ISOCLINAL Meaning and
Definition
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Isoclinal refers to a geological term used to describe rocks or rock layers that exhibit a uniform or consistent inclination or dip angle. Derived from the Greek words "iso," meaning equal, and "clinal," referring to the angle of inclination, isoclinal denotes a homogenous dipping angle occurring throughout a particular geological formation.
In the field of structural geology, isoclinal is often used to describe folded rock layers or folds that possess parallel, coaxial, or closely aligned axes, leading to a consistent dip. These folds can be classified as isoclinal folds, indicating that their axial planes are parallel to each other. Isoclinal folds can have a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from simple, tight folds to more complex structures involving multiple layers of folded rock.
The term isoclinal can also be utilized to describe metamorphic rocks. In metamorphic geology, isoclinal refers to a type of metamorphic foliation or layering, where the existing rock layers are intensely folded during the process of metamorphism. This results in the formation of closely spaced, parallel planes within the rock, indicating a uniform dip angle.
Overall, isoclinal is a term employed in geology to describe the consistent inclination or dip angle exhibited by folded rock layers or metamorphic foliations.
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Pert. to or indicating equality of inclination or dip.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ISOCLINAL
- usoclinal
- jsoclinal
- ksoclinal
- osoclinal
- 9soclinal
- 8soclinal
- iaoclinal
- izoclinal
- ixoclinal
- idoclinal
- ieoclinal
- iwoclinal
- isiclinal
- iskclinal
- islclinal
- ispclinal
- is0clinal
- is9clinal
- isoxlinal
Etymology of ISOCLINAL
The word "Isoclinal" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "iso", meaning equal or same, and "clin" or "cline", meaning to bend or slope.
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