The author has sought to use simplified geologic terms and to define technical terms when needed.  Geological jargon can be obscure, and therefore here is a link to several good geological glossaries.

http://geology.er.usgs.gov/paleo/glossary.shtml

http://www.geotech.org/survey/geotech/dictiona.html

http://college.hmco.com/geology/resources/geologylink/glossary/m.html