noun a heavy load or burden
verb to load or burden excessively
In environmental science, overburden may refer to the material that is removed during mining operations and can impact ecosystems and water quality.
In construction, overburden can refer to the soil, rock, or other material that must be removed to reach a desired depth for building foundations or underground structures.
In geology, overburden is the material that lies above a layer of interest, such as a mineral deposit, and can affect the exploration and extraction process.
In the mining industry, overburden refers to the material that lies above an area of economic interest, such as coal or ore, that must be removed before extraction can take place.
In the context of writing, 'overburden' may refer to the excessive amount of information or detail that can weigh down a piece of writing, making it difficult for the reader to follow or understand.
Psychologists may use the term 'overburden' to describe the overwhelming amount of stress or responsibilities that a person is dealing with, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.
Engineers may use 'overburden' to describe the material that lies above a mineral deposit or other resource, which must be removed before the resource can be extracted.
In project management, 'overburden' may refer to the excessive workload or tasks that have been assigned to a team or individual, which can lead to burnout or decreased productivity.