Mesosphere Mesosphere: The mesosphere of a terrestrial planet is the third member of the atmosphere. On Earth, the mesosphere starts atop the stratosphere at approximately 50 kilometers above mean sea level and terminates roughly 85 kilometers above mean sea level. The mesosphere is where most meteors burn to determination. Like the stratosphere, the air in…

Hydro-Compaction Definition (Hydrocompaction) The term “Hydro-Compaction” or “Hydrocompaction” in engineering geology refers to the process whereby soils collapse upon saturation. Hydrocompaction can also be called “Hydro-Consolidation.”

U-Shaped Kitchen U-Shaped Kitchen: A U-shaped kitchen, or a horseshoe kitchen, is a general kitchen plan layout with counters, walls, and cabinets that generally form a square-like or rectangular-like shape of the letter “u.”  In the State of California (and other states with similar building code standards), U-shaped kitchens must have a minimum of 60-inches…

“Test” Definition in Paleontology In the field of paleontology, a subsidiary of geology, the term “test” refers to the external hard part of an invertebrate.

What is a Concrete Slab and Buttress Dam? A Concrete Slab and Buttress Dam is a freshwater-retaining structure comprising reinforced concrete slabs that are supported in-place by buttresses. The foundation of a Concrete Slab and Buttress Dam receives a large load. Thus, the foundation must be structurally sound, impervious, and competent. The alternative types of dams…

Phaneritic Definition In geology, the term Phaneritic applies to the texture of an igneous rock. A phaneritic plutonic rock has grains that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye. In fact, this indicates there was a slower rate of magmatic cooling.