Field Trip to Mars

Glossary U-Z

Terms and Definitions

Here are some basic terms used in the tour. At the bottom of each page in the tour is a short list of terms used on that page and their definitions. Find more science terms in the Kid's Cosmos Astronomy and Science Glossary.

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U
Uniformitarian Principle: A concept proposing that all geological features were formed just as features are formed today. Sudden events like volcanoes, earthquakes, floods and asteroid hits are not to be considered when describing how features are formed. Also, Uniformitarianism.
V
Varves: Layers of light and dark sediment on the floor of a glacial lake. Each light and dark pair indicates a year since light deposits are from rock dust from melting ice in summer and dark layers are from organic matter.
Vent: An opening at the surface where magma, gas and steam erupt.
Volcano: A vent at the surface where magma, gas and steam erupt. Also, the landform constructed by volcanic material.

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