SPECIAL PUBLICATION NO. 27


which differ from the conditions under which the rocks in question origi-
nated (Turner and Verhoogen, 1960, p. 450).

methane A colorless, odorless, flammable gas which is the simplest
paraffin hydrocarbon, formula CH4. The principal constituent of natural
gas.

methanol A colorless, volatile, water soluble, poisonous liquid,
CH3OH, used primarily as a solvent, fuel, automobile antifreeze and in the
synthesis of formaldehyde. Also called methyl alcohol, wood alcohol.

milled peat mining Process in which the leveled bog is scraped to a
depth of approximately one-half inch to 2 inches. The scraped material is
collected.

mineral A naturally formed chemical element or compound having a
definite chemical composition and, usually, a characteristic crystal form.
A mineral is generally considered to be inorganic, though organic com-
pounds are classified by some as minerals. Those who include the
requirement of crystalline form in the definition of a mineral would con-
sider an amorphous compound such as opal to be a mineraloid.

mineraloid A naturally occurring, usually inorganic substance that is
not considered to be a mineral because it is amorphous and thus lacks
characteristic physical and chemical properties; e.g., opal. Syn: gel min-
eral.

minerotrophic Peatlands which are connected with the regional
groundwater system and are nourished both by precipitation and ground-
water flow; contains alkaline, decaying vegetation on peat. See also:
fen.

mining The process of extracting mineral deposits or building stone
from the Earth. The term may also include preliminary treatment of the
ore or building stone; e.g. cleaning, sizing, dressing.

mire A general term for a section of wet swampy ground.

montan wax A bituminous wax extracted from lignite, used as an
industrial lubricant and as an ingredient in furniture polish, shoe polish
and electrical insulation.

morbidity The proportion of sickness or a specific disease in a geo-
graphical area.

mortality The relative frequency of death in a district or community.


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