Geoquímica del manto

Geoquímica es el estudio científico de la distribución, composición y transformación de elementos y compuestos químicos en la Tierra y otros planetas. Se enfoca en comprender los procesos y reacciones químicos que ocurren dentro de los sistemas de la Tierra, incluida la Tierra sólida, la hidrosfera (agua), la atmósfera (aire) y la biosfera (organismos vivos).

Los geoquímicos investigan las fuentes, las vías y el destino de los elementos y compuestos en diferentes materiales de la Tierra, como rocas, minerales, suelos, sedimentos, cuerpos de agua y la atmósfera. Estudian varios aspectos de los procesos geoquímicos, incluido el origen y la evolución de los elementos, su distribución en diferentes yacimientos y sus interacciones con el medio ambiente.

Áreas de estudio

Key areas of study in geochemistry encompass:

Elemental and Isotopic Composition: Geochemists assess the abundance, distribution, and isotopic ratios of elements within various materials. These isotopic compositions yield critical insights into the origins and histories of these materials.
Geochemical Cycles: The study of how elements and compounds circulate among Earth's different reservoirs, such as in the carbon, nitrogen, and water cycles, is a primary focus. Geochemists explore the roles of weathering, erosion, volcanic activity, and biological processes in these cycles.
Geochemical Reactions: The investigation of chemical reactions occurring in Earth's materials, including the formation, dissolution, and alteration of minerals, is another key area. Understanding these reactions involves studying thermodynamics, kinetics, and equilibrium conditions.
Tracing Geological Processes: Geochemists utilize geochemical signatures, like isotopic ratios and elemental compositions, to trace and comprehend geological processes. These signatures assist in identifying the sources of rocks, the histories of magma formation, and the movements of geological fluids.
Environmental Geochemistry: This field also examines the environmental impacts of human activities, such as pollution and contamination, and the remediation of affected sites. The interaction of contaminants with natural systems and their behaviors are studied in detail.
Geochemistry's applications span Earth sciences, environmental sciences, planetary sciences, petrology, hydrology, and mining. It offers perspectives on Earth's history, aids in predicting natural hazards, facilitates the discovery of mineral resources, and supports environmental management and conservation.