Basalt

Dark grey fine grained volcanic rock composed of plagioclase, pyroxene and olivine, with relatively low silica (45-52 wt %). The composition reflects an upper mantle origin. Basalt is the most common type of volcanic rock on Earth, and it erupts from mid-ocean spreading ridges and hot spots (e.g., Hawaii and Iceland). The intrusive coarsely crystalline igneous rock equivalent is called gabbro.

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Word of the Week – Microseismicity

Word of the Week – Microseismicity

Microseismicity Tiny earthquakes that result from slip or shear along a fracture caused by an uneven distribution of stress. The displacements are very small scale and unfelt at the...

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Word of the Week – Mineral Geothermometer

Word of the Week – Mineral Geothermometer

Mineral Geothermometer A secondary mineral phase whose stability is defined by a lower and sometimes an upper temperature threshold. Common mineral geothermometers comprise clays, zeolites...

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