In the field of geology, a rock stratigraphic unit, or a lithostratigraphic unit, is a geologic formation that is identifiable by a specific lithology, as well as a consistent stratigraphic position. For example, the Monterey Formation is a rock stratigraphic unit, as it tends to consistently comprise the same gravel and sand types, and consistently makes contact with other geologic formations, as it spans across the entire western portion of California.
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.
Monoculture Definition The term “Monoculture,” in the fields of farming and agriculture, refers to a cultivation system that comprises only one organism. For instance, an entire crop field that only grows carrots. In a monoculture, there is no symbiosis between different species. As a result, there isn’t any comingling with other organisms. In fact, for…
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…
Focus (Hypocenter) Focus (Hypocenter): In the seismology branch of geology, a focus, or hypocenter, refers to the specific place where an earthquake rupture originates. The focus, or hypocenter, underlies the epicenter when an earthquake occurs at a dip-slip fault, strike-slip fault, oblique-slip fault, or listric fault. In the event of an earthquake, geologists, and seismologists…
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…
Dry Density (ρd) “Dry Density” (ρd) is a value that represents the density of soil when it is completely dry. To illustrate, it equates to (“bulk density” / 1) + “water content.” This is a common geotechnical engineering laboratory procedure. Dry Density Formula Dry Density = [(Bulk Density ÷ 1) + (Water Content)]
