core

1. Center of the earth, beginning at a depth of 2900 kilometers. Also known as earth core. 2. A vertical, cylindrical boring of the earth from which composition and stratification may be determined; in oil or gas well exploration the presence of hydrocarbons or water are items of interest. 3. That area within a layer of ocean water where parameters such as temperature, salinity, or velocity reach extreme values.

Related terms:

• core analysis
• inner core
• core intersection
• outer core
• core-and-mantle structure
• core interval
• detached core
• core logging
• core sample