Sand Boil A “Sand Boil” is a cone-shaped deposit of sand that is formed during an earthquake. A Sand Boil occurs when subsurface sand layers liquefy and are then blown to the surface through cracks.

Diagenesis Diagenesis: In geology, diagenesis refers to the physical and chemical changes of a sedimentary formation when compaction and lithification occur over time.

Mafic Definition In geology, “mafic” is a term that describes an igneous rock that has an abundance of darker color minerals.

Runoff (R) The term “Runoff” (R) in hydrogeology and geology refers to the part of rainfall which accumulates on the ground surface and naturally forms into flowing streams.

Geosyncline Geosyncline: In geology, a geosyncline is a large-scale indentation in the Earth’s crust that is filled with sediments. A geosyncline forms due to the gradual sinking of the Earth’s crust, causing sediment from adjacent areas to gather inside. An example of a geosyncline is the Appalachian Mountains.