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

Oblique-Slip Fault Oblique-Slip Fault: In geology, an oblique-slip fault is a fault that moves parallel to the strike or dip of the fault plane.

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

Juvenile Water Juvenile Water: In geology, juvenile water is water derived directly from magma, introduced into the Earth’s surface through geological processes such as magmatic and volcanic activity. Since juvenile water is derived from Earth’s center, its characteristics, are associated with higher temperatures and pressures.

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

Asthenosphere Asthenosphere: The asthenosphere underlies the lithosphere. The Asthenosphere comprises the upper mantle, where isostatic adjustments are made, and where magma is generated. It is also in this part of the earth, where seismic waves strongly attenuate.