Main navigation
- Programs
- Subjects
- Universities
- Destinations
- Advice
Geochemistry utilizes chemical concepts and techniques to examine the elemental makeup of Earth's geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, and atmosphere, along with the transfer of materials and energy among these systems across various timescales, from human lifetimes to astronomical periods. Researchers at CU Boulder investigate how elements (and their stable isotopes) move through aquatic environments, sediments, soils, minerals, and rock formations. They explore microbe-environment interactions, chemical signatures of biological activity, the interconnected evolution of Earth's solid components, oceans, air, life, and climate systems, as well as the creation of fossil fuels and mineral resources. Their work also encompasses determining the circumstances, timing, and speeds of geological and biological phenomena on Earth and other celestial bodies. Specialized areas of study within the department include biogeochemistry, organic and stable isotope analysis, trace element chemistry, metamorphic and igneous rock chemistry, and geochronological/thermochronological methods.