Geology

Geology

The science that comprises the study of the solid Earth and the processes by which it is shaped and changed.

Industry: Earth science

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Geology

Compound volcano

Earth science; Geology

A volcano that consists of a complex of two or more vents, or a volcano that has an associated volcanic dome, either in its crater or on its flanks. Examples are Vesuvius and Mont Pelee.

Beach drift

Earth science; Geology

(1) The process by which swash and backwash move sediments along a beach face. (2) The sediments so moved. Beach drift typically consists of sand, gravel, shell fragments, and pebbles.

Continental slope

Earth science; Geology

That part of the continental margin that lies between the continental shelf and the continental rise. Slope relatively steep, 3o – 6o. The continental slope is underlain by crustal rocks of the ...

Albedo

Earth science; Geology

The percent of the incoming radiation that is reflected by a natural surface such as the ground, ice, snow, water. Atmospheric albedo includes clouds and particulates in the atmosphere.

Cirque

Earth science; Geology

A steep-walled hollow in a mountain side, shaped like an amphitheater, or bowl, with one side partially cut away. Place of origin of a mountain glacier.

Continental divide

Earth science; Geology

A major drainage divide separating the drainage to one ocean from another.

Bergeron-findeison process

Earth science; Geology

A method of explaining how rain is formed at extremely low temperatures. Rain is formed in this process when water coalesces around ice crystals in clouds. This is used as the basis of cloud seeding.