geologize
Examine rock formations
To geologize is to study geological features, typically by examining rocks, formations, and terrain in the field rather than in a laboratory: We spent the afternoon geologizing along the riverbank.
The word suggests amateur or casual investigation—a geologist conducts research, while anyone can geologize on a hike.
Organized exploratory journey
- outcropSurfacing native stone
- mappingDiagram of correspondences
- terrainLand's physical features
- samplingExtracting subset for study
hammer · survey · excavation · drilling · trenching · core sampling · field notes · compass
Parallel geological layers
- sedimentParticles settling in liquid
- lithosphereCrust plus upper mantle
- crustHard outer layer
- mantleCovering or wrap
basalt · granite · sandstone · limestone · shale · metamorphic · igneous · sedimentary
Preserved ancient organism traces
- trilobitesExtinct marine arthropods
- ammonitesExtinct coiled-shell cephalopods
- dinosaursExtinct prehistoric reptiles
- petrifiedSolidified or fear-paralyzed
amber · extinct · carbon-dating · stratigraphy · megafauna · mastodon · archaeopteryx · coprolite
Study of geological deposits
- volcanologyStudy of erupting mountains
- geophysicsPhysics of planetary structure
- geochemistryEarth's chemical makeup science
- geochronologyStudy of geological ages
Gradual wearing away
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
- glaciationIce sheet spreading process
volcanism · metamorphism · crystallization · compaction · cementation · landslides · cave formation · fossilization
Crystalline silicon dioxide
- feldsparSilicate mineral group
- micaLayered silicate mineral
- calciteCrystalline calcium carbonate
- gypsumHydrated calcium sulfate
halite · pyrite · hematite · magnetite · olivine · garnet · fluorite · galena
Flat eating dishes
- faultsImperfections or shortcomings
- earthquakesSudden ground movement
- volcanoesLava-emitting geological formations
- riftCrack or estrangement
subduction · continental drift · magma · hotspot · mid-ocean ridge · orogeny · folding · uplift
expedition
Organized exploratory journey
sampling · hammer · survey · excavation · drilling · trenching · core sampling · field notes · compass · transect
strata
Parallel geological layers
- sedimentParticles settling in liquid
- lithosphereCrust plus upper mantle
- crustHard outer layer
mantle · basalt · granite · sandstone · limestone · shale · metamorphic · igneous · sedimentary · bedrock
fossils
Preserved ancient organism traces
- trilobitesExtinct marine arthropods
- ammonitesExtinct coiled-shell cephalopods
- dinosaursExtinct prehistoric reptiles
petrified · amber · extinct · carbon-dating · stratigraphy · megafauna · mastodon · archaeopteryx · coprolite · cretaceous
sedimentology
Study of geological deposits
- volcanologyStudy of erupting mountains
- geophysicsPhysics of planetary structure
- geochemistryEarth's chemical makeup science
erosion
Gradual wearing away
- weatheringAtmospheric breakdown of materials
- depositionFormal testimony under oath
- sedimentationParticles settling in liquid
glaciation · volcanism · metamorphism · crystallization · compaction · cementation · landslides · cave formation · fossilization · mineralization
quartz
Crystalline silicon dioxide
gypsum · halite · pyrite · hematite · magnetite · olivine · garnet · fluorite · galena · cinnabar
plates
Flat eating dishes
- faultsImperfections or shortcomings
- earthquakesSudden ground movement
- volcanoesLava-emitting geological formations
rift · subduction · continental drift · magma · hotspot · mid-ocean ridge · orogeny · folding · uplift · trench
geologizephilosophize
Think about existence abstractly
- geological periodNamed span of Earth history
- geologic historyEarth's temporal record
- geologic erasMajor divisions of deep time
- geologic timeEarth's age measured epochally
- geological erasNamed spans of prehistory
- geologic period