Geology: Mantle Radar and Igneous Rock Formation

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to the study of mantle radar, igneous rock formation, and associated geological processes.

Mantle Radar

A technique used to study the composition and behavior of the Earth's mantle.

Partially Melting

The process by which some minerals in a rock melt while others remain solid.

Extrusive Igneous Rocks

Rocks formed from lava that cools and solidifies on the Earth's surface.

Intrusive Igneous Rocks

Rocks formed from magma that cools slowly beneath the Earth's surface.

Subduction

A geological process where one tectonic plate moves under another, pushing it into the mantle.

Decompression Melting

Melting that occurs due to a decrease in pressure on rocks, allowing them to melt.

Hot Spot

An area in the mantle that is hotter than the surrounding areas, leading to volcanic activity.

Hydrous Minerals

Minerals that contain water within their crystal structure, which can release water when subjected to heat and pressure.

Tectonic Plate

Large slabs of the Earth's lithosphere that move and interact, causing geological activity like earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.

Magma

Molten rock beneath the Earth's surface that can solidify to form igneous rocks.