What are Volcanoes?
Volcanoes are geological formations on the Earth's surface that occur when molten rock, called magma, rises from the Earth's interior to the surface. This molten rock, along with gases and other materials, is expelled through openings in the Earth's crust, creating volcanic eruptions. Volcanoes can be found both on land and underwater, and they are often associated with tectonic plate boundaries, where the Earth's crust is either colliding or spreading apart.

Intrusive Landforms Formed by Volcanoes

Volcanic activity not only results in the formation of volcanoes on the surface but also leads to the creation of various intrusive landforms beneath the Earth's surface. These intrusive landforms are formed when magma solidifies underground, resulting in the formation of igneous rocks. Let's explore some of the common intrusive landforms formed by volcanoes:

1. Dikes:
Dikes are tabular or sheet-like features that form when magma is forced into fractures or cracks in the surrounding rocks. As the magma cools and solidifies, it forms a vertical or nearly vertical wall-like structure. Dikes can range in thickness from a few centimeters to several meters.

2. Sills:
Sills are horizontal or nearly horizontal intrusive features that are formed when magma is injected between layers of pre-existing rocks. As the magma cools and solidifies, it forms a flat, parallel layer of igneous rock. Sills can extend for long distances and have a uniform thickness.

3. Laccoliths:
Laccoliths are mushroom-shaped intrusions that occur when viscous magma is injected into the Earth's crust, causing overlying rocks to arch upward. The magma chamber beneath a laccolith is typically lens-shaped, with the top portion being wider than the bottom. As the magma cools and solidifies, it forms a dome-shaped intrusive landform.

4. Batholiths:
Batholiths are large, irregularly shaped intrusive formations that are formed by the solidification of a vast amount of magma deep within the Earth's crust. These formations can extend for hundreds of square kilometers and are often composed of coarse-grained igneous rocks such as granite. Batholiths are typically associated with mountain-building processes.

5. Volcanic Necks:
Volcanic necks, also known as volcanic plugs, are formed when magma solidifies within the throat of a volcano and the surrounding volcanic material is eroded away over time. These landforms are often characterized by their vertical or columnar shape and can be exposed due to erosion or land uplift.

Conclusion
Volcanoes are fascinating geological features that result from the eruption of magma onto the Earth's surface. Along with the formation of volcanoes, intrusive landforms are also created beneath the Earth's surface through the solidification of magma. These landforms, such as dikes, sills, laccoliths, batholiths, and volcanic necks, contribute to the diverse and dynamic nature of the Earth's crust.