Intrusive Igneous Activity
Plutons intrusive igneous structures that result from the cooling/hardening of magma beneath surface. classified according to shape, size, and relationship to surrounding rock layers
Types of Plutons Dikes Sills Batholiths
Sills Horizontal plutons formed when magma is intruded in between sedimentary layers
Dikes intrusive igneous features that cut across preexisting rock layers. Dikes can form when magma invades fractures in the surrounding rocks.
must have a surface exposure greater than 100 km2 Batholiths large masses of igneous rock that formed when magma at depth, became crystallized, and was exposed by erosion must have a surface exposure greater than 100 km2
Geothermal Gradient Temp naturally increases with depth but is not sufficient to melt rock in the lower crust and upper mantle
Origin of Magma 1. Increase Temperature 2. Reduce Pressure 3. Water (Wet rocks melt easier)
Additional heat can be generated by crustal rocks heating up from friction during subduction
Where Do Volcanoes Occur? Convergent plate boundaries: 75% of active volcanoes Ex: Ring of Fire Subduction zone Divergent plate boundaries: as plates move apart, magma rises to fill the space
Do we live by a Volcano?