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

Twinning Definition Twinning is the observed intergrowth of multiple crystals in a symmetrical fashion. This term applies to the examination of rock thin sections, in the field of optical mineralogy.

Environmental Compliance Definition Environmental Compliance: Environmental Compliance is the action and fact by which an individual or business complies with every applicable environmental law, standard, code, policy, and regulation. Environmental Compliance is required for any entity to become a qualifying environmentally sustainable organization and is a priority for public health matters and business ethics. Essentially,…

Direct Shear Test A Direct Shear Test is a geotechnical engineering laboratory procedure that measures the shear strength value of a soil sample.

Plutonic Rock (Igneous) Definition The term “Plutonic” in the field of geology refers to an igneous rock, wherein the magma had originally cooled, solidified, and crystalized underground. A plutonic rock is generally coarsely crystalline (phaneritic) and is formed during a massive geologic intrusion of magma. In fact, outcropping (or daylighting) plutonic rocks are geologic features…

Fault Scarp Fault Scarp: In the field of geology, a dip-slip fault scarp is a steep slope that is formed directly by fault movement. It occurs along the line of a normal fault, reverse fault, or transform fault. A fault scarp represents the planer surface of the fault before erosion and weathering modify it.