Geology

Geology

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

Industry: Earth science

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Geology

inner core

Earth science; Geology

The innermost layer of Earth. Consists of solid iron and nickel.

intensity

Earth science; Geology

One way to measure the strength of an earthquake. Intensity measures of the effects of an earthquake on buildings and the reactions of people. Compare with magnitude.

An area in which surface water cannot reach the ocean. Any water that falls into an area with internal drainage as rain or snow does not escape out of it; not one of the streams that originate within ...

intrusion

Earth science; Geology

Emplacement of magma (molten rock) into preexisting rock. Dikes, sills, and batholiths are intrusions.

intrusive rock

Earth science; Geology

Igneous rock that cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface. (= plutonic rock)

island arc

Earth science; Geology

An arc-shaped chain of volcanic islands produced where an oceanic plate is sinking (subducting) beneath another.

isotope

Earth science; Geology

Atoms that differ in atomic mass number , but not in atomic number , are called isotopes. For example, oxygen (atomic number 8) may have an atomic mass number of 16, 17, or 18, depending on whether ...