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

Liquid Limit (LL) “Liquid Limit (LL)” in the field of geological engineering, refers to the upper limit of the “plastic state.” This is a separation of the plastic phase and viscous liquid phase when measuring soil consistency. Mathematically, it is the water content (basing on the percent of dry weight), at which two sections of…

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…

Thrust Fault Thrust Fault: In the field of geology, a thrust fault is a reverse fault in which the fault plane dipping angle is less than 45 degrees. Thrust faults are dip-slip faults, and can also be listric faults. For instance, the fault underlying the western embankment of the historical St. Francis Dam in Saugus,…

Biogenic Gas Biogenic Gas: In geology, biogenic gas refers to natural gas that is the byproduct of the microbial decomposition of biological and organic matter. For instance, methane soil gas on Earth is typically a biogenic gas resulting from the decomposition of organic soil zones, landfills, marshes, and swamplands. Alternatively, natural gas can be petrogenic…

Dilatancy “Dilatancy” is the increase in the bulk volume of a soil substance during deformation. Dilatancy is caused by the change from a close-pack structure to an open-pack structure.

Perforated Horizontal Pipe in Methane Mitigation Perforated Horizontal Pipe: As per the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety (LADBS) Methane Code, Ordinance Number 175790, a perforated horizontal pipe is a PVC or ABS pipe that contains a series of small holes or narrow openings placed equidistantly along the length of the pipe, and is…