Geological Terms Beginning With "W"
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Wadi
A stream bed, often in a steep-sided valley, in an arid region that is dry except during the rainy season. The photo is from Wadi Degla in Northern Egypt.
Warping
A slight bend, uplift or subsidence of Earth's crust on a regional scale.
Wasting Natural Resources
Mineral resources that can be extracted by people but which can not be readily replaced by the actions of people or nature. Oil, gas, coal, iron ore, gold, stone, sand and gravel are examples.
Water Cycle
The movement of water between the atmosphere, ground and surface water bodies through the processes of evaporation, precipitation, infiltration, percolation, transpiration and runoff. Also known as the "hydrologic cycle."
Water Quality
An assessment of the physical, chemical and biological characteristics of water, especially how they relate to the suitability of that water for a particular use. In the photo a National Park Service employee conducts water quality monitoring using, hand-held meters, of a stream at Russell Cave National Monument.
Watershed
The geographic area that contributes runoff to a stream. It can be outlined on a topographic map by tracing the points of highest elevation (usually ridge crests) between two adjacent stream valleys. The watershed of a large river usually contains the watersheds of many smaller streams. Also referred to as a "drainage basin."
Water Table
A level beneath the Earth's surface, below which all pore spaces are filled with water and above which the pore spaces are filled with air. The top of the zone of saturation in a subsurface rock, soil or sediment unit.
Water Witching
The practice of locating groundwater by walking the surface of a property holding a forked stick, a pair of L-shaped rods, a pendulum or another tool that responds when the person moves above a location that will yield an adequate flow of water to a drilled well. Although many people believe in this practice, including a few geologists, it is almost unanimously rejected by geologists and hydrologists. The National Ground Water Association has issued a position statement that rejects the practice. Also known as "dowsing," "divining" and "doodlebugging." Image copyright iStockphoto / Monika Wisniewska.
Wave-Cut Terrace
A long, level surface formed by wave erosion during a time when sea level was higher.
Wavelength
An interval of repetition in a wave-like disturbance. The distance between two successive crests or two successive troughs.
Wellhead Price
The value of natural gas at the mouth of the well.
Wet Gas
Natural gas that contains hydrocarbons other than methane that are in the gaseous state in the high temperatures and pressures of the subsurface, but that condense into liquids as they flow from a well. These condensates include hydrocarbons such as pentane, butane, propane, hexane and others. They have commercial value and must be refined from the methane to make it a suitable fuel.
White Opal
"Light opal" or "white opal" are terms used for an opal material with a white, yellow, or cream-colored bodycolor. This is the most common bodycolor for precious opal.
Withdrawal
A removal of water from a surface or groundwater source for use.
Worked Over Well
A previously drilled hole that is reentered and treated to improve or initiate a flow of oil and or natural gas, without drilling additional footage.
Working Interest
An interest in a mineral property that entitles a party to a share of the mineral production, often subject to a royalty. The party is responsible for either carrying out or bearing the costs of exploration, development and production.
 All scientific disciplines have an essential vocabulary that students and professionals must understand to learn and communicate effectively. A geology dictionary that is used regularly is one of the most important tools for developing professional competence. A good dictionary should be on the desk of every geologist and within easy reach. This dictionary is compact and inexpensive at only $19.99. More information. |
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