XENOLITHS Meaning and
Definition
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Xenoliths refer to rock fragments or inclusions within an igneous rock that have a different composition from the surrounding host rock. These foreign fragments can be of various sizes, ranging from microscopic to several meters in diameter.
Xenoliths typically form when molten magma ascends from the Earth's mantle toward the surface and incorporates pieces of pre-existing rock in the process. As the magma rises through the crust, it can entrain surrounding rocks or portions of the crust, which then become trapped within the igneous rock upon solidification. These captured fragments are known as xenoliths.
Xenoliths serve as valuable indicators of the geologic history and composition of Earth's subsurface. By studying the xenoliths, geologists can obtain insights into the types of rocks present at depth, as well as the conditions under which the magma formed and ascended.
The composition of xenoliths can vary significantly, reflecting the diversity of rock types in the crust and mantle. Common types of xenoliths include fragments of metamorphic rocks, sedimentary rocks, and even pieces of the Earth's mantle itself. The presence of xenoliths within an igneous rock can provide important clues about the source region of the magma, the tectonic environment, and the thermal and chemical evolution of the subsurface.
Overall, xenoliths play a vital role in helping geologists unravel the complex history and makeup of Earth's geological processes.
Common Misspellings for XENOLITHS
Etymology of XENOLITHS
The word "xenoliths" is derived from two Greek words: "xenos", meaning "foreign", and "lithos", meaning "stone". The combination of the two forms the word "xenoliths", which refers to foreign or non-indigenous rocks that are embedded within another rock formation.
Similar spelling word for XENOLITHS
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