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Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 6-7) - Geology

Here, you will learn some English words related to Geology that are necessary for the Academic IELTS exam.

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Vocabulary for Academic IELTS (6-7)
crust
crust
[noun]

the outermost layer of the Earth, consisting of solid rock and divided into the continental crust and the oceanic crust

Ex: The Earth 's crust is divided into tectonic plates that move and interact , leading to phenomena like earthquakes and volcanic activity .
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sediment
sediment
[noun]

particles of solid material that settle at the bottom of a liquid

Ex: Archaeologists sifted through layers of sediment to uncover ancient artifacts .
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erosion
erosion
[noun]

the process by which soil and rock are gradually destroyed and removed by natural forces such as wind, water, and ice

Ex: Over time , the constant pounding of waves can contribute to the erosion of cliffs along a coastline .
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stratum
stratum
[noun]

(geology) a distinct layer of rock or sediment

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mineralogy

the scientific study of minerals, their composition, properties, and classification, often involving the analysis of crystal structures and the identification of various mineral species

Ex: X-ray diffraction is a technique employed in mineralogy to determine the crystal structure of minerals .
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petrology
petrology
[noun]

the branch of geology that focuses on the study of rocks, their classification, composition, origin, and the processes involved in their formation

Ex: Petrology contributes to environmental studies by examining the impact of human activities on rock formations and soil composition .
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geomorphology

the scientific study of landforms, their origin, development, and classification, often examining the processes that shape the Earth's surface, such as erosion, deposition, and tectonic activity

Ex: Wind erosion and deposition contribute to the development of unique desert landforms studied in geomorphology.
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stalactite

a tapering, icicle-like mineral formation hanging from the roof of a cave or underground structure, typically composed of calcium carbonate deposited by dripping water containing dissolved minerals

Ex: The growth rate of a stalactite depends on factors such as mineral content and water flow.
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stalagmite

a cone-shaped mineral formation rising from the floor of a cave or underground structure, formed by the deposition of minerals from dripping water containing dissolved substances

Ex: Explorers and spelunkers appreciate the unique shapes and sizes of stalagmites found in different caves .
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eon
eon
[noun]

a vast and longest subdivision of geological time

Ex: Each eon is marked by distinctive characteristics and transitions , offering insights into the dynamic nature of our planet over immense time spans .
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pangea
pangea
[noun]

a supercontinent that existed during the late Paleozoic and early Mesozoic eras, comprising most of Earth's landmasses fused together before breaking apart into the continents we recognize today

Ex: Pangaea included present-day continents like North America, South America, Africa, Europe, Antarctica, Australia, and Asia.
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gondwanaland

an ancient supercontinent that included South America, Africa, Antarctica, Australia, the Indian subcontinent, and the Arabian Peninsula

Ex: The Gondwanan remnants can be observed in similarities between the geology and fossils of the continents it comprised.
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laurasia
laurasia
[noun]

a hypothetical ancient supercontinent that existed from the late Precambrian to the Jurassic period, comprising the landmasses of present-day North America, Europe, Asia, and parts of Antarctica, before it began to break apart

Ex: Geological features and rock formations on continents like North America and Eurasia provide clues to Laurasia's existence.
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hydrosphere

the total amount of water on Earth, including oceans, seas, lakes, rivers, groundwater, and atmospheric water vapor

Ex: Ocean currents, driven by the hydrosphere, influence global climate patterns and weather systems.
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superposition

a principle in geology stating that in a sequence of undisturbed sedimentary rock layers, the youngest rocks are at the top, and the oldest rocks are at the bottom, helping determine the relative ages of geological formations

Ex: Superposition is a key tool for correlating rock formations across different locations and regions .
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outcrop
outcrop
[noun]

a visible exposure of rock or geological strata at the Earth's surface, often occurring on hillsides, cliffs, or other elevated areas, providing insight into the underlying geological structure

Ex: Fossils embedded in the outcrop offered a glimpse into the prehistoric life that once inhabited the region .
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bedrock
bedrock
[noun]

solid rock beneath surface materials, forming the Earth's crust foundation

Ex: Fossils embedded in the bedrock provided valuable information about ancient ecosystems and environmental conditions .
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mantle
mantle
[noun]

the region of the Earth's interior, lying beneath the crust and extending to the outer core, composed of solid rock that can deform and flow over geological time scales

Ex: Rocks in the upper mantle exhibit properties that allow them to undergo plastic deformation over long periods.
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