The term 'igneous' comes from a Latin word meaning 'fire'. Igneous rocks are formed due to the cooling and solidification of molten material of the Earth's crust, such as lava.

What are the two main examples of basic igneous rocks?

Basalt, Gabbro

How are plateaus formed from basic igneous rocks?

The molten lava flows and spreads to far-off distances, forming plateaus.

Study Notes

Types of Rocks

The three major types of rocks found in the Earth's crust are igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks.

Igneous Rocks

The term 'igneous' means "relating to fire" or "born from fire".
Igneous rocks are formed when magma or lava cools and solidifies.
Acid igneous rocks are rich in silica and have a higher concentration of Quartz and Feldspar; Granite is a main example of an acid igneous rock.
Basic igneous rocks are rich in iron and magnesium and have a lower concentration of silica; Basalt and Gabbro are two main examples.

Plateaus Formation

Plateaus are formed when basic igneous rocks, such as Basalt, are erupted as lava flows and accumulate over a large area.
The lava flows cool, solidify, and eventually build up a flat or gently sloping region, creating a plateau.

Test your knowledge of rocks with this quiz! Learn about the composition, classification, and characteristics of rocks, as well as the definitions and types of rocks. Explore the world of geology and minerals with this informative quiz.