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

Twinning Definition Twinning is the observed intergrowth of multiple crystals in a symmetrical fashion. This term applies to the examination of rock thin sections, in the field of optical mineralogy.

Connate Water Definition Connate Water: In geology, connate water is groundwater that has been trapped within the pore space of a sedimentary rock since its original deposition. Connate water is also referred to as “fossil water” due to a long history of non-exposure.

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…

Soil Creep Definition Soil Creep is a type of landslide that entails the slow and gradual movement of a soil mass (or even some loose rock) materials.

Contact Metamorphism Contact Metamorphism – Metamorphism is associated with the intrusion of an igneous mass. Metamorphic changes are caused principally by heat, but also by magma composition and deformation related to the intrusion. Pressures are relatively low (<3000 bars) while temperatures range from 200°C to 1000°C.