What type of rock is formed from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath Earth's surface?

Study for the Ohio Assessment for Educators (OAE) Integrated Science (024) Exam. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with hints and explanations to prep for your test. Ace your exam!

The rock formed from the cooling and solidification of magma beneath Earth's surface is known as intrusive igneous rock. This type of rock is created when magma cools slowly within the Earth's crust, allowing large crystals to form. The slow cooling process typically leads to a coarse-grained texture, which is characteristic of these rocks. Examples of intrusive igneous rocks include granite and diorite.

Conversely, extrusive igneous rocks are formed when magma erupts onto the Earth's surface as lava and cools quickly, resulting in a fine-grained texture. Metamorphic rocks are created from the alteration of existing rocks under high temperature and pressure, without melting. Sedimentary rocks are formed from the accumulation and consolidation of sediments or organic materials, often in layers, and they do not originate from molten material. Thus, the identification of intrusive igneous rock as the correct answer is based on understanding the processes and environments in which different types of rocks form.

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