Troposphere Troposphere: The troposphere of a terrestrial planet is the lowest member of the atmosphere. On Earth, the troposphere starts atop the ground surface and terminates roughly 10 kilometers above mean sea level. In fact, geologists understand that most of the Earth’s water vapor (clouds) exists in the troposphere. And the next member of the…

Hydro-Geology (Hydrogeology) Hydro-Geology (Hydrogeology): Hydrogeology is a branch of geology that relates to the study of the earth’s natural groundwater and surface water systems. Whereby geologists study the physical and chemical properties of unconfined aquifers, confined aquifers, river systems, lake beds, oceanwater, natural geysers, and more.

Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor: A Methane Mitigation Soil Gas Pressure Sensor is a device that measures and communicates sub-slab soil gas pressure to a methane control panel system. High levels of methane soil gas then trigger the integrated methane alarm system to notify occupants of danger. Much…

Natural Gas Natural Gas: In geology, natural gas means combustible hydrocarbon gas that forms by natural geological or biological processes. To illustrate, natural gas that forms by geological processes is the thermal decomposition of buried organic materials. Whereas natural gas that forms via biological processes entail the microbial decomposition of buried organic material. Natural gas…

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

Body-Wave Magnitude Body-Wave Magnitude: A method for determining earthquake size from the amplitude of body waves. The body-wave magnitude focuses on P-waves and S-waves, which travel faster through the Earth’s crust and mantle.