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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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13y ago
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4mo ago

Pillow basalt forms when basaltic lava erupts underwater and cools rapidly, creating pillow-shaped structures. Water cools the lava quickly, causing it to solidify into distinctive pillow-like shapes as it is extruded.

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Q: How does pillow basalt form?
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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?

Yes, pillow basalt forms when lava erupts at the surface of underwater volcanoes or mid-ocean ridges, where it rapidly cools and solidifies in an underwater environment. The lava's rapid cooling causes it to form characteristic pillow-shaped structures, resembling stacked pillows. This process is common in areas where volcanic activity occurs beneath the ocean's surface.

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?

Crystals in pillow basalt are typically smaller than those in basalt because the rapid cooling that occurs when lava interacts with water during volcanic eruptions inhibits crystal growth. This rapid cooling results in the formation of fine-grained crystals, whereas in basalt, which cools more slowly underground, larger crystals have time to grow.


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

The crystals in pillow basalt are smaller because the lava cools rapidly when it comes into contact with water, preventing large crystals from forming. The quick cooling process limits the time available for mineral crystals to grow to a larger size, resulting in fine-grained basalt with small crystals.


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?

Yes, pillow basalt forms when lava erupts at the surface of underwater volcanoes or mid-ocean ridges, where it rapidly cools and solidifies in an underwater environment. The lava's rapid cooling causes it to form characteristic pillow-shaped structures, resembling stacked pillows. This process is common in areas where volcanic activity occurs beneath the ocean's surface.


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.