1. n. [Geophysics]

The conversion of one form of energy into another as the energy passes through a medium. For example, seismic waves are partially converted to heat as they pass through rock.

See: absorption band,  attenuation,  Q,  wave

2. n. [Production Facilities]

The property of some liquids or solids to soak up water or other fluids. The natural gas dehydration process uses glycols (liquids) that absorb the water vapor to finally obtain dehydrated gas. In the same way, light oil, also called absorption oil, is used to remove the heavier liquid hydrocarbons from a wet gas stream to obtain dry gas.

See: adsorption,  dehydrate,  desiccant,  glycol,  glycol dehydrator,  natural gas