Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 8-9) - Geology

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

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plate

[noun]

a large, rigid section of the Earth's lithosphere that moves, leading to geological activity like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions

Ex: The movement of the Nazca Plate beneath the South American Plate leads to the formation of the Andes and volcanic activity.

tectonics

[noun]

the scientific study of the Earth's lithosphere and the processes that shape its structure, including the movement of tectonic plates, earthquakes, and volcanic activity

Ex: Tectonics is a multidisciplinary science that integrates geophysics , geology , and geochemistry to unravel the complexities of Earth 's lithospheric processes .

fissure

[noun]

(in geology) a narrow break or crack that partially divides a rock or surface without completely separating it

Ex: The tectonic plates pulled apart , causing a fissure to emerge in the earth 's surface .

subduction

[noun]

a geological process where one tectonic plate moves under another and sinks into the Earth's mantle

Ex: The Ring of Fire is a prominent zone of subduction-related volcanic and seismic activity encircling the Pacific Ocean basin.

isostasy

[noun]

the gravitational balance between Earth's rigid lithosphere and the underlying, semi-fluid asthenosphere, influencing variations in surface elevation

Ex: Isostasy is a fundamental principle in geophysics, guiding our understanding of the dynamic balance between Earth's rigid and fluid layers.

lithosphere

[noun]

the Earth's rigid outer layer, made up of the crust and upper mantle, and divided into tectonic plates

Ex: lithosphere is in constant motion , with plates drifting and interacting over geological time scales .

asthenosphere

[noun]

a layer of semi-fluid rock beneath the Earth's crust that allows tectonic plates to move

Ex: The movement of magma from the asthenosphere to the Earth's surface leads to volcanic activity in regions like the Pacific Ring of Fire.

karst

[noun]

a landscape formed from the dissolution of soluble rocks, characterized by sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems

Ex: Karst aquifers are important sources of groundwater for drinking water and irrigation in many regions around the world, but they are also susceptible to contamination and pollution.

orogeny

[noun]

the geological process of mountain building, usually occurring due to the collision or convergence of tectonic plates

Ex: The orogeny played a role in the formation of the supercontinent Laurasia during the Paleozoic era .

geode

[noun]

a hollow rock with a cavity inside, lined with crystals or mineral material, formed through natural processes and often valued for its aesthetic qualities

Ex: During a field trip , students unearthed geode in a riverbed , marveling at the hidden treasures inside .

kimberlite

[noun]

a volcanic rock that often contains diamonds, formed during explosive eruptions from the Earth's mantle, and is of particular interest in diamond exploration and mining

Ex: Prospecting teams use geophysical methods to locate kimberlite pipes beneath the Earth 's surface .

glaciation

[noun]

the geological process involving the expansion and movement of glaciers, shaping landscapes through erosion, deposition, and the formation of distinctive glacial landforms

Ex: Glaciation played a role in shaping the iconic Yosemite Valley in California .

moraine

[noun]

a deposit of rocks, sediment, and glacial material left by a moving glacier, forming distinctive landforms along its edges or terminus

Ex: moraines, resulting from the merging of two glaciers , were observed in the high mountain ranges .

drumlin

[noun]

a streamlined, elongated hill formed by glacial action, with a teardrop shape and the steeper end facing the direction of ice movement

Ex: As the ice sheet advanced , it left behind a series drumlins, each bearing evidence of its journey .

seismology

[noun]

the scientific study of earthquakes and seismic waves, providing insights into Earth's interior, tectonic plate movement, and earthquake hazards

Ex: The principles seismology are applied to investigate the effects of earthquakes on structures and infrastructure .

caldera

[noun]

a large, basin-shaped volcanic crater formed by the collapse of a volcano after a massive eruption

Ex: The Aira Caldera in Japan contains the active Sakurajima volcano and forms Kagoshima Bay.

diagenesis

[noun]

the physical and chemical changes occurring in sediments between their deposition and their consolidation into sedimentary rock

Ex: The study of diagenesis provides insights into the history of sedimentary rocks and the environmental conditions present during their formation, as well as their potential as hydrocarbon reservoirs.

Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 8-9)
Eating and Drinking	Preparing Food	Science	Changing and Forming
Education	Astronomy	Physics	Biology
Chemistry	Geology	Philosophy	Psychology
Maths and Graphs	Geometry	Environment	Energy and Power
Landscape and Geography	Engineering	Technology	Internet

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Vocabulary for IELTS Academic (Band 8-9) - Geology