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

“Test” Definition in Paleontology In the field of paleontology, a subsidiary of geology, the term “test” refers to the external hard part of an invertebrate.

Hardpan (Caliche) “Hardpan” is a highly dense and solid layer of soil near the ground surface, which is usually comprised of clay or silty-clay soils. Hardpan forms by cementation over time, during the process of precipitation of insoluble substances such as calcium carbonates, silica, iron oxides, and other organic matter. “Hardpan” is a term mostly…

Mineral Assemblages Mineral Assemblages: In the field of geology and the branch of mineralogy, the term “mineral assembles” means the minerals that compose a rock, including the different kinds and their relative abundance.

Adsorption “Adsorption” in geology, refers to the attraction and adhesion of the ions or molecules of a solution, onto the surface of a solid.

Perched Groundwater Perched Groundwater – In geology, “perched groundwater” refers to unconfined groundwater which separates from an underlying body of groundwater by an unsaturated zone or vadose zone.