Moment Magnitude (M)
Moment Magnitude (M): In the seismology branch of geology, moment magnitude is the magnitude of an earthquake that scientists estimate by using the Seismic Moment.
Moment Magnitude (M): In the seismology branch of geology, moment magnitude is the magnitude of an earthquake that scientists estimate by using the Seismic Moment.

Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs): Polychlorinated Biphenyl (PCBs) are highly toxic human-engineered chlorinated hydrocarbons that have been used around the world as enhancers to hydraulic oil and electrical insulators. PCBs were applied for maintaining low flammability rates, high boiling points, and stronger chemical stability. As of 1979, PCBs have been banned from use in…

Dry Strength “Dry Strength” is a value that represents the strength of a soil sample, when dry, as determined by the crushing test. There is a common geotechnical engineering laboratory procedure for determining the cohesiveness or plasticity of a sample with organic or inorganic clays and silts.

Environmental Geology Environmental Geology: (en·vi·ron·men·tal ge·ol·o·gy) a branch of geology that relates to the impact of human activity on Earth, and the pollution of geologic formations, reserves, and resources. Common focus points of environmental geology are contaminated soil, groundwater aquifers, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Professional geologists assess and remediate contamination plumes in all media,…

Geology Geology: Geology is a field of science relating to the earth, including but not limited to the earth’s resources, physical processes, chemical properties, history, and future. Additionally, the science of geology includes the study of other terrestrial planets, such as Mercury, Venus, or Mars. Branches of Geology There are numerous branches of geology that…

Terrestrial Planet Definition A terrestrial planet is any planet in the universe that has earth-like composition, such as rocks, and other similar solid substances. For instance, Mars is a terrestrial planet in our solar system, whereas Jupiter is not. This is because modern geologists, astrophysicists, and astronomers understand Mars to contain solid formations correlative to…

Volcanic Rock (Igneous) Definition A “Volcanic Rock” is an igneous rock that is finely crystalline and glassy (or aphanitic). To illustrate, volcanic rocks result from volcanic action at the earth’s surface. Typically, this also includes igneous intrusions that are “near-surface,” which may otherwise be considered plutonic. This action results in a final rock that is…