The ratio, expressed as a percentage, of the amount of water vapor in a
given volume of air to the amount that would be present if the air were
saturated at the same temperature. CF:absolute humidity;
specific humidity. AGI
In fault descriptions, the displacement of one block relative to the
other, rather than to some fixed point or plane of reference. AGI
The dimensionless ratio Epsilon /d (where Epsilon is the average height of
the surface irregularities and d is the diameter of the pipe) is termed
the relative roughness. The physical interpretation of this functional
equation is that the friction factors of pipes are the same if their flow
patterns in every detail are geometrically and dynamically similar. The
term Epsilon indicates the height of the irregularity above the boundary
surface only; hence it is apparent that, dependent upon the thickness of
the boundary layer adjacent to the surface, the projection can either lie
submerged within the boundary layer or else project outside it.
Roberts, 1
Geologic time determined by the placing of events in a chronologic order
of occurrence; esp., time as determined by organic evolution or
superposition. CF:absolute time
A variogram in which the ordinary variogram value for each lag has been
divided by the square of the mean of the sample values used in computing
the lag. This is sometimes useful when a "proportional effect" is present;
i.e., when areas of higher than average concentration also have higher
than average variance. When relative variogram models are used in kriging,
the resulting kriging standard deviations represent decimal fractions of
the estimated values.
This is a measure of the energy available per weight of explosive as
compared to an equal weight of ANFO. It is calculated by dividing the
absolute weight strength (AWS) of the explosive by the AWS of ANFO and
multiplying by 100. See also:absolute weight strength
a. In experimental structural geology, the release of applied stress with
time, due to any of various creep processes. AGI
b. In an elastic medium, the decrease of elastic restoring force under
applied stress, resulting in permanent deformation. AGI
c. Relief of stress by creep. Some types of tests are designed to provide
diminution of stress by relaxation at constant strain, as frequently
occurs in service. ASM, 1
d. The decrease of load support and of internal stress because of plastic
strain at constant deformation. AGI
A device, operated by an electric current, and causing by its operation
abrupt changes in an electrical circuit (making or breaking the circuit,
changing of the circuit connections, or variation in the circuit
characteristics). NCB
Single-track, high-speed mine haulage from one relay station to another.
Each operator has an exclusive track section between relay stations and
can run at full speed since no other haulage equipment is operating on the
section. Side track at each relay station permits the operator to pick up
or drop off loads or empties, then make the return run. Also called
intermediate haulage. See also:haulage
A procedure employed to determine the best results possible in cleaning a
coal by froth flotation. BS, 5
A mineral formed during the crystallization of a magma as a consequence of
an earlier phase failing to react with the liquid. Thus the failure of
earlier formed olivine to react with the liquid portion of a magma to form
pyroxene may result in the enrichment of the liquid in silica, which
finally crystallizes as quartz, the released mineral. AGI
A fracture developed as a consequence of the relief of stress in one
particular direction. The term is generally applied to a fracture formed
when the maximum principal stress decreases sufficiently that it becomes
the minimum principal stress; the fracture is an extension fracture
oriented perpendicular to the then-minimum principal-stress direction.
AGI
a. In liberation of specific mineral from its ore by comminution, the
optimum grind. Pryor, 3
b. Specified mesh-of-grind for best conditions for treatment to recover a
specific mineral from the ore. Pryor, 4
In geochemical prospecting, refers to the probability of obtaining and
recognizing indications of an orebody or mineralized district by the
method being used. Reliability depends not only on whether a readily
detectable target exists and how effective the exploration method is in
locating it, but also on the extent to which the anomaly is specif.
related to ore and the extent to which it is possible that non-significant
anomalies may confuse the interpretation. Hawkes, 2
A landform that has survived decay or disintegration, such as an erosion
remnant; or one that has been left behind after the disappearance of the
greater part of its substance such as a remnant island. The term is
sometimes used adjectivally as a synonym of relict, but this usage is not
recommended. AGI
Pertaining to a mineral, structure, or feature of an earlier rock that has
persisted in a later rock in spite of processes tending to destroy it.
Also, such a mineral, structure, or other feature. AGI
The slow and gradual withdrawal of the water in the sea, a lake, or a
stream, leaving the former bottom as permanently exposed and uncovered dry
land; it does not include seasonal fluctuations in water levels. Legally,
the added land belongs to the owner of the adjacent land against which it
abuts. Also, the land left uncovered by reliction. AGI
In mineral deposits, an original texture that remains after partial or
total replacement. AGI
a. A term used loosely for the physical shape, configuration, or general
unevenness of a part of the Earth's surface, considered with reference to
variations of height and slope or to irregularities of the land surface;
the elevations or differences in elevation, considered collectively, of a
land surface. CF:topography
b. The vertical difference in elevation between the hilltops or mountain
summits and the lowlands or valleys of a given region. A region showing a
great variation in elevation has high relief, and one showing little
variation has low relief. AGI
c. The range of values over an anomaly or within an area; e.g., the
gravity relief for the magnitude of a gravity anomaly. AGI
d. An apparently rough surface of a crystal section under a microscope.
High relief indicates a great difference in index of refraction between
the crystal and its mounting medium. The relief is positive if the
refractive index of the mineral is greater than that of the medium, and
negative in the reverse case. Syn:shagreen
e. The result of the removal of tool material behind or adjacent to the
cutting edge to provide clearance and prevent rubbing (heel drag).
ASM, 1
See:landform