Time Stratigraphic Unit Definition A Time Stratigraphic Unit, or a Chronostratigraphic Unit, is a rock unit that is characterized by geological formations, during a specific period of time. This serves as a reference for all rocks formed during the same time period.

Plutonic Rock (Igneous) Definition The term “Plutonic” in the field of geology refers to an igneous rock, wherein the magma had originally cooled, solidified, and crystalized underground. A plutonic rock is generally coarsely crystalline (phaneritic) and is formed during a massive geologic intrusion of magma. In fact, outcropping (or daylighting) plutonic rocks are geologic features…

Strike-Slip Fault or Transform Fault Strike-Slip Fault (Transform Fault): In the field of geology, a strike-slip fault, or a transform fault, is a fault in which movement is parallel to the strike of the fault plane. The opposite of a strike-slip fault is a dip-slip fault. Left-Lateral or Right-Lateral Strike-Slip Fault A transform fault can…

Effective Stress (σ’) “Effective Stress” (σ’) is a geotechnical engineering term. Effective Stress is a function of “total stress,” and is due to the solid particles of soil. Effective stress represents an excess of stress above pore-water pressure (or neutral stress). Effective Stress Formula Effective Stress = Total Stress – Pore-Water Pressure.

Licensed Professional Geologist A “Licensed Professional Geologist” or a “Certified Professional Geologist” is a person who is certified by a State and/or Federal agency (such as the California Department of Consumer Affairs, Board for Professional Engineers, Geologists & Land Surveyors), and has proven be educated, formally trained and professionally competent per government standards, to practice…

Water Table Water Table: In the hydrogeology branch of geology, the water table represents the surface of an unconfined groundwater aquifer, where the hydraulic pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure. Additionally, a water table is present in a perched groundwater zone. Although, there is no water table in a confined aquifer.