Glossary :: M

Magma

A melt, generally containing suspended crystals and other volatiles, formed by total or partial melting of solid mantle or crustal material.

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.

Mare

Area of dark basaltic lava on the Moon (pl. Maria).

Member

A division of a formation, generally of distinct lithologic character and of only local extent.

Mesozoic

Era comprising the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous, spanning 245-65Ma.

Metamorphism

Metamorphosis require heat, pressure and time and is an extension of lithification, but it can occur on any rocks type (including metamorphic rocks). There is a continuum of type from heat dominated (marble) to pressure dominated (blueschist). Metamorphis...More

Micrite

Micro-crystalline carbonate mud

Mineral

A naturally occurring homogeneous solid with a highly ordered lattice and of a defined chemical composition.

Morphospecies concept

Species are defined on the basis of consistent morphological differences. See also biological species concept and phylogenetic species concept.

Mould

An imprint of a fossil. See also cast.

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