Skip to main content
geological formation

geological formation

3 4.4
A natural layer of rock or soil that looks different from the layers around it
  • noun
  • /ˌdʒiəˈlɒdʒɪkəl fɔːrˈmeɪʃən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : formación geológica
  • An entire program could be devoted to the beauties of New Zealand, but this one concentrates on the birds, plants, and some of the unusual geological formations, in addition to the spectacular scenery.

Their caves basically located inside stable geological formations that are expected to remain stable for at least a few millions of years.

Examples

  • This includes the protection of old landforms, such as the peculiar geological formations of the Quaternary period.

    Blog text (34)
  • Nevertheless, companies remain interested because the region is a continuation of the same geological formation that helps make Nigeria a petroleum powerhouse, so a new round of license auctions is underway.

    Academic text (2010)
  • Their creation legend is perhaps a bit more colorful than most and occurred at a geological formation they called The Heart of the Monster.

    Blog text (21)
  • These sources are derived from specific geological formations in many world markets.

    Blog text (13)
  • The chemical composition of crude oil varies by the age of the geological formation from which it came.

    Academic text (2009)
  • Many environmental studies are complicated by a poor understanding of the diffusion of contaminants in complex geological formations.

    Academic text (2002)
  • Today's dive mission was archaeological exploration at an interesting geological formation (noticed on the multibeam maps).

    Blog text (15)
  • You'll enjoy major observatories, interesting geological formations, impact craters, and friendly inhabitants who will extend a welcoming hand.

    Academic text (2002)
  • The activities of ancestors and mythical creatures are continually relived as spiritual leaders interpret key landscape features in those stories: caves, mountain peaks, geological formations, springs.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The Grand Canyon is an impressive geological formation that attracts millions of tourists each year.

Synonyms

formation
vsgeological formation
  • Specialized
57 6.3

A layer of rock that has the same type and origin

is the broader geologists' term covering rock, soil, or mineral layers
rock formation
vsgeological formation
  • Specialized
14 3.6

A natural shape of rocks made over a long time by wind or water

is broader, including layers of soil or mineral as well as stone
geological horizon
vsgeological formation
  • Specialized
7.1

A layer of rock that you can identify by its minerals or fossils and use to find its age

is a general named layer recognized for characteristics not only dating use

How Big

supergroup
  • Specialized
8.7
geological formation
  • Specialized
3 4.4
bed
  • Specialized
128 5.2

Surface Forms

Morphology

geological + formation

The meaning is directly and compositionally derived from 'geological' (relating to Earth's physical structure) + 'formation' (a formed body or unit of rock). This noun-noun combination follows a common, transparent compounding pattern that is cross-linguistically familiar, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can readily infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

Geological formation comes from the simple image of rocks stacked like the layers of a cake: each layer looks different, so scientists call that visible group a formation. That's why the phrase means a natural 'layer' or 'structure' of rock with its own features.