The fastest earthquake wave, which travels by compression and expansion of the medium. Reference: Tarbouk, E.J. & F.K. Lutgens, (2006), EARTH, 8th edition, Pearson Education International.

    An expression devised for the purpose of classifying climates; based on monthly totals of precipitation and evaporation.

    See subtropical high.

    A lava flow with a smooth-to-ropy surface. Reference: Tarbouk, E.J. & F.K. Lutgens, (2006), EARTH, 8th edition, Pearson Education International.

    The natural remnant magnetism in rock bodies. The permanent magnetization acquired by rock that can be used to determine the location of the magnetic poles and the latitude of the rock at the time it became magnetized. Reference: Tarbouk, E.J. & F.K. Lutgens, (2006), EARTH, 8th edition, Pearson Education International.

    The study of ancient magnetic fields, which are preserved in the magnetic properties of rocks. ie. studying the changes in position of the magnetic poles, as well as reversals of poles in the geological past.

    The systematic study of fossils and the history of life on Earth. Reference: Tarbouk, E.J. & F.K. Lutgens, (2006), EARTH, 8th edition, Pearson Education International.

    An ancient soil or soil horizon that formed on the surface during the geologic past.

    An era of geologic time, from the end of the Precambrian to the beginning of the Mesozoic (about 590-248 million years ago). Termed as the era of ancient life.

    The oldest era of the Phanerozoic Eon. Reference : Skinner B.J., S.C.Porter & J.Park (2004), DYNAMIC EARTH, 5th edition, Jon Wiley & Sons.