Some Facts About Geochemistry

According to Wikipedia, geochemistry is “the science that uses the tools and principles of chemistry to explain the mechanisms behind major geological systems such as Earth’s crust and its oceans.”  

History 
Until the early 1940s, geochemistry was primarily concerned with defining elemental abundances in minerals and rocks. Since that time, investigators have broadened the scope of their research significantly. 

Further Defined 
Geochemistry is the study of chemical process that happen to form Earth. Earth is basically a large mass of solids that are constantly being subjected to chemical and physical interactions, causing different reactions.  

Benefits 
Geochemistry has led to estimates of the age of the Earth by looking at radioactive isotopes and the rate at which they decay. Also, by looking at rocks can provide fairly accurate estimations. Geochemistry has also made contributions to the understanding of planet formations and to the origins of granite and basalt.  

Education 
In the past, people have become geochemists from backgrounds in other fields. However, more recently, preferred degrees have been physics, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering, or even mathematics. Some universities have a geosciences degree or offer it at a Master’s level. If you want to excel in the career, acquiring a Ph.D. is likely required as well as research or published findings.  

Jobs 
Geochemists study the composition, structure, processes, and other physical aspects of the Earth. They examine the distribution of chemical elements in rocks and minerals, as well as the movement of these elements into soil and water systems. Typical geochemist work duties include: planning studies, visiting field locations, collecting samples, analyzing samples, helping predict earthquake occurrences, developing plans to clean toxic waste sites, and contributing to the use of natural resources.  

Skills 
Being a geochemist requires a variety of skills: problem solving, used to solve complex issues about interactions in the Earth’s system, critical thinking to design and trouble-shoot experiments, written and oral skills to identify and explain findings, computer sills, and even physical ability to be able to travel and endure difficult settings and terrain.  

Importance 
Geochemistry is important as its own field, but also the other scientific fields as well as our planet and solar system. Geochemistry is being used in a variety of different sectors, including petroleum, mineralogy, and toxic waste disposal. 
Geochemistry is an important part of the scientific fields, is providing new information that is imperative to advancements, and offers jobs that are challenging and rewarding.