Metamorphic Rock Definition In the field of geology, the term “Metamorphic Rock” refers to a rock classification that is the result of the alteration of prior existing sedimentary rocks or igneous rocks. The alteration process is “metamorphosis, and can take place by various methods and environments. The metamorphosis process produces specific metamorphic rocks, on the…

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…

What is a Concrete Arch Dam? A Concrete Arch Dam is a curved freshwater-retaining structure that is concave in the hydro-geologically down-gradient direction, and uniformly thick from the base to top. With Concrete Arch Dams, a major part of the water load value gets distributed to the abutments of the dam. Thus, Concrete Arch Dams…

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.

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…

Runoff (R) The term “Runoff” (R) in hydrogeology and geology refers to the part of rainfall which accumulates on the ground surface and naturally forms into flowing streams.