Huge masses of coarse-grained igneous rock solidifying in depth in the crust are best described as?
Answer Details
The best way to describe huge masses of coarse-grained igneous rock solidifying in depth in the crust is "plutonic rocks". These rocks form when molten magma cools and solidifies slowly beneath the Earth's surface, giving the minerals enough time to grow into large crystals.
Plutonic rocks can also be referred to as intrusive rocks because they intrude or push their way into existing rock layers. The slow cooling process of magma beneath the Earth's surface allows for the growth of larger mineral crystals, resulting in the coarse-grained texture commonly found in plutonic rocks. Examples of plutonic rocks include granite, diorite, and gabbro.
In contrast, volcanic rocks form when magma erupts onto the Earth's surface and cools quickly, resulting in a fine-grained texture. Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks that have been transformed by heat and pressure, while sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and cementation of sediments over time.