What type of igneous rocks cool rapidly on the land surface or ocean bottom?

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Prepare for the UCF GEO1200 Physical Geography Exam. Enhance your study with flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Ace your test with confidence!

Extrusive igneous rocks are formed from magma that reaches the Earth's surface and cools quickly. This rapid cooling occurs when volcanic eruptions release molten rock, or lava, onto the land surface or beneath the ocean, where it solidifies relatively quickly due to lower temperatures and exposure to the atmosphere or water.

The quick cooling process prevents the formation of large crystals, resulting in fine-grained textures typical of extrusive igneous rocks, such as basalt and rhyolite. These rocks often exhibit features like volcanic glass or small visible crystals, which contrast with rocks that cool slowly underground, allowing for the growth of larger crystals. Therefore, extrusive igneous rocks are specifically recognized for their rapid cooling characteristics and the locations where they arise, such as volcanic islands or lava flows.