Allochthon

/əˈlɒkθɒn/ noun

Definition

A rock formation or group of rocks that originated elsewhere and was transported to its current location by geological forces like erosion or tectonic movement.

Etymology

From Greek allo- (other) + chthon (earth, ground). Coined in geology to describe rocks that don't belong where they're found.

Kelly Says

Geologists can sometimes pinpoint exactly where a boulder came from thousands of miles away by analyzing its mineral fingerprint—like CSI for rocks!

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