Geochemistry is a branch of the geological and chemical sciences that focuses on studying the chemical composition of the Earth and the chemical processes and reactions that occur within it and on its surface. This major involves understanding the distribution of elements and chemical compounds in rocks, minerals, soil, and water, and how geological processes affect the chemical composition of the Earth.

Fields of study in geochemistry:
Chemistry of rocks and minerals:

• Rock formation: Study of the chemical composition of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.
• Chemical reactions: Analysis of the chemical reactions that occur during the formation and alteration of rocks and minerals.

Geochemistry of natural resources:

• Petroleum and Natural Gas: Study of the chemical processes that lead to the formation and accumulation of petroleum and natural gas.
• Economic minerals: analysis of the distribution and concentration of mineral elements in the earth’s crust and how to extract them.

Groundwater chemistry:

• Chemical composition of water: Understanding the chemical properties of ground and surface water.
• Water Pollution: Study of the sources of chemical pollution of water and how to treat it.

Environmental geochemistry:

• Environmental Pollution: Study of the spread and distribution of chemical pollutants in soil, water and air.
• Restoring polluted environments: developing strategies and techniques to remove pollutants from the environment.

Planetary geochemistry:

• Study of planets and celestial bodies: analysis of the chemical composition of celestial bodies such as planets, moons, and meteorites.
• History of the Solar System: Understanding the chemical processes that shaped the Solar System and its geological history.

Radio geological analysis:

• Rock dating: The use of radioactive isotopes to determine the ages of rocks and geological events.
• Radioactive reactions: studying the effect of radioactive reactions on the structure of rocks and minerals.

Required skills:

• Extensive scientific knowledge: in the fields of chemistry, geology, physics, and mathematics.
• Analytical skills: Ability to analyze geological and chemical samples using various techniques.
• Research capabilities: designing and implementing field and laboratory research and studies.
• Technical skills: to use modern tools and techniques such as spectroscopy and chromatography.
• Communication skills: to transfer scientific knowledge and interact with scientific communities and the public.

Work fields:

• Extractive Industries: Working for oil, gas and mining companies to evaluate and develop natural resources.
• Government Bodies: Work with environmental and geographic agencies to develop environmental policies and manage natural resources.
• Academic research: Working in universities and research centers to conduct advanced studies on geological and chemical processes.
• Environmental organizations: Participation in environmental protection and natural resource management programs.
• Private sector: Providing environmental and chemical consultations to companies in various fields.

Importance of geochemistry:

• Understanding the composition of the Earth: It helps in understanding the chemical composition of the Earth and the processes that form it.
• Natural Resource Exploration: Supports the exploration and development of natural resources such as minerals, oil and gas.
• Water Resources Management: Contributes to assessing the quality of ground and surface water and managing water resources.
• Environmental Protection: Helps in assessing and treating environmental pollution and restoring contaminated environments.

Geochemistry Applications:

• Chemical analysis of rocks and minerals: Understanding the chemical composition of rocks and minerals and the history of their formation.
• Oil and Gas Exploration: Evaluating the chemical properties of oil and gas reservoirs to develop extraction strategies.
• Waste Management: Developing techniques to manage solid and liquid waste and dispose of it safely.
• Soil and water protection: studying the impact of pollutants on soil and water and developing strategies to reduce pollution.

The specialty of Geochemistry is one of the vital fields that combines chemical and geological knowledge to understand the formation of the Earth, explore its natural resources, and protect the environment, which makes it a field with great influence in environmental sciences and extractive industries.