geochemistry

/ˌˈdʒioʊˌkɛməstri/

Geochemistry is the study of the chemical processes going on in the earth's insides and outsides. Despite the name, it also sometimes involves studying the chemical processes taking place on other planets.

Geochemistry gets its name from fusing geology with chemistry. Geology is the study of the earth's physical composition and how it changes over time, while chemistry deals with the composition of substances. Think of geochemistry as taking regular geology and zooming in really close to observe molecules and atoms. It's not just a question of "how did this rock get here?" but also "what chemicals is this rock made of?"

Definitions of geochemistry

1. noun

   the science that studies the physical makeup of the substances the earth and other planets are composed of
   type of:

   chemical science, chemistry

   the science of matter; the branch of the natural sciences dealing with the composition of substances and their properties and reactions