Magma: Definition, Composition, Types and Formation of Magma

Magma is a mixture of molten or semi-molten rock, volatiles and solids. Besides molten rock it may contain suspended crystals and dissolved gases. The two most abundant elements in earth’s crust and mantle are oxygen and silicon which combine to ..

Volcano: Definition, Types, Examples and Trivia about Volcanoes

A volcano is simply an opening in the Earth’s surface in which eruptions of dust, gas, and magma occur; they form on land and on the ocean floor. The driving force behind eruptions is pressure from deep beneath the Earth’s ..

Metamorphic Rocks: Types and Examples

The mountain-building processes of the Earth’s crust involve tremendous pressures and high temperatures. These extreme conditions alter igneous or sedimentary rocks, transforming them into metamorphic rock. Thus, metamorphic rocks are formed from the pre-existing rocks within the Earth’s crust by ..

Sedimentary Rocks: Features, Types and Examples of Sedimentary Rocks

Sedimentary rocks are made from layers, or strata, of mineral particles found in other rocks that have been weathered and from newly formed organic matter.  Sedimentary rocks are important because they preserve a record of ancient landscapes, climates, and mountain ..

Igneous Rocks: Composition, Types and Examples of Igneous Rocks

The upper 16 kilometers of the Earth’s crust is made up of 95% Igneous rock, with a thin covering of sedimentary and metamorphic rocks. Igneous rocks are formed when molten rock cools, forming silicate mineral crystals. Felsic minerals are light ..

Types of Rocks

Minerals are naturally occurring inorganic substances, often with a crystalline structure. They are composed largely of the most abundant elements in the Earth’s crust oxygen & silicon, coupled with metals or the metallic elements of iron, calcium, sodium, potassium, and ..

Earthquakes in India; Seismic Zoning and Major Quakes

India has a very high frequency of great earthquakes (magnitude greater than 8.0) in comparison to the moderate earthquakes (magnitude 6.0 to 7.0). For example, during 1897 to 1950, India was hit by four great earthquakes. However, since 1950, only ..

Basics of Seismic Waves: P Waves – S Waves Difference

The waves generated by the earthquake are called Seismic waves.  The study of earthquake and seismic waves is called Seismology and the researchers are called Seismologists. Seismic waves are divided into two broad categories viz. Body Waves and Surface Waves. ..