Crystals in basalt that formed underwater are smaller because they cool faster in the water, resulting in less time for the crystals to grow. On the other hand, crystals in basalt that formed on the ground have more time to grow as they cool more slowly, leading to larger crystal sizes.
Basalt is formed from volcanic lava flows that cool quickly on the Earth's surface, while gabbro is formed from the slow cooling of magma deep underground. Both rocks contain similar mineral compositions, with basalt having fine-grained crystals and gabbro having coarse-grained crystals.
Igneous rocks like rhyolite or andesite are formed when magma undergoes crystallization above ground. These rocks cool relatively quickly, resulting in smaller mineral crystals compared to rocks formed from magma crystallizing deep underground.
Igneous rocks that form below ground (intrusive) have larger crystals due to slower cooling, whereas igneous rocks that form above ground (extrusive) have smaller crystals or a glassy texture due to rapid cooling. Additionally, intrusive rocks may show visible layering or bands, while extrusive rocks typically have a more uniform appearance.
Basalt is an extrusive volcanic rock formed from the decompression melting of Earth’s mantle. It is expelled through volcanic eruption and it produced grey to black and fine grained rock. It may contain minerals and elements. Basalt is also formed in other planets and asteroids.Look here for more information:http://geology.com/rocks/basalt.shtml
The general type is extrusive igneous rock.
Pillow basalt is formed from solidifying lava which erupts under the surface of a body of water. Because of this, it cools much faster, allowing less time for crystal growth.
Basalt is formed from volcanic lava flows that cool quickly on the Earth's surface, while gabbro is formed from the slow cooling of magma deep underground. Both rocks contain similar mineral compositions, with basalt having fine-grained crystals and gabbro having coarse-grained crystals.
Crystals formed from lava that solidifies above ground are typically smaller due to the faster cooling process, resulting in fine-grained rocks like basalt. Crystals formed underground from slower cooling have more time to grow and can develop larger sizes, leading to coarse-grained rocks like granite. The cooling rate affects crystal size and the overall texture of the rock.
Two types of igneous rock are intrusive (also called plutonic) and extrusive. There is also porphyry rock which is partly intrusive and partly extrusive. Porphyry rock has large crystals embedded in a mass of much smaller crystals. The large crystals formed underground as does intrusive rock, and were carried in lava when it erupted. The mass of smaller crystals formed around the large crystals when the lava cooled quickly above ground, as does extrusive rock.
I am not sure what you mean by "smaller" BUT - Most piles of basalt on the planet (eg hawaii) are in water - Indeed the whole oceanic seafloor is basalt, so there is more basalt in water than ALL the basalt to be found on land.
Igneous rocks like rhyolite or andesite are formed when magma undergoes crystallization above ground. These rocks cool relatively quickly, resulting in smaller mineral crystals compared to rocks formed from magma crystallizing deep underground.
Basalt is a common type of volcanic rock that can be found both underground and at the surface. It forms from the rapid cooling of lava flows and can be part of the Earth's crust in various locations.
Igneous rocks that form below ground (intrusive) have larger crystals due to slower cooling, whereas igneous rocks that form above ground (extrusive) have smaller crystals or a glassy texture due to rapid cooling. Additionally, intrusive rocks may show visible layering or bands, while extrusive rocks typically have a more uniform appearance.
Usually they have larger crystals and coarser grain than those formed above ground.
Rocks with small crystals form above ground, because when formed under ground the magma makes the rock cool slower causing more time for the crystals to grow. Above ground the rock cools faster, because the air isn't as hot under ground than above ground.
Basalt is an extrusive volcanic rock formed from the decompression melting of Earth’s mantle. It is expelled through volcanic eruption and it produced grey to black and fine grained rock. It may contain minerals and elements. Basalt is also formed in other planets and asteroids.Look here for more information:http://geology.com/rocks/basalt.shtml
The general type is extrusive igneous rock.