Settlement Definition In the field of geology, The term settlement means a gradual downward movement of the ground surface. This is generally due to soil compression at on a larger scale, atdepths that are below the ground surface.

Mineral Definition A mineral is defined as an inorganic element, compound, or substance that naturally develops with an organized internal structure and/or crystal form over time. Minerals are also distinguishable by their chemical composition and physical properties, as determined in laboratories by geologists. Typical earth minerals found in most igneous, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks are…

Topple Definition Topple – Slope movement due to forces that cause an overturning moment about a pivot point below the center of gravity of the unit.

Single Station Methane Gas Detector Single Station Methane Gas Detector: As per the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Methane Code, Ordinance Number 175790, a single station methane gas detector is a device consisting of electrical components that are capable of measuring methane soil gas concentrations indoors, and initiating an alarm. The single…

Effective Size (D10) “Effective Size” (D10) is an engineering geology term. Effective Size represents a diameter that directly corresponds to the percentage, by weight, of grains that equal to 10% on the grain-size diagram. To illustrate, 10% of the soil sample particles are finer-grained, and 90% of the sample particles are coarser than the “effective…

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.