In the fields of geology and mineralogy, the term “silicates” refers to compounds whose crystal structure contains SiO4 tetrahedra. Silicates are either isolated or joined to form groups, rings, single or double chains, sheets, or three-dimensional frameworks.
Lithosphere Lithosphere: The lithosphere comprises the Earth’s crust as well as part of the upper mantle. In fact, the lithosphere is approximately 100 kilometers thick and is relatively strong as compared to the underlying asthenosphere.
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…
Biogenic Gas Biogenic Gas: In geology, biogenic gas refers to natural gas that is the byproduct of the microbial decomposition of biological and organic matter. For instance, methane soil gas on Earth is typically a biogenic gas resulting from the decomposition of organic soil zones, landfills, marshes, and swamplands. Alternatively, natural gas can be petrogenic…
Permeability “Permeability” in engineering geology and geotechnical engineering refers to the property of a soil sample (or porous rock) which relates to transmitting a fluid within. Permeability measures the relative case of flow under unequal pressure. Permeability is calculated using Darcy’s Law.
Engineering Geology or Geological Engineering Engineering Geology: Engineering geology is also referred to as “geological engineering,” and is a branch of geology that relates to the study of earth materials and processes, that are juxtaposed to proposed structures such as buildings, retaining walls, dams, roads, pipelines, and more. Whereby geologists assess any potential levels of…
Mafic Definition In geology, “mafic” is a term that describes an igneous rock that has an abundance of darker color minerals.
