution of chemical elements throughout the Earth?
3. What types of materials are analyzed in geochemistry?
4. What is the goal of using quantitative methods in geochemistry?
5. How does environmental geochemistry differ from traditional geochemistry?
6. What specific interactions does environmental geochemistry study?
7. Can you explain the role of geochemical processes at the Earth's surface?
8. What elements are particularly emphasized in environmental geochemistry?
9. How does environmental geochemistry relate to the study of contaminants?
10. How can geochemical data be used to better understand natural phenomena?