alpine [struc geol] . A general term for topographical and structural features that resemble in grandeur and complexity those of the European Alps, regardless of the age or location of the mountains and features so described.
GeoWord of the Day
The GeoWord of the Day is a free service of the American Geosciences Institute. All of the terms and definitions are from the Glossary of Geology, 5th Edition Revised.
segminiscaphate element . A segminate conodont element with lateral platform extensions and the attachment surface characteristic of scaphate pectiniform elements (TIP, 1981, pt. W, supp.2). See also: segminate element; scaphate element .
endoplicae (en-do-pli'-cae). Folds in the endexine of palynomorphs. Sing: endoplica.
intrareticulate (in-tra-re-tic'-u-late). In pollen sculpture, showing a reticulate pattern formed by the arrangement of the columellae below the tectum.
siderophyllite (sid-er-o-phyll'-ite). A black, dark brown, or dark green monoclinic or trigonal trioctahedral mica, of ideal composition: KFe2+2Al(Al2Si2)O10(OH)2 .
meraspis (me-ras'-pis). A juvenile trilobite that has a distinct cephalon and pygidium but does not yet have the number of thoracic segments typical of the species; a late trilobite larva in which the thorax progressively develops. Pl: meraspides.
outgassing (out'-gas-sing). The escape of absorbed gases, usually by heating; e.g. the process involving the release of gases and water vapor from molten rocks, leading to the formation of the Earth's atmosphere and oceans.
rampart crater . On Mars, impact craters whose ejecta deposits are terminated by a distal rampart (Kieffer et al., 1992).
Thecodontia (The-co-don'-ti-a). An order of primitive archosaurian reptiles of varied body forms, some foreshadowing dinosaurs and some crocodilians. Range, Upper Permian to Upper Triassic.
SST . Abbrev. for sea surface temperature.
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