ClimateAugust 13, 2026

geochemistry

JEE-oh-kem-ih-stree

Definition

The study of the chemical composition of, and the chemical changes within, geological materials like fossils, rocks, and minerals.

Etymology

The word is a combination of the Greek 'geo' (earth) and 'chemistry', emerging in the mid-19th century to describe the study of the Earth's chemical makeup and processes.

In the news

The article describes how studying the geochemistry of penguin fossils allows scientists to track historical changes in Antarctica's climate and environmental conditions. This chemical data serves as an alternative to traditional sediment analysis.

Ancient Penguin Fossils Offer New Window Into Antarctica's Changing Climate | Newswise

Read the full article ↗

Newswise

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