Comprehensive Glossary of Earth Resources and Geoscience Processes

Geologic and Geoscience Processes

  • Geologic

    • This term refers to anything that is of, relating to, or based on the science dealing with the history of the Earth and its life.

    • This history is primarily documented and studied as it is recorded within the various layers of rocks.

  • Geoscience Process

    • A geoscience process constitutes any natural process that occurs over time to form and shape the physical surface of the Earth.

  • Plate Boundary

    • A plate boundary is defined as the specific edge or geographical location where two tectonic plates meet.

  • Sediment

    • Sediment consists of small, solid materials like sand.

    • These materials are transported by environmental agents such as air or water.

    • They eventually settle at the bottom of bodies of water, common locations being riverbeds or the ocean floor.

Hydrogeology and Water Resource Management

  • Groundwater

    • This is water located beneath the Earth's surface.

    • It is specifically found within the cracks and the spaces between particles of soil, sand, and rock.

  • Aquifer

    • An aquifer is a specific underground layer of rock that holds and contains groundwater.

  • Water Table

    • The water table represents the specific level in the subsurface at which the ground becomes completely saturated with water.

  • Permeability

    • Permeability describes the capability or property of a substance (such as soil or rock) to allow fluids to flow through its internal structure.

  • Irrigation

    • Irrigation is the process through which humans apply water to land using artificial means.

    • The primary purpose of this process is to facilitate and support plant growth.

Categorization of Natural Resources and Materials

  • Resource

    • A resource is defined as any usable stock or supply that can be drawn upon when needed.

  • Organic Matter

    • Organic matter is material composed of carbon that originates from plants, animals, and their various waste products.

  • Fossil Fuel

    • Fossil fuels are materials formed within the Earth over geologic time from the remains of plants or animals.

    • Primary examples include:

      • Coal

      • Oil

      • Natural gas

  • Ore

    • Ore is a mineral-bearing rock.

    • While it generally contains metal, it can also contain other valuable materials, such as gems.

  • Renewable

    • A resource is classified as renewable if it is unlikely to run out.

    • These resources are capable of being replaced or restored by natural processes as quickly as they are consumed by users.

  • Nonrenewable

    • A resource is nonrenewable if it is unable to be restored, replaced, or created anew once it has been consumed or used.