Fault Creep: Fault creep means slow ground displacement of a strike-slip fault or dip-slip fault, that usually occurs without accompanying earthquakes. Fault creep can derive from tectonic activity, or be the result of excessive petroleum and groundwater pumping.
Retaining Wall Retaining Wall: A structure that provides the support needed to hold (in place) a mass of earth, preventing it from moving downhill. Retaining walls are relatively rigid structures comprising footings and a drainage system, in order to retain the soils between two different elevations. Updated May 25, 2020. Construction & Design A lot…
Diagenesis Diagenesis: In geology, diagenesis refers to the physical and chemical changes of a sedimentary formation when compaction and lithification occur over time.
Environmental Consultant Environmental Consultant: An environmental consultant is an expert of any profession or field, who focuses their skills and knowledge towards matters that improve the environment. Environmental consultants are typically scientists with expertise in geology, chemistry, physics, and engineering. Environmental Consultants Working Towards Environmental Sustainability Environmental consultants generally provide professional services that aim towards…
Twinning Definition Twinning is the observed intergrowth of multiple crystals in a symmetrical fashion. This term applies to the examination of rock thin sections, in the field of optical mineralogy.
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…
What is an Embankment Dam? An Embankment Dam is a freshwater-retaining structure comprising excavated rock, soil, or a combination of rock and soil from nearby geological formations. In fact, Embankment Dams are known as an “Earthfill Dam” when filled with soil, and a “Rockfill Dam” when filled with rocks. Earthfill Dams are most common. The…
