Question

What is formed when lava cools and crystallizes on top of the oceanic crust?

Answer 1

Basalt igneous rock is formed when lava cools and crystallizes on top of the oceanic crust, contributing to the primary composition of the oceanic crust which covers 55% of Earth's surface.

Step-by-step explanation:

When lava cools and crystallizes on top of the oceanic crust, the rock that is formed is known as basalt. Basalt is an igneous rock and is the primary composition of the oceanic crust. It is produced by the rapid cooling of mafic lava, which erupts from the seafloor, creating basalt lava flows or cooling deeper down to form the intrusive igneous rock known as gabbro. The basaltic flows are noted for their ability to travel over large distances, sometimes more than 20 kilometers, due to their low viscosity. In addition, they have a composition mainly of silicon, oxygen, iron, aluminum, and magnesium, creating the framework for an oceanic crust that covers a significant 55% of Earth's surface and is around 6 kilometers thick.

Answer 2

Occurs when new oceanic crust forms at mid ocean ridge and old crust moves away from the ridge. Magma, Lava. Molten rock or _____ rises from the mantle through cracks in the crust. It erupts as ____ from volcanic vents along the mid ocean ridge.