CONTENT VOCABULARY WORDS

IN EARTH SCIENCE

1. CLEAVAGE – the quality of a crystallized substance or rock of splitting along

definite planes
2. GEOLOGIST – a person who studies the history of the earth through rocks and
rock formations
3. ABIOGENIC – not produced or brought about by living organisms
4. WEATHERING – the breaking down or dissolving of rocks and minerals on
Earth’s surface
5. CRYSTALLIZATION –the solidification of atoms or molecules into a highly
structured form called a crystal
6. LUSTER – the state or quality of shining by reflecting light
7. STREAK - the color of a mineral in its powdered form
8. FRACTURE – the way that a particular kind of rock usually breaks, or the shape
of broken pieces
9. METAMORPHISM –The process by which rocks are changed in composition,
texture, or structure by extreme heat and pressure
10. PERMEABILITY –capacity of a porous material for transmitting a fluid
11. EROSION – the geological process in which earthen materials are worn away
and transported by natural forces
12. DEPOSITION – the laying down of sediment carried by wind, flowing water, the
sea or ice
13. PRECIPITATION – water released from clouds in the form of rain, freezing rain,
sleet, snow, or hail
14. MALLEABILITY - ability to be hammered and turn into sheets.
15. ELASTICITY - ability of a deformed material body to return to its original shape
and size when the forces causing the deformation are removed
16. ORE – a naturally occurring solid material from which a metal or valuable mineral
can be profitably extracted
17. GEOTHERMAL – form of energy conversion in which heat energy from within
Earth is captured and harnessed
18. HYDROTHERMAL – relating to or denoting the action of heated water in the
earth's crust.
19. RESERVOIR – a place where fluid collects, especially in rock strata or in the
body.
20. CONDENSATION – the process where water vapor becomes liquid
21. GLACIERS - a slowly moving mass or river of ice formed by the accumulation
and compaction of snow on mountains or near the poles.
22. ELECTROLYSIS - uses electricity and acid to separate metal from the ore