Geo: Magma & Faults

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What is magma?

Back

Magma is molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface. It can solidify to form igneous rocks when it cools.

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What is a fault in geology?

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A fault is a fracture or zone of fractures between two blocks of rock, allowing for movement and displacement.

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What is an intrusion?

Back

An intrusion is a body of igneous rock that forms when magma penetrates into pre-existing rock layers and solidifies.

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How can you determine the relative age of rock layers?

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The principle of superposition states that in undisturbed rock layers, the oldest layers are at the bottom and the youngest are at the top.

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What does it mean if a rock layer is 'younger' than an intrusion?

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It means that the rock layer was formed after the intrusion occurred.

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What is the principle of cross-cutting relationships?

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This principle states that if a geological feature cuts through another, the feature that has been cut is older.

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What is the significance of sedimentary rock layers?

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Sedimentary rock layers can provide information about the Earth's history, including past environments and life forms.

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What is the difference between basalt and granite?

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Basalt is a dark, fine-grained igneous rock formed from lava, while granite is a light-colored, coarse-grained igneous rock formed from magma.

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What is folding in geology?

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Folding is the bending of rock layers due to tectonic forces, often resulting in the formation of mountains.

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What is breccia?

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Breccia is a type of sedimentary rock composed of angular fragments cemented together.