10 Geology Definitions And Their 'Normal' Definitions
Start writing a post
Sports

10 Geology Definitions And Their 'Normal' Definitions

Geologists use everyday words for their own purposes.

83
10 Geology Definitions And Their 'Normal' Definitions
funnydam.com

Have you ever heard a group of geology students talking and wondered if they were speaking a different language? The funny thing about geology is that normal everyday words get used in completely different ways. You thought you knew the meaning of a word? Read on to find out what they mean to your friendly neighborhood geologist.

1. Tension

What normal people mean: the awkward silence that happens when people are in disagreement.

What geologists mean: a stress that pulls a body (such as a rock or a section of rock) apart.

2. Plate

What normal people mean: a receptacle for your food.

What geologists mean: rigid sections of the Earth’s surface made up of the crust and upper mantle that have the ability to move and interact with other plates.

3. Crust

What normal people mean: the part of the bread that no one wants.

What geologists mean: the outermost layer of the Earth, a solid “shell” made up of rock and sediment.

4. Cleavage

What normal people mean: you know.

What geologists mean: the tendency for a mineral to break along planes determined by its crystal lattice structure.

5. Basement

What normal people mean: the level in a building beneath the ground floor that’s usually dusty, dark and the perfect setting for horror movies.

What geologists mean: the thick foundation of old rocks that makes up the crust of continents.

6. Bar

What normal people mean: where you go to socialize and get hammered on the weekends (or weeknights, depending on your preference).

What geologists mean: a mass of sediment deposited by a river system.

7. Bomb

What normal people mean: an explosive device (or person) that you should stay far away from.

What geologists mean: a large mass of molten lava ejected from a volcano and partially solidified during flight.

8. Blowout

What normal people mean: a process at the salon that results in great hair and a boost of confidence.

What geologists mean: depressions in sand caused by wind.

9. Contact

What normal people mean: touching or communicating with another person.

What geologists mean: the surface where two distinct bodies touch.

10. Normal

What normal people mean: the usual, the average.

What geologists mean: a type of fault where two blocks of rock are pulled apart by tension, and one block moves down relative to the other one.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

102979
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments