Geology pt 1

Mineral

A material that occurs naturally and is generally strong, crystalline, stable, and inorganic at room temperature.

Feldspars

Collection of rock-forming tectosilicate minerals that make up about 41% of the Earth's mainland surface by weight.

Quartz

A mineral consisting of carbon and water particles in a frame of SiO4 silicon-oxygen tetrahedra, with a general chemical formula of SiO2.

Amphibole

A cluster of inosilicate minerals that form prisms or needle-like crystals, consisting of double chains of SiO4 tetrahedra.

Mica

Group of sheet silicate minerals associated with perfect basal cleavage.

Olivine

The main element of the Earth's upper mantle, prevalent in subsurface but weathers rapidly on the ground.

Garnets

A set of silicate minerals used as gemstones and abrasives since the Bronze Age.

Calcite

A mineral carbonate and the most stable calcium oil polymorph (CaCO3).

Pyroxenes

A set of significant minerals found in many igneous and metamorphic rocks, forming rock inosilicates.

Accessory minerals

Minerals occurring within a rock in small quantities.

Geology

The study of the structure, evolution, and dynamics of the Earth and its natural resources.

Evolution

The change in the characteristics of a species over several generations.

Engineering geology

The application of geological knowledge to engineering problems such as reservoir design and slope stability.

Metamorphic Rock

Rock formed by heat and pressure from other rocks.

Earth science

The study of the Earth's structure, properties, processes, and the fields related to it.

Continental drift

The hypothesis that Earth's continents have moved over geologic time.

Plate tectonics

Scientific theory explaining major landform creation due to subterranean movements of the Earth.

Weathering

The breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on Earth's surface.

Mineralogy

The scientific study of the chemistry, crystal structure, and physical properties of minerals.

Crystal System

Refers to classes of crystals, space groups, and lattices.

Petrology

The study of igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks and their transformation processes.

Igneous rock

Rock formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava.

Sedimentary rocks

Rock formed from pre-existing rocks or pieces of living organisms.

Metamorphic rocks

Rocks that have been substantially changed from their original form due to heat and pressure.

Porosity

The percentage of void space in a rock, facilitating air or water movement.

Permeability

A measure of the ease of passage of liquids or gases through a material.

Density

The mass of a substance per unit volume.

Elasticity

Ability of a deformed material to return to its original shape when forces are removed.

Plasticity

The quality of being easily shaped or molded.

Dynamic properties of building

Properties that determine equivalent lateral forces and responses from disturbances like wind and seismic forces.

Wave theory

The theory that light is propagated through the ether by molecular vibrations.

Wave velocity

Speed of a wave, indicating both speed and direction.

Velocity of a wave

Product of its wavelength and frequency, independent of intensity.

Modulus of elasticity

A measure of stiffness, indicating deformation under load.

Geophysical investigations

Methods used to estimate subsurface physical properties by measuring and analyzing various fields.

Natural Forces

Events that occur in the environment due to natural physical processes.

Reservoir

An enlarged natural or artificial lake created to store fresh water.

Subsidence

Downward vertical movement of the Earth's surface caused by natural processes or human activities.