Geology

Geology

The science that comprises the study of the solid Earth and the processes by which it is shaped and changed.

Contributors in Geology

Geology

A gravity-induced flow of one current through, over, or under another fluid media, owing to density differences. Factors affecting density differences include temperature, salinity, and concentration ...

desert

Earth science; Geology

A region with an average annual rainfall of 10 inches or less.

desert pavement

Earth science; Geology

A closely-packed surface layer of coarse pebbles and gravel.

diagenesis

Earth science; Geology

A group of processes that cause physical and chemical changes in sediment after it has been deposited and buried under another layer of sediment. Diagenesis may culminate in lithification of ...

diapir

Earth science; Geology

Forceful, upward intrusion of a rock mass into overlying rock. In the case of an igneous diapir, the intruding rock may be magma or a crystal-rich mush, either of which is less dense than the ...

diatreme

Earth science; Geology

A general term for a volcanic vent or pipe drilled through enclosing rocks (usually flat-lying sedimentary rocks) by the explosive energy of gas-charged magmas. The diamond-bearing kimberlite pipes ...