Igneous Rock Flashcard

Front

What is the process by which igneous rocks form?

Back

Igneous rocks form through the process of crystallization from molten magma.

Front

What is fractional crystallization?

Back

Fractional crystallization is the process where different minerals crystallize from magma at different temperatures, leading to a change in the composition of the remaining magma.

Front

Which mineral forms at the highest temperature according to Bowen's reaction series?

Back

Olivine forms at the highest temperature according to Bowen's reaction series.

Front

What happens to the composition of magma as minerals crystallize?

Back

As minerals crystallize from magma, the composition of the remaining magma changes.

Front

What type of crystals will form if an igneous rock crystallizes slowly over a long period of time?

Back

If an igneous rock crystallizes slowly over a long period of time, it will have larger crystals.

Front

What is the difference between intrusive and extrusive igneous rocks?

Back

Intrusive igneous rocks form from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface, resulting in larger crystals, while extrusive igneous rocks form from lava that cools quickly on the surface, resulting in smaller crystals.

Front

Define magma.

Back

Magma is molten rock located beneath the Earth's surface.

Front

What is the role of temperature in the formation of igneous rocks?

Back

Temperature affects the crystallization of minerals from magma; higher temperatures allow for the formation of certain minerals, while lower temperatures lead to the crystallization of others.

Front

What is the significance of Bowen's reaction series?

Back

Bowen's reaction series illustrates the order in which minerals crystallize from cooling magma, helping to understand the composition of igneous rocks.

Front

What are the two main types of igneous rocks?

Back

The two main types of igneous rocks are intrusive (plutonic) and extrusive (volcanic) rocks.