Geochemistry is the study of the abundance, distribution, and behavior of chemical elements within the Earth's crust and the processes that control their distribution. This field of study explores the composition of rocks, minerals, soils, water, and the atmosphere, and how the interactions between these components shape the Earth's surface and subsurface environments. Geochemists use a variety of analytical techniques to investigate the chemical composition of geological materials and study processes such as weathering, sedimentation, and metamorphism. Understanding geochemistry is crucial for interpreting past environmental conditions, predicting future changes, and exploring natural resources.