Igneous Rocks

Front

What are igneous rocks?

Back

Igneous rocks are formed from the cooling and solidification of molten rock material called magma or lava.

Front

What is the difference between magma and lava?

Back

Magma is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, while lava is magma that has erupted onto the Earth's surface.

Front

What are fine-grained igneous rocks?

Back

Fine-grained igneous rocks have small crystals and are formed from rapidly cooling lava.

Front

What are coarse-grained igneous rocks?

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Coarse-grained igneous rocks have larger crystals and are formed from slowly cooling magma.

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What does 'intrusive igneous rock' mean?

Back

Intrusive igneous rocks are formed from magma that hardens beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What does 'extrusive igneous rock' mean?

Back

Extrusive igneous rocks are formed from lava that erupts onto the Earth's surface.

Front

What is Obsidian?

Back

Obsidian is a type of igneous rock that is glassy and has no visible crystals, making it fine-grained.

Front

What is Gabbro?

Back

Gabbro is a coarse-grained intrusive igneous rock formed from slowly cooling magma.

Front

How do volcanic eruptions relate to igneous rocks?

Back

Volcanic eruptions release lava, which cools to form extrusive igneous rocks.

Front

What is the cooling rate of lava compared to magma?

Back

Lava cools quickly when it erupts, while magma cools slowly underground.