Which igneous rocks are characterized by cooling slowly below the Earth's surface?

Igneous rocks that form from the slow cooling of molten material beneath the Earth's surface are known as intrusive igneous rocks. The slow cooling process allows for the development of larger mineral crystals, giving these rocks a coarse-grained texture. This characteristic distinguishes them from extrusive igneous rocks, which cool quickly on the Earth's surface and typically have a finer-grained texture due to the rapid solidification of lava.

Intrusive igneous rocks include examples such as granite and diorite. The depth at which they form can vary, but they are always found below the surface, where the heat retains the magma in a molten state for longer periods. The geological setting and process that leads to the formation of these rocks involve the accumulation of magma in large chambers within the crust, which slowly crystallizes to form solid rock.

Understanding the properties of intrusive igneous rocks enhances comprehension of the broader topic of igneous rock formation and the processes related to the Earth's geology.