geological
relating to the earth’s physical structure
About the earth’s rocks, shape, and how the earth has changed over a very long time.
geological [noun]
- The region is famous for its unusual geological formations and rich fossil beds.
- Scientists used geological data to understand how the mountain range was created.
- Over geological time, the movement of tectonic plates has completely reshaped the continents.
- The report included detailed geological maps showing fault lines and rock types.
- Oil companies study the geological structure of an area before deciding where to drill.
- We learned about geological changes in our earth science class.
- This area has many interesting geological rocks and layers.
- A geological map shows different kinds of rocks in the ground.
- Geological time is much longer than human history.
- The island was formed by long geological processes under the sea.
- Base: geological
geological fault
1crack in earth’s crust with movement
A long crack in the earth’s outer layer where rocks have moved past each other.
- The city lies directly above a major geological fault.
- Earthquakes often happen along geological faults.
geological feature
1natural landform created by geology
A natural part of the land, like a mountain or valley, that was made by slow earth processes.
- The desert has many striking geological features, including deep canyons.
- Tourists come to see the park’s unique geological features, such as its rock arches.
geological formation
1distinct natural rock layer or structure
A large, natural group or layer of rock in the earth that has a clear shape or type.
- The canyon walls reveal several different geological formations.
- This geological formation was created by volcanic activity millions of years ago.
geological map
1map showing rock types and structures
A special map that shows where different kinds of rocks and earth layers are found on the land.
- The team used a geological map to choose the best place to drill for water.
- This geological map shows the main fault lines running under the city.
geological period
1division of geological time
A named part of earth time, millions of years long, when the earth and life had certain clear features.
- The Jurassic is a well-known geological period when many dinosaurs lived.
- Each geological period is defined by major changes in the fossil record.
geological process
1natural actions that shape the earth
A natural action, like erosion or volcanic activity, that slowly changes the earth’s shape or rocks.
- Erosion is a geological process that wears down mountains over time.
- Volcanic eruptions and earthquakes are powerful geological processes.
geological record
1rock evidence of earth’s past
All the signs of the earth’s past that are kept in rocks and layers in the ground.
- The extinction of the dinosaurs is clearly visible in the geological record.
- Climate changes over millions of years are preserved in the geological record.
geological structure
1arrangement and shapes of rock layers
The way rock layers and cracks are arranged in part of the earth.
- The geological structure of the region explains its frequent earthquakes.
- They built tunnels to avoid the most unstable geological structures.
geological time
1very long periods in earth history
The very long periods of time, often millions of years, over which the earth and its rocks slowly change.
- Mountains form and disappear over geological time, not within a human lifetime.
- On a geological time scale, the age of modern humans is extremely short.
geological survey
1official study of an area’s geology
A careful study and mapping of the rocks, ground, and natural resources in a certain area.
- The Geological Survey published new maps of the region's fault lines.
- The government ordered a geological survey before allowing mining in the region.
- A geological survey found rich mineral deposits in the mountains.
- According to the latest geological survey, the area may contain large oil reserves.