Mineraloid Definition The term “mineraloid” refers to a natural earth substance that appears to be similar to a genuine mineral, although lacks any form of internal structure and crystal form. Nonetheless, a mineraloid does comprise true minerals within it. For instance, Fire Opal and Blue Opal are not minerals because they are amorphous (do not…

Asthenosphere Asthenosphere: The asthenosphere underlies the lithosphere. The Asthenosphere comprises the upper mantle, where isostatic adjustments are made, and where magma is generated. It is also in this part of the earth, where seismic waves strongly attenuate.

Provenance Provenance: In the field of geology, and the branch of geomorphology, the term “provenance” means the place of origin from which the constituent materials of sedimentary rock or facies are derived.

Transgression Transgression: In geology, the term transgression is the formation of a specific sequence of sedimentary and metamorphic layers, that are the result of ocean water advancing onto land. To illustrate, when transgression occurs over millions of years, geologists find a layer of sand, overlain by shale, and overlain again by limestone. The opposite of…

Hardpan (Caliche) “Hardpan” is a highly dense and solid layer of soil near the ground surface, which is usually comprised of clay or silty-clay soils. Hardpan forms by cementation over time, during the process of precipitation of insoluble substances such as calcium carbonates, silica, iron oxides, and other organic matter. “Hardpan” is a term mostly…

Design Methane Concentration Design Methane Concentration: In accordance with the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety Methane Code, Ordinance Number 175790, a Design Methane Concentration is the highest recorded concentration of methane soil gas detected during the course of methane testing on a property. The Design Methane Concentration is what defines the level of…