Earth science

Earth science

Any of several geological sciences that are concerned with the earth, its origins, and all of its various structures and physical forms and phenomena.

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Earth science > Geology

hornblende schist

Earth science; Geology

A schist rich in hornblende. Generally with abundant plagioclase feldspar as well. Grades into amphibolite.

hornfels

Earth science; Geology

A dark, very fine-grained metamorphic rock produced by the recrystallization of a fine-grained rock by heat from a nearby igneous intrusion. From the German, meaning horn rock.

hot spot

Earth science; Geology

An area of concentrated heat in the mantle that produces magma that rises to the Earth's surface to form volcanic islands. The volcanic activity of the Hawaiian Islands is one ...

flaggy

Earth science; Geology

Term used to describe sedimentary or metamorphic rocks that tend to split into layers that are 1-10 cm thick.

ablation

Earth science; Geology

As applied to glacier ice, the process by which ice below the snow line is wasted by evaporation and melting.

absolute age

Earth science; Geology

The approximate age of a geologic event, feature, fossil, or rock in years. 'Absolute' ages are determined by using natural radioactive 'clocks'. The preferred term is radiometric ...