Ultramafic Definition
In the study of geology, the term “ultramafic” refers to an igneous rock that comprises up to 90% mafic minerals, or more.
In the study of geology, the term “ultramafic” refers to an igneous rock that comprises up to 90% mafic minerals, or more.

Runoff (R) The term “Runoff” (R) in hydrogeology and geology refers to the part of rainfall which accumulates on the ground surface and naturally forms into flowing streams.

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

Maximum Soil Screening Levels (MSLs) Maximum Soil Screening Levels (MSLs): MSLs are a list of risk-based hydrocarbon concentrations for soil pollution evaluations, that is developed by the California Regional Water Quality Control Board. These screening levels are based on the Leaking Underground Fuel Tanks (LUFT) Manual, for cleaning up soil contamination from leaking USTs. However, MSLs…

Translational Slide Landslide Translational Slide: In the seismology branch of geology, a translational slide is a type of landslide movement that occurs predominantly along a planar surface. Alternatively, this movement can occur along gently undulating surfaces. For instance, the Palona Schist metamorphic bedrock on the eastern embankment of the former St. Francis Dam comprises an…

Hooke’s Law “Hooke’s Law” is a geological statement relating to the elastic deformation of rocks. Hooke’s Law states the strain of an earth-material is linearly proportional to the applied stress.

Juvenile Water Juvenile Water: In geology, juvenile water is water derived directly from magma, introduced into the Earth’s surface through geological processes such as magmatic and volcanic activity. Since juvenile water is derived from Earth’s center, its characteristics, are associated with higher temperatures and pressures.