petrology Definition
the scientific study of rocks, including their composition, structure, and origin.
Using petrology: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "petrology" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
Petrology is a branch of geology that studies rocks.
Example
The petrology of the area is complex and requires further study.
Example
Petrology is used to understand the formation of rocks and minerals.
petrology Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for petrology
- geology
- mineralogy
- earth science
Phrases with petrology
Example
Igneous petrology is concerned with the origin and evolution of magmas and the resulting igneous rocks.
the study of sedimentary rocks and their formation
Example
Sedimentary petrology involves the study of the processes of sedimentation and the lithification of sediments into rocks.
the study of metamorphic rocks and their formation
Example
Metamorphic petrology is concerned with the study of the processes that cause rocks to change their mineralogy, texture, and composition under high pressure and temperature conditions.
Origins of petrology
from Greek 'petros', meaning 'rock', and 'logos', meaning 'word' or 'study'
Summary: petrology in Brief
Petrology [pih-trol-uh-jee] is the scientific study of rocks, including their composition, structure, and origin. It is a branch of geology that is concerned with understanding the formation of rocks and minerals. Petrology is divided into three main subfields: igneous petrology, sedimentary petrology, and metamorphic petrology.