What are the two criteria thought to be necessary for igneous rock for...
For the primordial material from which igneous rocks are thought to have evolved, a very high temperature and a molten state are two highly important criteria.
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What are the two criteria thought to be necessary for igneous rock for...
Criteria for Igneous Rock Formation
Igneous rocks are formed through the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Understanding the conditions necessary for their formation is crucial for geology.
1. Molten State
- The presence of molten material is essential for igneous rock formation.
- Magma, which is molten rock beneath the Earth’s surface, or lava, which is molten rock that has erupted onto the surface, must be in a liquid state to allow minerals to dissolve and interact.
- This molten state allows for the mixing of various minerals, leading to the diverse range of igneous rock types.
2. Very High Temperature
- The temperatures involved in the formation of igneous rocks are typically very high, often exceeding 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,832 degrees Fahrenheit).
- Such high temperatures are necessary to keep the rock material in a liquefied state, preventing premature crystallization.
- Upon cooling, the molten rock eventually solidifies, forming the crystalline structure characteristic of igneous rocks.
Conclusion
- Therefore, the two critical criteria for the formation of igneous rocks are:
- The presence of a molten state, which allows minerals to be in a liquid form.
- Very high temperatures, which are essential to maintain this molten state until solidification occurs.
These aspects are fundamental in understanding the origins and characteristics of igneous rocks, making option 'B' the correct choice.