Solid Earth Processes

Used in the Cutting Edge petrology module. Feel free to tag this vocab for petrology resources. Also, this term can be used in any new collection that wants to add another "dimension" of faceted searching. If you do that, please change this definition so we know where else this vocab is being used.

• Volcanism The processes by which magma and its associated gases rise into the crust and are extruded onto the Earth's surface and into the atmosphere. 27:1 end

• Plutonism The general term for the phenomena associated with the formation of intrusive igneous rocks. 27:2 end

• Metamorphism Mineralogical, chemical and textural adjustment of solid rocks to physical and chemical conditions. 27:3 end

• Sedimentation Deposition and lithification of sediments via physical, chemical, or biological processes. 27:4 end

• Dissolution/Precipitation A process by which rock and mineral material passes into solution; low and high temperature, sub-solidus reactions. 27:5 end

• Alteration (Hydrothermal) Alteration of rocks or minerals by the reation of hydrothermal water with pre-existing solid phases. 27:6 end

• Weathering/Erosion Physical disintegration and/or chemical decomposition; at near-surface conditions. 27:7 end

• Deformation A general term for the process of folding, faulting, shearing, compression or extenstion of rocks as a result of various forces. 27:8 end

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