In the field of geology, How can we delineate the distinctions between 'geochemical processes' and 'geochemical mechanisms'?
Geochemical Processes: Geochemical processes refer to the observable, macroscopic changes or transformations that occur in Earth materials and systems due to chemical reactions or physical processes. These processes involve the movement and transformation of elements and compounds on a global or regional scale, such as weathering, erosion, sedimentation, and diagenesis. They are typically studied using field observations, laboratory experiments, and numerical modeling.
Geochemical Mechanisms: Geochemical mechanisms, on the other hand, delve deeper into the underlying chemical reactions and molecular-scale processes that drive geochemical processes. These mechanisms are often studied at the atomic and molecular level and involve understanding the specific chemical reactions, reaction pathways, and kinetics that govern the transformations of elements and compounds in Earth materials. Geochemical mechanisms are typically investigated through laboratory experiments, spectroscopic techniques, and theoretical modeling.
Scale:
Geochemical Processes: These processes occur at larger scales and are often observable in natural environments, such as the weathering of rocks over millions of years, the transport of sediments in rivers, or the formation of mineral deposits. They are concerned with the overall changes in the composition and distribution of materials in the Earth's crust and surface environments.
Geochemical Mechanisms: Geochemical mechanisms operate at much smaller scales, typically at the atomic and molecular levels. They involve the interactions between individual atoms, ions, and molecules and focus on the detailed chemical reactions and processes that occur during the larger geochemical processes. These mechanisms provide insights into the fundamental chemical principles that govern Earth's behavior.
I think that there are differences only between geochemical processes and self-regulating systems, for example, self-regulation of pH in the carbonate system of the ocean.
It is simply a matter of the level of hierarchy. Geochemical processes are 1 st order (superior level), geochemical mechanism are 2nd order (inferior level).
A process is a direct action, and a mechanism, or factor, is a condition of action.
Dear colleagues, do not complicate the World. Any process will occur only when the necessary conditions exist. True, the conditions can be internal and external. And each specific case must be analyzed according to the principle of a designer - brick by brick, between which there is a constant exchange of matter and energy. This is where difficulties begin, which they often want to solve with the help of philosophy or mathematics. To understand material processes, it is first necessary to build physical models with the influence of dominant energy fields on the object (substance) being studied.
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