Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
Magma (from Ancient Greek μάγμα (mágma) 'thick unguent') [1] is the molten or semi-molten natural material from which all igneous rocks are formed. [2] Magma (sometimes colloquially but incorrectly referred to as lava ) is found beneath the surface of the Earth , and evidence of magmatism has also been discovered on other terrestrial ...
The word lava comes from Italian and is probably derived from the Latin word labes, which means a fall or slide. [2] [3] An early use of the word in connection with extrusion of magma from below the surface is found in a short account of the 1737 eruption of Vesuvius, written by Francesco Serao, who described "a flow of fiery lava" as an analogy to the flow of water and mud down the flanks of ...
Also called Indianite. A mineral from the lime-rich end of the plagioclase group of minerals. Anorthites are usually silicates of calcium and aluminium occurring in some basic igneous rocks, typically those produced by the contact metamorphism of impure calcareous sediments. anticline An arched fold in which the layers usually dip away from the fold axis. Contrast syncline. aphanic Having the ...
The term dross derives from the Old English word dros, meaning the scum produced when smelting metals (extracting them from their ores). By the 15th century it had come to refer to rubbish in general. [3] Dregs, [3] and the geological term druse are also thought to be etymologically related. [4] Popular non-metalworking uses of the word are ...
The word volcanic rock is derived from the Latin root words of Vulcan, [47] the Roman god of fire, and -ic, [48] meaning having some characteristics of. The word plutonic rock, another name for intrusive igneous rock, is derived from the Latin root words of Pluto, [49] the Roman god of the underworld, and -ic, [50] meaning having some ...
Molten cryolite is used as a solvent for aluminium oxide (Al 2 O 3) in the Hall–Héroult process, used in the refining of aluminium. It decreases the melting point of aluminium oxide from 2000–2500 °C to 900–1000 °C, and increases its conductivity [ 18 ] thus making the extraction of aluminium more economical.
A volcano needs a reservoir of molten magma (e.g. a magma chamber), a conduit to allow magma to rise through the crust, and a vent to allow the magma to escape above the surface as lava. The erupted volcanic material (lava and tephra) that is deposited around the vent is known as a volcanic edifice , typically a volcanic cone or mountain.
The internal structure of Earth. Earth's mantle is a layer of silicate rock between the crust and the outer core.It has a mass of 4.01 × 10 24 kg (8.84 × 10 24 lb) and makes up 67% of the mass of Earth. [1]