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.
Unconfined Aquifer Unconfined Aquifer: In the hydrogeology branch of geology, an unconfined aquifer is an aquifer that has a water table. In fact, an unconfined aquifer can only be the uppermost hydrogeologic unit and is particularly one that has no hydraulic head (or pressure) that is equal to atmospheric pressure. To illustrate, depth to groundwater…
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…
Phaneritic Definition In geology, the term Phaneritic applies to the texture of an igneous rock. A phaneritic plutonic rock has grains that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. In fact, this indicates there was a slower rate of magmatic cooling.
Environmental Compliance Definition Environmental Compliance: Environmental Compliance is the action and fact by which an individual or business complies with every applicable environmental law, standard, code, policy, and regulation. Environmental Compliance is required for any entity to become a qualifying environmentally sustainable organization and is a priority for public health matters and business ethics. Essentially,…
Natural Gas Natural Gas: In geology, natural gas means combustible hydrocarbon gas that forms by natural geological or biological processes. To illustrate, natural gas that forms by geological processes is the thermal decomposition of buried organic materials. Whereas natural gas that forms via biological processes entail the microbial decomposition of buried organic material. Natural gas…
Transmissivity Transmissivity: In geology and hydrogeology, transmissivity (T) represents the capacity of an aquifer to transmit water of the prevailing kinematic viscosity. Formula T=Kb, where b = saturated thickness of the aquifer. Dimensions are gallons per day per foot (gpd/ft) or feet squared per day (ft^2/day).
