Consolidation “Consolidation” in geology refers to the gradual or slow reduction in the volume of a soil sample (representing a larger soil mass), and the increase in density in response to an applied increasing load, or compressive stress.

Normal Fault Normal Fault: In the field of geology, a normal fault is a type of dip-slip fault where the hanging wall moves downwards from the footwall. The average dipping angle of a normal fault ranges from 45 to 90 degrees. Normal faults are the opposite of reverse faults. Detachment Fault Detachment Fault: A detachment…

Contact Metamorphism Contact Metamorphism – Metamorphism is associated with the intrusion of an igneous mass. Metamorphic changes are caused principally by heat, but also by magma composition and deformation related to the intrusion. Pressures are relatively low (<3000 bars) while temperatures range from 200°C to 1000°C.

Poorly Graded Soil Poorly Graded: In the soil classification process of geology, poorly graded soil represents a sedimentary soil sample that only displays one or a few of the numerous other possible grain sizes for that soil classification, in accordance with the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS). For example, a poorly graded sand (SP) may…

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH): The term “Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons” represents the complete carbon chain of hydrocarbon compounds that originate from petroleum. In general there are three ranges of TPH: Gasoline Range Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH-g); Diesel Range Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH-d); and Oil Range Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH-o). Gasoline range TPH represents the…

Liquefaction Liquefaction: Liquefaction is the process by which there is: (1) a sudden and significant decrease of shear resistance in a soil sample (cohesion-less); (2) a sudden (but temporary) increase of the pore-water pressure of a substance; and (3) a solid mass of soil that is transformed into a fluid state mass. In the event…