Overview
Geochemical fingerprinting is a vital technique in geology that allows scientists to analyze the unique chemical signatures of rocks and minerals. By understanding the elemental and isotopic composition, geologists can trace the origins of geological materials and gain insights into Earth's processe...
Key Terms
Example: Geochemistry helps us understand the processes that shape our planet.
Example: Carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope used in dating ancient organic materials.
Example: XRF can analyze the composition of rocks quickly and non-destructively.
Example: ICP-MS is often used in environmental monitoring to detect trace elements.
Example: The elemental composition of a rock can reveal its formation history.
Example: Geochemical fingerprinting can identify the source of contamination in water bodies.