Geology

Geology

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

Contributors in Geology

Geology

The gaseous envelope surrounding the Earth. The mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth, being held thereto by gravity. It consists by volume of 78% nitrogen, 21% oxygen, 0.9% argon, 0.03% carbon ...

Big bang

Earth science; Geology

One theory of the origin of the universe that proposes a tremendous release of energy (i.e.an explosion) called the "big bang" which initiated the formation of matter approximately 15 billion years ...

Blockbusting

Earth science; Geology

An American term related to estate agents. This is a process whereby the racial composition of an area is changed (i.e. from black to white) perhaps by introducing black families to a white ...

Breaker

Earth science; Geology

A wave that has become so steep that the crest of the wave topples forward, moving faster than the main body of the wave. Breakers may be roughly classified into four kinds, although there is much ...

Compositional maturity

Earth science; Geology

Extent to which a clastic sediment approaches the compositional end product of chemical weathering; the extent to which the most stable components of a sediment have been enriched over unstable ...

Barrier island

Earth science; Geology

A ridge of sand that runs parallel to the main coast but is separated from it by a bay or lagoon. Barrier islands range from 10 to 100 kilometres in length and from 2 to 5 kilometres in width. A ...