Title: Geochemistry as the Core of Biogeochemistry
Abstract: This chapter examines the science of geochemistry, as the core, background discipline of biogeochemistry. Biogeochemistry is based on geochemistry; in that, it is the framework for those aspects of biology that link to the chemical bases of earth materials, which are defined as within the study of geochemistry. Therefore, the justification for this chapter is that a fuller understanding of biogeochemistry requires a study of geochemistry and the possibilities for its linkage with the biological sciences. Geochemistry is the study of the interfaces of geology and chemistry, using the methodology of the chemical sciences to investigate the composition of earth materials and the occurrence and movements of chemical elements and compounds within the earth system. Geochemistry is consequently an extremely wide subject, as it examines all aspects of the chemistry of earth materials. However, few studies have explored the links between geochemistry and the biological sciences, as the basis for biogeochemical studies. This chapter examines the relevant topics of chemistry, the content of geochemistry, and the developments that have forged a closer link with biogeochemistry. The branches of chemistry, namely, analytical, inorganic, organic, physical chemistry, and biochemistry, are examined, as is their relationship with geochemistry. The branches of geochemistry include organic geochemistry, inorganic geochemistry, isotope geochemistry, aqueous geochemistry, cosmochemistry, trace-element geochemistry, igneous rock geochemistry, metamorphic rock geochemistry, photogeochemistry, and low-temperature or environmental geochemistry. The literary evidence indicates that developments in chemistry, biology, geology, and even archaeology and astronomy (the last two linked to isotope geochemistry and cosmochemistry) have benefited geochemistry as a discipline, and in combination, these have contributed to the advancement of biogeochemistry. Variable issues in biogeochemistry are principally the concern of some branches of geochemistry, such as carbon, inorganic and marine chemistry, and organic, inorganic, isotope, and aqueous geochemistry. This examination contributes to knowledge on the interfaces between the biological, chemical, and geological sciences.
Publication Year: 2023
Publication Date: 2023-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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