(Encyclopedia) geology, science of the earth's history, composition, and structure, and the associated processes. It draws upon chemistry, biology, physics, astronomy, and mathematics (notably…
THE FOSSIL RECORDRADIOMETRIC DATINGFIND OUT MOREGeologists (scientists who study rocks) divide the time since the Earth was formed until today into chunks called periods. During the various…
Geological TimeTheories of the UniverseCracks in a Newtonian WorldFaster Than a Speeding Light WaveIt All Depends on Your PositionThe Relative Nature of Space and TimeGeological TimeHow Can You Be in…
(Encyclopedia) conglomerate, in geology, sedimentary rock composed largely of pebbles or other rounded particles whose diameter is larger than 2 mm (.08 in.). Essentially a cemented gravel,…
(Encyclopedia) joint, in geology, fracture in rocks along which no appreciable movement has occurred (see fault). Nearly vertical, or sheet, joints that result from shrinkage during cooling are…
(Encyclopedia) mesamesamāˈsə [key] [Span.,=table], name given in the SW United States to a small, isolated tableland or a flat-topped hill. Two or more of the sides are steep and usually…
(Encyclopedia) butte, an isolated hill with steep sides and a flat top, resulting from the more rapid erosion of the surrounding areas. Buttes are characteristic of the plains of the W United States…
(Encyclopedia) boulder, large rock fragment formed by detachment from its parent consolidated rock by weathering and erosion. In engineering and geology, especially in the United States, the term is…
(Encyclopedia) spring, in geology, natural flow of water from the ground or from rocks, representing an outlet for the water that has accumulated in permeable rock strata underground. Some of the…
