Environmental Geochemistry

Hydrogeochemistry is the study of the chemical composition and reactions of Earth's natural waters, including groundwater, surface water, and seawater.

Carbon dioxide is a minor component of the atmosphere, making up only about 0.04% of its volume.

Weathering is the process by which rocks and minerals weather and break down into smaller particles.

Mechanical weathering is not a type of weathering. It is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles by physical forces, such as abrasion, impact, and freeze-thaw cycles.

Erosion is the process by which weathered materials are transported from one place to another.

Chemical erosion is not a type of erosion. It is the process by which rocks and minerals are broken down into smaller particles by chemical reactions.

Deposition is the process by which eroded materials are deposited in a new location.

Chemical deposition is not a type of deposition. It is the process by which dissolved minerals are precipitated out of solution and deposited in a new location.

Lithification is the process by which sediments are compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rocks.

Igneous rock is not a type of sedimentary rock. It is a type of rock that is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

Biological weathering is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller particles by the action of living organisms.

The action of wind on rocks is not an example of biological weathering. It is an example of physical weathering.

Metamorphism is the process by which rocks are changed from one type to another by heat, pressure, and chemical reactions.

Mechanical metamorphism is not a type of metamorphism. It is the process by which rocks are broken down into smaller particles by physical forces, such as abrasion, impact, and freeze-thaw cycles.

Igneous activity is the process by which rocks are melted and then cooled to form new rocks.