Porosity (n) “Porosity” (n), in the geological engineering field, is a percentage value that represents the bulk volume of a rock or soil, that is occupied by the void space within. Porosity (n) Formula Porosity (n) = [(Volume of Voids ÷ Total Volume) x 100%]

Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs): Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) are highly toxic human-engineered chlorinated hydrocarbons that have been used around the world as enhancers to hydraulic oil and electrical insulators. PCBs were applied for maintaining low flammability rates, high boiling points, and stronger chemical stability. As of 1979, PCBs have been banned from use in…

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…

Facies Facies: In the field of geology, the term “facies” represents a mappable, areally restricted part of a rock body that has different fossils or lithology from other contiguous beds deposited at the same time.

Seiche Definition The term “Seiche” in geology refers to a wave-oscillation, that comes from any surface body of water, that is initiated by an earthquake or changes in atmospheric pressure. For instance, the rippling waters of a lake or at the bay of an ocean.

Rock Stratigraphic Unit 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…