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How do I GNEOUS rocks form

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Answered by GPT 3.5
Igneous rocks form from the solidification and cooling of molten rock material, known as magma or lava. There are two main types of igneous rocks: intrusive and extrusive.

1. Intrusive igneous rocks: These rocks form when magma slowly cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface. The slow cooling allows the minerals within the magma to form large crystals. Examples of intrusive igneous rocks include granite and diorite.

2. Extrusive igneous rocks: These rocks form when lava erupts onto the Earth's surface and cools rapidly. The rapid cooling prevents the growth of large crystals, resulting in fine-grained rocks. Examples of extrusive igneous rocks include basalt and rhyolite.

The process of igneous rock formation typically involves the following steps:

1. Melting: In the Earth's mantle or crust, an increase in temperature or a decrease in pressure can cause rocks to melt and form magma.

2. Migration: Magma, being less dense than the surrounding rocks, moves upwards towards the Earth's surface through cracks and fractures in the crust.

3. Cooling and Solidification: As magma rises to shallower depths or is erupted onto the surface, it starts to cool down. The rate of cooling determines the texture of the resulting rock. Slow cooling leads to larger crystals, while rapid cooling results in smaller crystals.

4. Crystallization: As magma cools and solidifies, the minerals within it start to arrange themselves into crystalline structures. The composition of the magma and the rate of cooling influence the types and sizes of crystals formed.

Overall, igneous rocks are formed through a combination of melting, cooling, and solidification of magma or lava.

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