This list includes 10 Earth science words that start with Y, from “Y anomaly” to “Yttrium”. These terms are often mineral names, geophysical features, or processes used in mapping, exploration, and environmental study.

Earth science words that start with Y are vocabulary items used to name rocks, minerals, landforms, processes, and measurements in Earth science. One notable example, yttrium, takes its name from the Swedish locality Ytterby, famous for several rare minerals.

Below you’ll find the table with Term, Definition, Category, Example, and Source.

Term: The single word or phrase for each entry, so you can locate and compare specific Earth science vocabulary quickly.

Definition: A concise one- or two-sentence explanation that gives you the core meaning without overly technical language.

Category: The field or type (mineral, process, landform, or geophysical), helping you place each term in context at a glance.

Example: A short, real-world instance or common context where the term appears, which aids your practical understanding.

Source: A brief citation or link to authoritative glossaries or articles so you can read more when you want additional detail.

Earth science words that start with Y

TermDisciplineTypeTypical units/scale
YardangGeomorphologylandformm–km
YedomaPermafrostdepositm–tens of m; regional
Younger DryasClimatologyclimate event≈1,200 years; 12,900–11,700 years BP
YttriumMineralogyelementppm (crust) ≈28 ppm
YtterbiumMineralogyelementppm (crust) ≈3 ppm
YellowcakeMiningore productkg–tonnes
Younging directionStratigraphyindicatorlocal/regional
Yield strengthGeotechnicalmeasurementMPa
Y anomalyGeochemistrymeasurementnormalized ratio
YamaseMeteorologyphenomenonseasonal; regional

Descriptions

Yardang
A streamlined ridge carved by wind erosion in deserts and on Mars; indicates persistent wind direction and abrasion of softer material. (USGS)
Yedoma
An ice‑ and organic‑rich Pleistocene loess deposit in Siberia and Alaska that stores large carbon and ice volumes and is vulnerable to thaw. (IPCC)
Younger Dryas
A sudden return to near‑glacial cold at the end of the last Ice Age, important for studying abrupt climate change. (NOAA)
Yttrium
A rare‑earth element found in trace amounts in many minerals and used in geochemical studies and mineral classification. (USGS)
Ytterbium
A trace rare‑earth element used as a geochemical tracer and occurring in some heavy rare‑earth minerals. (USGS)
Yellowcake
A concentrated uranium oxide powder produced during uranium ore processing; an intermediate product in the nuclear fuel cycle. (IAEA)
Younging direction
The direction toward progressively younger rock layers in a sequence; geologists use it to determine original layer orientation and overturning. (USGS)
Yield strength
The stress at which rock or soil begins to deform plastically; a key parameter for slope stability and engineering geology. (USGS)
Y anomaly
A deviation in yttrium concentration relative to neighboring rare‑earth elements on normalized plots, used to infer formation and alteration processes. (Geochemical Society)
Yamase
A cool, moist summer wind pattern affecting northeastern Japan that can lower temperatures and impact agriculture and fisheries. (JMA)
If you think there is a missing term, let us know using the contact form.