Article
Article
Geochemistry
Article By:
Macdougall, J. Douglas Geological Research Division, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, La Jolla, California.
Last reviewed:November 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.285800
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- Geochemistry, published June 2014:Download PDF
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The discipline of Earth science that investigates the chemical composition of the Earth, other planets, and the universe as a whole, as well as the chemical processes that occur within them. Geochemistry is important because basic knowledge about the chemical processes involved is critical for understanding subjects as diverse as the formation of economically valuable ore deposits, safe disposal of toxic wastes, and variations in the Earth's systems and climate (see illustration). See also: Earth sciences
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