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Andesite (/ ˈ æ n d ə z aɪ t /) [1] is a volcanic rock of intermediate composition. In a general sense, it is the intermediate type between silica -poor basalt and silica-rich rhyolite . It is fine-grained ( aphanitic ) to porphyritic in texture, and is composed predominantly of sodium-rich plagioclase plus pyroxene or hornblende .
For example, andesitic magmatism is associated with the formation of island arcs at convergent plate boundaries while basaltic magmatism is found at mid-ocean ridges during sea-floor spreading at divergent plate boundaries. On Earth, magma forms by partial melting of silicate rocks either in the mantle, continental or oceanic crust. Evidence ...
Magma exists in three main forms that vary in composition. [3] When magma crystallizes within the crust, it forms an extrusive igneous rock. Dependent on the composition of the magma, it may form either rhyolite, andesite, or basalt. [3] Volatiles, particularly water and carbon dioxide, significantly impact the behavior of each form of magma ...
A magma series is a chemically distinct range of magma compositions that describes the evolution of a mafic magma into a more evolved, silica rich end member. Rock types of the tholeiitic magma series include tholeiitic basalt , ferro-basalt, tholeiitic basaltic andesite , tholeiitic andesite , dacite and rhyolite .
The andesite line is the most significant regional geologic distinction in the Pacific Ocean basin. It separates the mafic basaltic volcanic rocks of the Central Pacific Basin from the partially submerged continental areas of more felsic andesitic volcanic rock on its margins.
Andesite and basaltic andesite are the most abundant volcanic rock in island arc which is indicative of the calc-alkaline magmas. Some Island arcs have distributed volcanic series as can be seen in the Japanese island arc system where the volcanic rocks change from tholeiite—calc-alkaline—alkaline with increasing distance from the trench.
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 planets and some natural satellites. [3] Besides molten rock, magma may also contain suspended crystals and gas bubbles. [4]
Vesicular texture is a volcanic rock texture characterized by a rock being pitted with many cavities (known as vesicles) at its surface and inside. [1] This texture is common in aphanitic, or glassy, igneous rocks that have come to the surface of the Earth, a process known as extrusion. As magma rises to the surface the pressure on it decreases ...