LACCOLITE Meaning and
Definition
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A laccolite is a geological formation characterized by a dome-shaped intrusion of magma that has solidified underground between different layers of sedimentary rock, creating a lens-like or mushroom-shaped structure. This intrusive igneous rock is usually composed of granite or other coarse-grained rock types, formed when molten material (magma) is injected into surrounding sedimentary layers, forcing them to uplift and bend.
Laccolites are typically found in areas with a significant history of volcanic activity, and their formation occurs within the Earth's crust. As the magma slowly cools and solidifies within the sedimentary layers, the overlying rocks gradually erode, eventually exposing the inverted bowl-shaped structure of the laccolite at the Earth's surface.
These geological formations are often several kilometers in diameter and can extend many hundreds of meters in height. Due to the uplift and folding of the surrounding rock layers caused by the laccolite, they frequently create domes or localized mountain peaks. The exposed laccolite often displays a hardened, resistant exterior, while the interior may contain visible layers or bands of different rock types.
Laccolites are significant both geologically and economically. Geologists study them to understand the history of volcanic activity and the formation of Earth's crust. Additionally, laccolites can be sources of valuable minerals such as copper, silver, or gold, leading to economic exploration and extraction efforts in areas where such formations are present.
Common Misspellings for LACCOLITE
- kaccolite
- paccolite
- oaccolite
- lzccolite
- lsccolite
- lwccolite
- lqccolite
- laxcolite
- lavcolite
- lafcolite
- ladcolite
- lacxolite
- lacvolite
- lacfolite
- lacdolite
- laccilite
- laccklite
- laccllite
- laccplite
- laccoplite
Etymology of LACCOLITE
The word laccolite originated from the combination of two Latin words: lacus meaning lake and lithos meaning stone. The term was first coined in 1875 by the American geologist Grove Karl Gilbert to describe a specific type of igneous intrusion. Gilbert compared the laccolite's shape to that of a small lake or saucer, hence the name laccolite.
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