What term best describes a rock type formed from magma that cools beneath the Earth's surface?

Prepare for the DIVE Earth Science Quarterly Exam 1. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The term that best describes a rock type formed from magma that cools beneath the Earth's surface is "intrusive rock." Intrusive rocks are created when magma, which is molten rock beneath the Earth's surface, slowly cools and solidifies underground. This slow cooling process allows for the formation of larger crystals within the rock, resulting in a coarse-grained texture. Common examples of intrusive rocks include granite and diorite.

In contrast, extrusive rocks are formed from lava that cools quickly on the Earth's surface, leading to a finer-grained texture. Metamorphic rocks originate from existing rocks that undergo changes due to temperature, pressure, or chemically active fluids. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and compaction of sediments. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for identifying and classifying different rock types based on their formation processes.

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