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.
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.

Retaining Wall Retaining Wall: A structure that provides the support needed to hold (in place) a mass of earth, preventing it from moving downhill. Retaining walls are relatively rigid structures comprising footings and a drainage system, in order to retain the soils between two different elevations. Updated May 25, 2020. Construction & Design A lot…

Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act: The Alquist-Priolo Earthquake Fault Zoning Act is a law that assists geologists to define “active faults” versus “potentially active faults.” The process entails using the same aging criteria as the United States Geological Survey (USGS) and the California Geological Survey (CGS). In fact, California policy requires…

Listric Fault Listric Fault: In the field of geology, a listric fault refers to a fault with a curved fault plane. Most listric faults comprise a steeply dipping section near the surface. But the fault plane becomes increasingly flat with depth. Listric faults can be normal faults or reverse faults.

Environmental Law Environmental Law refers to the various categories of law that are put in place to protect the quality and condition of the earth and the environment. This sect of law aims to protect the well being of people and to preserve the earth’s natural resources, reserves, and wildlife. In fact, environmental laws apply…

Mineraloid Definition The term “mineraloid” refers to a natural earth substance that appears to be similar to a genuine mineral, although lacks any form of internal structure and crystal form. Nonetheless, a mineraloid does comprise true minerals within it. For instance, Fire Opal and Blue Opal are not minerals because they are amorphous (do not…

Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH) Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH): The term “Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons” represents the complete carbon chain of hydrocarbon compounds that originate from petroleum. In general there are three ranges of TPH: Gasoline Range Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH-g); Diesel Range Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH-d); and Oil Range Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH-o). Gasoline range TPH represents the…