BASALTIC VOLCANISM Meaning and
Definition
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Basaltic volcanism refers to the volcanic activities characterized by the eruption of basaltic magma onto the Earth's surface. Basaltic magma is a type of molten rock that is rich in silica and has low viscosity, which allows it to flow easily. As a result, basaltic volcanism typically produces gentle and effusive eruptions.
Basaltic volcanism occurs primarily at divergent plate boundaries, such as mid-ocean ridges, where tectonic plates move apart and create gaps through which magma can escape. This type of volcanism is also common in intraplate settings, such as hotspots, where mantle plumes produce rising columns of hot and molten rock, eventually reaching the surface and creating volcanic activity.
The eruptions associated with basaltic volcanism often result in the formation of basalt, a type of dark-colored igneous rock that is rich in iron and magnesium. This rock is commonly found in oceanic crust and in volcanic regions on land, where basaltic lava flows can cover vast areas, leaving behind extensive basaltic plateaus or lava fields.
Basaltic volcanism plays a significant role in shaping the Earth's surface and contributing to the formation of landforms such as shield volcanoes, lava tubes, and volcanic cones. It also has important implications for the Earth's geology and the evolution of its interior structure.
Understanding basaltic volcanism is crucial as it provides insights into Earth's formation and helps scientists study planetary volcanism on other bodies in our solar system, such as the Moon and Mars.
Common Misspellings for BASALTIC VOLCANISM
- vasaltic volcanism
- nasaltic volcanism
- hasaltic volcanism
- gasaltic volcanism
- bzsaltic volcanism
- bssaltic volcanism
- bwsaltic volcanism
- bqsaltic volcanism
- baaaltic volcanism
- bazaltic volcanism
- baxaltic volcanism
- badaltic volcanism
- baealtic volcanism
- bawaltic volcanism
- baszltic volcanism
- bassltic volcanism
- baswltic volcanism
- basqltic volcanism
- basaktic volcanism
- basaptic volcanism
Etymology of BASALTIC VOLCANISM
The etymology of the word "basaltic volcanism" can be traced back to its two main components: "basalt" and "volcanism".
1. Basalt: The term "basalt" originates from the Latin word "basaltes", which itself is derived from the Ancient Greek word "basanites". This Greek term referred to a type of iron-rich, fine-grained rock used to test the purity of gold and silver due to its ability to emit sparks when struck against them. The word "basanites" was possibly derived from the Greek word "basanos", meaning "touchstone" or "test".
2. Volcanism: The term "volcanism" is derived from the word "volcano". The word "volcano" comes from the Latin namecanus", which was the Roman god of fire, particularly associated with volcanic and metalworking activities.
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