Cation Cation: In the fields of chemistry and geochemistry, a cation is a positively charged ion. The oppositely charged ion is an anion.

Degree of Saturation (SR) “Degree of Saturation” (SR) is an engineering geology term and refers to the ratio of the volume of water to the total volume of void space. The Degree of Saturation or SR-value ranges from 0% to 100% (0% being completely dry, and 100% being fully saturated). Degree of Saturation Formula Degree…

Methane Alarm System Methane Alarm System: As per the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Methane Code, Ordinance Number 175790, a methane alarm system is part of an active methane mitigation plan. A methane alarm system is a group of interacting components and circuits that synchronize to monitor and annunciate the status of…

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.

Water Table Water Table: In the hydrogeology branch of geology, the water table represents the surface of an unconfined groundwater aquifer, where the hydraulic pressure is equal to atmospheric pressure. Additionally, a water table is present in a perched groundwater zone. Although, there is no water table in a confined aquifer.

Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act: The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act is a law that assists geologists to define “active faults” versus “potentially active faults.” The process entails using the same aging criteria as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the California Geological Survey (CGS). In fact, California policy requires…