Which Trait Is Common To Rocks Formed From Magma Trapped Inside A Volcano?A. Less DenseB. Coarse Texture
Volcanic rocks are a fascinating topic in the field of geology, and understanding their formation is crucial for comprehending the Earth's geological processes. In this article, we will delve into the world of volcanic rocks and explore the trait that is common to rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano.
What are Volcanic Rocks?
Volcanic rocks are a type of igneous rock that forms from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Magma is a mixture of molten rock, minerals, and gases that originates from the Earth's mantle. When magma rises to the surface of the Earth, it is called lava. Volcanic rocks can be formed from either magma or lava, depending on the conditions under which they cool and solidify.
Formation of Volcanic Rocks from Magma
Rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano are known as intrusive or plutonic rocks. These rocks form when magma cools and solidifies slowly beneath the Earth's surface, often at depths of several kilometers. The slow cooling process allows the minerals to crystallize and form a coarse-grained texture.
Common Traits of Volcanic Rocks Formed from Magma
Now that we have a basic understanding of how volcanic rocks are formed from magma, let's explore the common traits of these rocks. One of the most distinctive features of rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano is their coarse texture. This is due to the slow cooling process, which allows the minerals to crystallize and form large crystals.
Why is Coarse Texture a Common Trait?
The coarse texture of rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano is a result of the slow cooling process. When magma cools slowly, the minerals have enough time to crystallize and form large crystals. This is in contrast to rocks formed from lava, which cool quickly and form a fine-grained texture.
Other Traits of Volcanic Rocks Formed from Magma
In addition to their coarse texture, rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano often have other distinctive traits. These include:
- Less dense: Rocks formed from magma are often less dense than rocks formed from lava. This is because the slow cooling process allows the minerals to crystallize and form a more open structure.
- Phaneritic texture: Rocks formed from magma often have a phaneritic texture, which means that the minerals are visible to the naked eye.
- Felsic composition: Rocks formed from magma are often felsic in composition, meaning that they are rich in silica and aluminum.
Examples of Volcanic Rocks Formed from Magma
Some examples of volcanic rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano include:
- Granite: A coarse-grained, felsic rock that forms from the slow cooling of magma.
- Diorite: A coarse-grained, intermediate rock that forms from the slow cooling of magma.
- Gabbro: A coarse-grained, mafic rock that forms from the slow cooling of magma.
Conclusion
In conclusion, rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano are a fascinating topic in the field of geology. Their coarse texture, less dense composition, and phaneritic texture are all distinctive features that set them apart from rocks formed from lava. By understanding the formation of these rocks, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the geological processes that shape our planet.
References
- Blatt, H., & Tracy, R. J. (2012). Petrology: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
- Foley, S. F. (2011). Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. New York: Cambridge University Press.
- Le Maitre, R. W. (2002). Igneous Rocks: A Classification and Glossary of Terms. New York: Cambridge University Press.
Frequently Asked Questions about Volcanic Rocks Formed from Magma ====================================================================
In our previous article, we explored the formation of volcanic rocks from magma trapped inside a volcano. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about these rocks.
Q: What is the difference between magma and lava?
A: Magma is a mixture of molten rock, minerals, and gases that originates from the Earth's mantle. Lava, on the other hand, is magma that has risen to the surface of the Earth and is cooling and solidifying.
Q: How do rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano differ from rocks formed from lava?
A: Rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano are known as intrusive or plutonic rocks. They form when magma cools and solidifies slowly beneath the Earth's surface, often at depths of several kilometers. In contrast, rocks formed from lava are known as extrusive or volcanic rocks. They form when lava cools and solidifies quickly at the Earth's surface.
Q: What is the texture of rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano?
A: Rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano often have a coarse texture. This is due to the slow cooling process, which allows the minerals to crystallize and form large crystals.
Q: Are rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano less dense than rocks formed from lava?
A: Yes, rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano are often less dense than rocks formed from lava. This is because the slow cooling process allows the minerals to crystallize and form a more open structure.
Q: What is the composition of rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano?
A: Rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano are often felsic in composition, meaning that they are rich in silica and aluminum. This is in contrast to rocks formed from lava, which are often mafic in composition, meaning that they are rich in iron and magnesium.
Q: Can rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano be found in any location?
A: No, rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano are typically found in areas where there has been volcanic activity. These areas include volcanic arcs, continental rifts, and hotspots.
Q: How can I identify rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano?
A: To identify rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano, look for the following characteristics:
- Coarse texture
- Less dense composition
- Phaneritic texture
- Felsic composition
Q: What are some examples of rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano?
A: Some examples of rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano include:
- Granite
- Diorite
- Gabbro
Q: Can rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano be used for any practical purposes?
A: Yes, rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano can be used for a variety of practical purposes, including:
- Construction
- Decorative stone
- Dimension stone
Conclusion
In conclusion, rocks formed from magma trapped inside a volcano are a fascinating topic in the field of geology. By understanding the formation of these rocks, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the geological processes that shape our planet. We hope that this article has answered some of the most frequently asked questions about these rocks.
References
- Blatt, H., & Tracy, R. J. (2012). Petrology: Igneous, Sedimentary, and Metamorphic. New York: W.H. Freeman and Company.
- Foley, S. F. (2011). Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. New York: Cambridge University Press.
- Le Maitre, R. W. (2002). Igneous Rocks: A Classification and Glossary of Terms. New York: Cambridge University Press.