BRECCIATION Meaning and
Definition
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Brecciation is a geological term used to describe the process of forming breccia, a type of rock composed of angular fragments of various sizes that are cemented together. It refers to the physical fragmentation and shattering of pre-existing rocks, followed by the accumulation of these broken fragments in a cohesive matrix.
The process of brecciation usually occurs in areas where intense tectonic forces are at play, such as during faulting, folding, or impact events. These geologic processes exert strong pressure, causing rocks to fracture and break into irregular pieces. The broken fragments, or clasts, can range in size from microscopic to several meters in diameter.
Once the rocks are shattered, the resulting fragments are typically rearranged and re-cemented together. This consolidation process occurs as materials such as minerals, sediment, or volcanic ash fill the gaps between the broken pieces. Over time and with pressure, these materials harden and bind the clasts together, forming a solid and cohesive mass of rock known as breccia.
Brecciation is an important geological process as it provides valuable information about the history and conditions of the Earth's crust. The characteristics of the brecciated rocks, such as the nature of the clasts, the type of cementing material, and the arrangement of the fragments, can help geologists decipher the origin and evolution of the rocks, as well as the geologic events that caused their formation.
Common Misspellings for BRECCIATION
- vrecciation
- nrecciation
- hrecciation
- grecciation
- beecciation
- bdecciation
- bfecciation
- btecciation
- b5ecciation
- b4ecciation
- brwcciation
- brscciation
- brdcciation
- brrcciation
- br4cciation
- br3cciation
- brexciation
- brevciation
- brefciation
- bredciation
Etymology of BRECCIATION
The word "brecciation" has Greek and Latin origins. It is derived from the Greek word "βρέγχος" (brechos), which means "fragment" or "broken piece", and the Latin suffix "-ation", which denotes the act of making or causing. Therefore, "brecciation" refers to the process or act of forming or causing breccia, which is a type of rock composed of fragmented rock or mineral particles.
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