Effective Size (D10) “Effective Size” (D10) is an engineering geology term. Effective Size represents a diameter that directly corresponds to the percentage, by weight, of grains that equal to 10% on the grain-size diagram. To illustrate, 10% of the soil sample particles are finer-grained, and 90% of the sample particles are coarser than the “effective…

Metamorphic Rock Definition In the field of geology, the term “Metamorphic Rock” refers to a rock classification that is the result of the alteration of prior existing sedimentary rocks or igneous rocks. The alteration process is “metamorphosis, and can take place by various methods and environments. The metamorphosis process produces specific metamorphic rocks, on the…

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…

Sand Boil A “Sand Boil” is a cone-shaped deposit of sand that is formed during an earthquake. A Sand Boil occurs when subsurface sand layers liquefy and are then blown to the surface through cracks.

Sedimentary Rock Definition In geology, the term “Sedimentary Rock” refers to the classification of rock that is the result of the gradual consolidation and deposition of loose particles of other rock classifications (igneous or metamorphic). Alternatively, sedimentary rocks can also form by the accumulation and precipitation of other natural chemical solutions in a depositional environment….

U-Shaped Kitchen U-Shaped Kitchen: A U-shaped kitchen, or a horseshoe kitchen, is a general kitchen plan layout with counters, walls, and cabinets that generally form a square-like or rectangular-like shape of the letter “u.”  In the State of California (and other states with similar building code standards), U-shaped kitchens must have a minimum of 60-inches…