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C2 Level Wordlist - Geology

Here you will learn all the essential words for talking about Geology, collected specifically for level C2 learners.

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CEFR C2 Vocabulary
tectonics
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: The study of tectonics helps explain the distribution of earthquakes and the seismic activity associated with plate boundaries. 
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plate
plate
[noun]

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

Ex: The Pacific Plate and the North American Plate interact along the "Ring of Fire," resulting in seismic activity and volcanic eruptions. 
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fissure
fissure
[noun]

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

Ex: Deep fissures lined the walls of the crumbling canyon formed by erosion over centuries. 
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subduction

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

Ex: The subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the North American Plate has created the Cascadia Subduction Zone, known for its seismic activity. 
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isostasy
isostasy
[noun]

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

Ex: The rebound of land following the melting of glaciers is a classic example of isostasy, where the crust adjusts to changes in load. 
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lithosphere

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

Ex: The lithosphere includes the Earth's continental crust, forming the solid ground beneath our feet. 
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asthenosphere

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

Ex: The asthenosphere's flow allows for the movement of tectonic plates, contributing to Earth's dynamic crustal activity. 
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karst
karst
[noun]

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

Ex: Karst is a landscape formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum, characterized by features such as sinkholes, caves, and underground drainage systems. 
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orogeny
orogeny
[noun]

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

Ex: The Himalayas are a prominent example of orogeny, resulting from the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. 
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geode
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: The amethyst geode on display in the museum showcases the beautiful purple crystals that line its interior. 
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kimberlite

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: Diamond miners discovered a rich kimberlite deposit in the remote region, leading to increased diamond extraction. 
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glaciation

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

Ex: The Great Lakes were formed during past glaciation periods when massive ice sheets shaped the landscape. 
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moraine
moraine
[noun]

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

Ex: The terminal moraine marked the furthest point reached by the glacier during the last ice age. 
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drumlin
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: The drumlin field in the region displayed a series of these distinctive glacial landforms. 
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caldera
caldera
[noun]

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

Ex: The Santorini Caldera in the Aegean Sea is a stunning example of a caldera filled with seawater. 
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diagenesis

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

Ex: Diagenesis refers to the physical, chemical, and biological changes that sediments undergo after deposition and before lithification. 
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metamorphism

a complete change in the form and structure of a rock as a result of heat and pressure

Ex: The intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth's crust cause metamorphism, transforming sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock. 
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sedimentation

the process by which particles settle out of a liquid or gas due to gravity, forming a sediment layer

Ex: Sedimentation in lakes can affect aquatic ecosystems. 
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faulting
faulting
[noun]

the movement or displacement along a fracture in the Earth's crust, resulting from tectonic forces, which can lead to earthquakes

Ex: Faulting along the San Andreas Fault caused the earthquake. 
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aquifer
aquifer
[noun]

a layer of rock or sediment that stores and transmits groundwater

Ex: Farmers drill wells into the aquifer to access water for irrigation. 
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concretion

a hard lump or mass formed in sedimentary rock by natural cementing processes

Ex: Geologists study concretions to understand sedimentary rock formations. 
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pluton
pluton
[noun]

a large body of igneous rock formed beneath the Earth's surface from magma that has cooled and solidified

Ex: The presence of a pluton can influence the surrounding rock formations. 
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folding
folding
[noun]

(in geology) the bending or deformation of rock layers due to compressional forces

Ex: Folding bends rock layers, forming wrinkles in the Earth's crust. 
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lahar
lahar
[noun]

a fast-moving mixture of volcanic ash, debris, and water

Ex: Lahar monitoring systems provide early warnings to minimize hazards. 
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subsidence

the process during which a building or piece of land sinks to a lower level or to the ground

Ex: The coastal town experienced significant subsidence, causing several buildings to tilt and crack. 
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intrusion
intrusion
[noun]

(geology) the injection of magma into existing rock formations underground

Ex: The granite intrusion altered the surrounding rock layers. 
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matrix
matrix
[noun]

(geology) the fine-grained material surrounding larger rock fragments or grains within a sedimentary rock

Ex: The sandstone's matrix held the grains together. 
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igneous
igneous
[Adjective]

(of rock) formed from cooled magma or lava

Ex: Igneous rocks form from molten material cooling and solidifying. 
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