BusinessAugust 22, 2026

geomechanics

JEE-oh-muh-KAN-iks

Definition

The branch of geology and engineering that studies the mechanical behavior of rock and soil and the physical forces acting upon them within the earth's crust.

Etymology

Derived from the Greek 'geo' (earth) and 'mechanics,' the branch of physics concerned with the motion and behavior of physical objects under the action of forces.

In the news

The article uses the term to describe the structural stresses within the mine, noting that failure to re-evaluate geomechanical assumptions after removing a protective pillar created a high-risk environment.

How Chile’s “progressive” government and union bureaucracy covered up the El Teniente disaster

Read the full article ↗

World Socialist Web Site

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