Careers In Chemistry

Geochemistry

                                                                                 http://www.essc.psu.edu/~brantley/hair.html

  A geologists studies solid matter that constitutes the earth. There are also several areas of specialization such as: Economic Geology ( study of ore genesis), Geochronology ( study of isotope geology), geomorphology ( study of landforms), and of course Geochemistry. ( There are many more) 

Geochemistry is the one that deals with the chemistry aspect and behavior of rock and study the behavior of their minerals. It is the study of  the Chemical composition of the Earth and other planets. They also study chemical processes and reactions that govern the composition of rocks and soils.

 There are a variety of employment opportunities with geochemistry. You can work for a private firm, government agency, and non profit academic institution.

The most important fields of geochemistry are:

• Isotope geochemistry: Determination of the relative and absolute concentrations of the elements and their isotopes in the earth and on earth's surface.
• Examination of the distribution and movements of elements in different parts of the earth (crust, mantle, hydrosphere etc.) and in minerals with the goal to determine the underlying system of distribution and movement.
• Cosmochemistry: Analysis of the distribution of elements and their isotopes in the cosmos .
• Organic geochemistry: A study of the role of processes and compounds that are derived from living or once-living organisms.
• Applications to environmental, hydrological and mineral exploration studies.

Typical Work Activities Include:

• collect site samples
• mapping specific geochemical areas for research and analysis
• interpreting a wide range of data and analysis results
• providing support and recommendations to mainstream geologists
• writing technical reports and papers for journals
• teaching and lecturing on specific areas within geochemistry
  
  
   

   http://www.essc.psu.edu/~brantley/hair.html

References:

http://www-geology.ucdavis.edu/~GEL281/F02/mineralogy.html

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geochemistry

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geologist

S:\Geochemist Job description and activities.mht

Page Created By: Jennifer L. Haynes

Return to Dragajac's Home Page