pseudotachylite
Fault-generated melt rock
Pseudotachylite is a dark, glassy rock formed when fault surfaces grind together during earthquakes, generating enough frictional heat to melt the surrounding rock.
The molten material quickly solidifies into veins that resemble volcanic glass.
Geologists study pseudotachylite to understand ancient seismic activity: The pseudotachylite veins indicated a major fault rupture millions of years ago.
impact
Detonating meteor, very bright
- craterImpact or volcanic basin
- SudburyOntario city, mining center
- brecciaCemented angular rock fragments
- high-pressureInvolving urgent demands
occurrence
Areas of crustal breakage
research
Study of ground tremors
- earthquake magnitudeSeismic event strength measure
- experimentalTesting new methods
- tectonicOf crustal forces
bolide
Detonating meteor, very bright
fault zones
Areas of crustal breakage
friction
Resistance between touching surfaces
- displacementRemoval from usual location
seismology
Study of ground tremors
- earthquake magnitudeSeismic event strength measure
- experimentalTesting new methods
- tectonicOf crustal forces
vein
Vessel toward heart