How Do You Spell SLICKENSIDES?

Pronunciation: [slˈɪkənsˌa͡ɪdz] (IPA)

"Slickensides" is a geological term that refers to the polished, grooved surfaces on fault lines. The word is spelled "slɪkənzʌɪdz" using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The "s" and "k" sounds are both unvoiced, meaning they are produced without vibration of the vocal cords. The "i" in the middle is pronounced as a short "ih" sound, and the "e" at the end is silent. The "z" sound is produced by buzzing the vocal cords, and the "ʌ" represents a short vowel sound similar to the "uh" in "hut."

SLICKENSIDES Meaning and Definition

1. Slickensides refer to smooth, polished, and often striated surfaces found along fault planes or bedding planes in rocks. It is a geological term used to describe the polished or glacially-surfaced markings that exist on rock surfaces due to the movement and shearing of adjacent rock masses. The term is derived from the words "slick" and "side", reflecting the smooth and slippery appearance of these surfaces.

   Slickensides are commonly observed in areas where there has been significant tectonic activity. They can occur in both sedimentary and igneous rocks and are typically formed when two rock surfaces slide against each other, resulting in abrasion and polishing of the surface due to friction. The movement and pressure between the two surfaces can lead to the development of parallel striations or grooves, typically aligned with the direction of displacement. These features provide valuable information about the nature and direction of the forces that caused the rock movement.

   Slickensides can be observed in various sizes and shapes, ranging from small-scale micro-slickensides that require magnification for observation to large-scale slickenfibers that can be seen with the naked eye. These features are of great relevance in structural geology as they help geologists determine the presence and activity of faults, decipher the history of rock displacement, and gain insights into the regional tectonic forces acting on an area.

Common Misspellings for SLICKENSIDES

• alickensides
• zlickensides
• xlickensides
• dlickensides
• elickensides
• wlickensides
• skickensides
• spickensides
• soickensides
• sluckensides
• sljckensides
• slkckensides
• slockensides
• sl9ckensides
• sl8ckensides
• slixkensides
• slivkensides
• slifkensides
• slidkensides
• slicjensides

Etymology of SLICKENSIDES

The word "slickensides" is derived from the combination of two words: "slicken", which is related to slippery or smooth surfaces, and "side", which refers to the sides of a geological fracture or fault.

The term "slicken" comes from the Old English word "slician", which means to make smooth or sleek. In geological context, slickensides refers to the polished and smooth surfaces that form along the sides of a fault or fracture as a result of friction and movement between rocks.

Overall, the etymology of "slickensides" emphasizes the smooth and polished nature of these geological formations.