Consistency The term “Consistency” in the fields of engineering geology and geotechnical engineering means the degree of adhesion between soil particles within a sample, that are observed to resist deformation or rupture.

Cation Cation: In the fields of chemistry and geochemistry, a cation is a positively charged ion. The oppositely charged ion is an anion.

Volcanology Volcanology: Volcanology is a branch of geology that focuses on the study of volcanos. In volcanology, geologists conduct field and laboratory investigations to learn about continental, coastal, and submarine volcanic activities. In fact, volcanology ties into many other branches of geology. For instance, a volcanologist may study the geochemistry of igneous rocks, such as…

Confined Aquifer Confined Aquifer: In the hydrogeology branch of geology, a confined aquifer is an aquifer that is overlain (and underlain) by a layer of low permeability, such as clay, shale, or silty clay. In fact, the two confining layers contain the storage and flow of groundwater, such that the aquifer maintains hydraulic pressure (or…

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.

Fault Creep 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.