Geochemistry - E-book - ePub

Geochemistry is that branch of science which uses thefundamental principles of Chemistry to understand, analyze andexplain the mechanisms behind and working principles of majorgeological systems including the oceans as well as Earth's crust. But the scope of Geochemistry extends much beyond ourplanet earth and extends upto the solar system so much sothat its contribution is immense in understanding importantphenomena like formation of planets, origins of granite andbasalt and mantle convection.
The fascinating factor of Geochemistry is its position which isprimarily in between exact sciences such as physics, chemistryand mathematics and that of natural sciences. The shape ofthe quantitative approach taken in physical chemistry, thermodynamics, analytical chemistry and mathematics to naturalobservation opens up uncharted territories and providesenormous advantages. These are neutralized, however, by theinevitable shortcomings that have to be faced when writing ascript on geochemistry: and the most important of them is theneed to summarize and apply quite often in a superficial andincomplete fashion, concepts that would require an entirevolume if they were to be described with sufficient completenessand accuracy;Multiple diverse fields or areas provided base knowledge indevelopment of contemporary ideas of Geochemistry.
Followingare some of these sub fields and things they deal with inparticular:Cosmo Chemistry:- This deals with the detailed analysis ofthe distribution of elements and their various isotopes withinthe cosmos. Isotope Geochemistry: Involves a study of absolute andrelative concentrations of elements and their isotopes in andon the surface of our planet earthThe determination of the underlying system of movementand distribution of earth by thorough examination ofdistribution and movements of elements in the various partsof earth like that of crust, mantle, hydrosphere or inminerals.
Organic Geochemistry is that field of Geochemistry thatintends to understand the role of all the process andcompounds that are received from life or living organismsthat once lived. Biogeochemistry is the field of Geochemistry which primarilydeals with the effect of life on the chemistry of our planetearth. Photo Geochemistry deals with the impact of light inducedreactions that occur or may occur among the componentsavailable naturally on the surface of earth.
Aqueous geochemistry studies the role of various elements inthe watersheds including mercury, sulfur or even copper. This also studies the exchange of fluxes through aquatic, terrestrial and atmospheric interactions. Exploration geochemistry deals with the applications toenvironmental, mineral and hydrological exploration studies. Thus, it is seen that the scope and reach of Geochemistryextends much beyond the limits of our planet earth and is anecessary tool to understand our position in this universe andto formulate ways along with other disciplines of science insustaining life for a long time to come.