What is a Concrete Gravity Dam? A Concrete Gravity Dam is also known as “Gravity Arch Dam,” and is a freshwater-retaining concrete structure that has a wider footing (base) than the top-section. The purpose of a Concrete Gravity Dam is to maintain a low center of gravity, in order to avoid collapsing in the event…

Index Fossil Definition An Index fossil, in the field of paleontology, refers to a fossil that identifies and dates the stratigraphic unit that it is observed to exist in. Index fossils can combine a wide geographic range. And they can really narrow down the classifications of most stratigraphic units.

Strike-Slip Fault or Transform Fault Strike-Slip Fault (Transform Fault): In the field of geology, a strike-slip fault, or a transform fault, is a fault in which movement is parallel to the strike of the fault plane. The opposite of a strike-slip fault is a dip-slip fault. Left-Lateral or Right-Lateral Strike-Slip Fault A transform fault can…

Liquefaction Liquefaction: Liquefaction is the process by which there is: (1) a sudden and significant decrease of shear resistance in a soil sample (cohesion-less); (2) a sudden (but temporary) increase of the pore-water pressure of a substance; and (3) a solid mass of soil that is transformed into a fluid state mass. In the event…

Ultramafic Definition In the study of geology, the term “ultramafic” refers to an igneous rock that comprises up to 90% mafic minerals, or more.

“Toe” of a Slope Definition The “toe” of a slope is essentially the bottom, or baseline section, of the soil mass comprising the slope. It is also defined as the outermost margin of displaced material during a landslide. The toe of a slope is farthest away from the head scarp.