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Geological terms and expressions

Here you will find the explanation of key concepts within geology.

Foliation

The parallel layering in rocks that occurs due to pressure and heat, and can often be seen as stripes or bands in the rock. For example, you can see foliation in gneiss.

Plate tectonics

The Earth's crust is divided into plates that move relative to each other due to magma in the mantle. These movements are the concept behind plate tectonics, and create many of Earth's geological phenomena, such as mountain ranges, earthquakes and volcanoes.

Layered intrusion

A large igneous formation with layers of different composition that can vary in both thickness and mineral content. It is formed when magma (liquid rock) flows up from the earth's interior and penetrates existing rocks. The minerals in the magma crystallise at different temperatures and eventually sink to the bottom, leading to a layered organisation of minerals. The result is seen as a layered intrusion.

Basalt corridors

Vertical or nearly vertical cracks in the earth's crust that fill with basaltic magma. They are formed when magma from the Earth's interior penetrates these cracks in the overlying rocks and solidifies.

Scouring stripes

Parallel stripes seen on the surface of the rock. They occur when rocks and gravel frozen at the base of a moving glacier scrape and scratch the bedrock beneath the glacier. The stripes indicate the direction in which the glacier moved!

Potholes

Deep, even holes or pits in the bedrock that are often round in shape. They are formed when meltwater from glaciers flows strongly and swirls around with stones and gravel. The stones act as a kind of drilling machine that grinds down the bedrock, and over time the characteristic potholes are created.

Erosion

Natural process where rock and loose materials on the earth's surface are worn down and transported further by wind, water, ice and other natural forces. Erosion is happening all around us all the time!

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