Wing Dam or Wing Dike A “Wing Dam” or “Wing Dike” refers to a dam that intentionally retains a fraction of the width of a flowing water source. Unlike a conventional dam, a wind dam aims to divert the path of water flow. Additionally, a wing dike can control the velocity of water flow. For…

Transgression Transgression: In geology, the term transgression is the formation of a specific sequence of sedimentary and metamorphic layers, that are the result of ocean water advancing onto land. To illustrate, when transgression occurs over millions of years, geologists find a layer of sand, overlain by shale, and overlain again by limestone. The opposite of…

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…

Dip-Slip Fault Dip-Slip Fault: In geology, a dip-slip fault is any fault in which the earth’s movement is parallel with the dip of the fault plane. For example, a normal fault, reverse fault, or listric fault. The opposite of a dip-slip fault is a strike-slip fault.

Lithosphere Lithosphere: The lithosphere comprises the Earth’s crust as well as part of the upper mantle. In fact, the lithosphere is approximately 100 kilometers thick and is relatively strong as compared to the underlying asthenosphere.