Petrology and Its Applications in Civil Engineering

This set of flashcards covers essential vocabulary and concepts related to petrology and its significance in civil engineering.

Petrology

A branch of geology that deals with the study of rocks, including their origin, composition, texture, structure, and the processes that form and transform them.

Igneous Rocks

Rocks formed from the cooling and solidification of molten material, either magma or lava.

Sedimentary Rocks

Rocks formed from the accumulation and lithification of sediments, as well as deposits of pre-existing rocks or organic remains.

Metamorphic Rocks

Rocks formed by the alteration of existing rocks under heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids.

Rock Cycle

The series of processes that transform one type of rock into another, including weathering, erosion, deposition, and metamorphism.

Lithification

The process of turning loose sediments into solid sedimentary rock through compaction and cementation.

Felsic Rocks

Igneous rocks that are rich in silica and light-colored minerals.

Mafic Rocks

Igneous rocks that are rich in magnesium and iron, making them darker and denser.

Extrusive Rocks

Igneous rocks that form from lava cooling quickly on the Earth's surface, resulting in fine-grained textures.

Intrusive Rocks

Igneous rocks that form from magma cooling slowly underground, leading to coarse-grained textures.

Erosion

The process by which sediments are removed from their original place and transported elsewhere.

Weathering

The breaking down of rocks into smaller pieces by environmental factors such as wind and water.

Chemical Sedimentary Rocks

Rock formed from minerals dissolved in water that precipitate out to form solid layers, such as limestone.

Engineering Geology

The application of geology to engineering practice, including the evaluation of rock properties for construction purposes.

Rock Strength

The ability of a rock to withstand an applied force without failing, crucial for determining foundation stability.

Foundation Stability

The ability of a rock layer to support the weight of structures without shifting or collapsing.