Final answer:
Igneous rocks are formed through processes of melting and cooling of magma or lava. The choice from the given options is B. Melting and cooling. There are several types of igneous rocks, each classified based on their composition and the tectonic environment in which they form. Therefore, the correct option is b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The processes that form igneous rocks are melting and cooling. Igneous rocks originate from the cooling and solidification of magma or lava. Basaltic eruptions lead to lava flows that can travel over great distances before freezing into igneous rock. On the other hand, intrusive igneous rocks form from magma that cools slowly underground, giving them a coarse-grained texture.
When considering igneous rock provinces, plutonic and volcanic rocks are evaluated differently due to their cooling ages. Plutonic rocks, which cool slowly beneath the Earth's surface, and volcanic rocks, which cool quickly at the surface, have significantly different textures and histories.
The composition of igneous rocks and the tectonic environments associated with them vary. Igneous rocks differ in their mineral content, which dictates their classification. These rocks form in a variety of tectonic settings, including plate boundaries and hot spots, each creating distinct types of igneous rock formations.