Intrusive Rocks In the volcanology branch of geology, intrusive rocks are igneous rocks that form and crystallize under the Earth’s ground surfaces, within other geologic formations. In fact, intrusive rocks form by the process of magma shooting through pre-existing sedimentary, igneous or metamorphic rocks. For instance, a pegmatite dyke or a batholith. On the other…

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.

Surface-Wave Magnitude “Surface-Wave Magnitude” is the magnitude of an earthquake that scientists estimate using measurements of the amplitude of surface waves.

Stratosphere Stratosphere: The stratosphere of a terrestrial planet is the second-lowest member of the atmosphere. On Earth, the stratosphere starts atop the troposphere at approximately 10 kilometers above mean sea level, and terminates roughly 50 kilometers above mean sea level. In fact, geologists understand that the Earth’s ozone layer exists within the stratosphere, which absorbs…

Oblique-Slip Fault Oblique-Slip Fault: In geology, an oblique-slip fault is a fault that moves parallel to the strike or dip of the fault plane.

Gravel Blanket in Methane Mitigation A gravel blanket is a 2-inch or 4-inch thick layer of gravel, sand, or approved material that transmits methane soil gas to the horizontal sub-slab perforated pipes and verticle vent riser of a passive methane mitigation system.