Glossary :: Geophysics

Isostacy

The study of the responses of the Earth to loads (mountain belts, glaciers) placed on it. Isostatic theory states that at the depth of compensation all pressures exerted by rocks above are equal. Northern Europe is currently re-bounding from glaciers that...More

Mantle

The layer beneath the crust, but above the core in the interior of the Earth. It's composition is broadly that of ultrabasic rocks.

P Wave

A seismic body wave which propagate like sound waves, i.e. by compression and extension in the direction of travel. They can travel through solids and liquids and are the fastest of the seismic waves.

Rayleigh Wave

A seismic surface wave which has an elliptical particle motion in the direction of travel. These are the waves that are responsible for the surface movement during an earthquake.

S Waves

A seismic body wave that has motion perpendicular to the direction of travel (i.e. like light waves). They cannot travel through liquids and are slower than P Waves

Seismology

The study of earthquakes and the structure of the earth via seismic waves. This covers whole earth structure (global seismology) and crustal structure (exploration seismology). Exploration seismology is used in commercial operations, such as oil explorati...More

Unloading

Unloading usually results in pressure release formations. A good example is the tilting of the UK due to the removal of ice sheets in the north. Scotland is moving upwards, southern Britain is moving downwards. The evidence can be seen in raised beaches i...More

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