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Pillow basalt is formed when lava extrudes from the ocean floor - perhaps into a sediment overburden (?) - such that each bolus of lava is separate from the others.

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Why are the crystals in pillow basalt smaller than the crystals in basalt that forms in the ground?

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.


Why are the crystals in pillow basalt than those in many other examples of basalt?

A factor that determines crystal size in igneous rocks is the speed in which the lava/ magma crystallised or froze. As pillow basalts form at mid ocean ridges where magma is erupted into direct contact with the cold sea water the crystals form very fast and are therefore small. Other basalts erupted on land still have relatively small crystals and crystallised relatively fast but overall slower then pillow basalts.


What kind of rock forms when lava cools in the ocean?

When lava cools in the ocean, it forms a type of rock called pillow basalt. This distinctive rock gets its name from its pillow-like shape that results from the rapid cooling of lava in water. Pillow basalt is commonly found in areas where underwater volcanic eruptions occur.


How are Pillow Lava and Pahoehoe lava the same?

Both pillow lava and pahoehoe lava are types of basaltic lava that form during submarine volcanic eruptions. They both have smooth, ropy surfaces, caused by the flow of lava, and are relatively low in viscosity.


Pillow basalt originates at the surface of volcanic islands?

False. Basaltic lava sometimes is erupted under water or flows into the ocean. It makes a formation like a pile of pillows on the sea bottom. Pillow lava crystallizes quickly from the outside to the inside of each "pillow." Lava of this type forms only under water. Pillow lavas are found on many mountains throughout the world.

Related Questions

Why are the Crystal's in pillow basalt smaller than those of in other example of basalt?

Pillow basalts are lavas that were erupted and cooled in sea water. Therefore, they have had very little time to form crystals of any size, during rapid solidification, when compared to most land or air-born eruptions.


Why are the crystals in pillow basalt smaller than the crystals in basalt that forms in the ground?

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.


Why are crystals in pillow basalt smaller then ones in basalt?

A factor that determines crystal size in igneous rocks is the speed in which the lava/ magma crystallised or froze. As pillow basalts form at mid ocean ridges where magma is erupted into direct contact with the cold sea water the crystals form very fast and are therefore small. Other basalts erupted on land still have relatively small crystals and crystallised relatively fast but overall slower then pillow basalts.


Why are the crystals in pillow basalt smaller than those in many other examples of basalt?

A factor that determines crystal size in igneous rocks is the speed in which the lava/ magma crystallised or froze. As pillow basalts form at mid ocean ridges where magma is erupted into direct contact with the cold sea water the crystals form very fast and are therefore small. Other basalts erupted on land still have relatively small crystals and crystallised relatively fast but overall slower then pillow basalts.


Why are the crystals in pillow basalt than those in many other examples of basalt?

A factor that determines crystal size in igneous rocks is the speed in which the lava/ magma crystallised or froze. As pillow basalts form at mid ocean ridges where magma is erupted into direct contact with the cold sea water the crystals form very fast and are therefore small. Other basalts erupted on land still have relatively small crystals and crystallised relatively fast but overall slower then pillow basalts.


Why are the crystals in pillow basalt smaller than those of in many other examples of basalt?

A factor that determines crystal size in igneous rocks is the speed in which the lava/ magma crystallised or froze. As pillow basalts form at mid ocean ridges where magma is erupted into direct contact with the cold sea water the crystals form very fast and are therefore small. Other basalts erupted on land still have relatively small crystals and crystallised relatively fast but overall slower then pillow basalts.


Why are the crystals smaller in basalt pillows?

Pillow basalt forms underwater. Water absorbs heat from lava much more quickly than air does.


What kind of rock forms when lava cools in the ocean?

When lava cools in the ocean, it forms a type of rock called pillow basalt. This distinctive rock gets its name from its pillow-like shape that results from the rapid cooling of lava in water. Pillow basalt is commonly found in areas where underwater volcanic eruptions occur.


How are Pillow Lava and Pahoehoe lava the same?

Both pillow lava and pahoehoe lava are types of basaltic lava that form during submarine volcanic eruptions. They both have smooth, ropy surfaces, caused by the flow of lava, and are relatively low in viscosity.


Pillow basalt originates at the surface of volcanic islands?

False. Basaltic lava sometimes is erupted under water or flows into the ocean. It makes a formation like a pile of pillows on the sea bottom. Pillow lava crystallizes quickly from the outside to the inside of each "pillow." Lava of this type forms only under water. Pillow lavas are found on many mountains throughout the world.


How do you spell the plural of pillow?

Pillows is the plural form of pillow.


Is granite in basalt?

No. Granite and basalt have different compositions and form under different circumstances.