This line of research brings together researchers concerned with the study of the geochemical, petrological and mineralogical processes affecting the lithosphere, hydrosphere, atmosphere and biosphere through qualitative and quantitative study at atomic-scale, in the laboratory and in the field. Our research is focussed on:

1. The formation and evolution of the continental and oceanic crust and upper mantle, from diagenesis to deep igneous processes in different geodynamic contexts, by using a multidisciplinary approach including geochronological, metalogenetic, theoretical and experimental study of rock and sediment samples.
   
2. The composition, structure and properties of minerals, as well as the reaction mechanisms in surface conditions, so as to evaluate their reactivity and stability, and the effect of environmental parameters on their properties.
   
   
3. Stable isotopes (13C/12C, 18O/16O, 15N/14N and D/H) providing information on the processes causing isotopic fractionation in natural systems and represent a powerful tool for research into climate in the past, to determine the origin of organic and inorganic compounds and to obtain proxies and palaeoenvironmental, palaeohydrological and palaeodietary information, as well as environmental applications (CO2 and trophic chains).
   
   
4. Crystal morphology and growth patterns in aqueous and organic media. In addition, the use of computational methods allows an atomistic approach to chemical reactions and an understanding of the structure, morphology and properties of minerals in surface conditions and others that are not experimentally accessible.
   
   
5. The applications in industry of some special clays, as well as metallic mineral resources (exploration and environmental impact of mining activity).
   
   
6. Finally, the close relation between water-soil resources and geochemical processes is examined in research on transport processes of inorganic and organic compounds in the soil, which acts as an interface between the geosphere-hydrosphere-biosphere of great environmental interest, in order to find answers to soil conservation and restoration in degraded areas, with a considerable contribution to the improvement in quality of life and the environment.

There are four sub-lines: