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 atmosphere above the troposphere is the stratosphere.
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…
Unconfined Aquifer Unconfined Aquifer: In the hydrogeology branch of geology, an unconfined aquifer is an aquifer that has a water table. In fact, an unconfined aquifer can only be the uppermost hydrogeologic unit and is particularly one that has no hydraulic head (or pressure) that is equal to atmospheric pressure. To illustrate, depth to groundwater…
Well Log (Boring Log) Well Log: A geological well log (or boring log) is a detailed record of subsurface materials encountered during a drilling project. Boring logs, or well logs, are written by a geologist, and describe the physical subsurface characteristics and lithological units encountered during well-plotting. Well logs include information about depth, different formations,…
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…
Reverse Fault Reverse Fault: In the field of geology, a reverse fault is a dip-slip fault in which the hanging wall moves upwards, relative to the footwall. The average dipping angle of a reverse fault ranges from 45 to 90 degrees. However, if less than 45 degrees, it becomes a “thrust fault.” Reverse faults are…
Hardpan (Caliche) “Hardpan” is a highly dense and solid layer of soil near the ground surface, which is usually comprised of clay or silty-clay soils. Hardpan forms by cementation over time, during the process of precipitation of insoluble substances such as calcium carbonates, silica, iron oxides, and other organic matter. “Hardpan” is a term mostly…
