Geologic Miscellany
- Dendritic
- (adjective) Tree-like. A drainage pattern resembling branches of
a tree.
- Felsic
- Adjective applied to light-colored rocks
-- usually igneous or metamorphic -- containing
significant quantities of feldspar.
- Iapetus
- Ocean existing about 650-300 million years ago; ancient analog of
modern Atlantic Ocean. Father of Atlas in Greek mythology.
- Limesink
- Large pit resulting from collapse of subterranean cavern dissolved
in limestone. Common in Florida and south Georgia. Often a
result of lowered water table.
- Mafic
- Adjective applied to dark-colored rocks
-- usually igneous or metamorphic --
containing sigificant quantities of ferromagnesian (iron- or
magnesium-bearing) minerals. "MA" for magnesium; "F" for iron.
- Pangea
- Postulated and probable ancient supercontinent incorporating all
major land masses. Assembled about 300 My ago; fragmented about
200 My ago.
- Proto-Africa
- Ancient continent; analog of modern Africa, existing before
assembly of Pangea.
- Proto-North America
- Ancient continent; analog of modern North America, existing before
assembly of Pangea.
- Saprolite
- "Rotten" rock, altered by weathering (often decomposition of
feldspars) into crumbly, disaggregated material. May retain
original rock structure. Intermediate between rock and soil.
- Trilobite
- Extinct three-lobed marine animal; distant relative of horseshoe
crab. Common fossil in Paleozoic deposits.
- Ultramafic
- Adjective applied to black or dark green rocks
-- usually igneous or metamorphic -- containing large quantities
of ferromagnesian (iron- and magnesium-bearing) minerals.