The Formation of Rocks in Ireland Essay
It is the most widespread type of intrusive igneous rock at the earth’s surface. Igneous rocks form when molten rock is erupted at a volcano and then cools and hardens to form solid rock (Holden, 2012). Granite rock is created when magma is forced between other rocks deep within the earths crust. The magma then cools due to the drop in temperature and crystallizes in caverns deep within the earth. The molten rock cools quite slowly over time, which allows the crystals to grow and develop inside the molten rock.
Granite is transported to the surface of the earth by plate tectonics.
The collision of continental plates moves the granite from deep within the crust of the earth to the surface. Granite is found in Ireland in the Wicklow Mountains. (http://www. talktalk. co. uk/reference/encyclopaedia/hutchinson/m0015252. html) Granite is distinguished by three features. Firstly, granite is composed of large mineral grains that bind tightly together. Secondly, granite always contains the minerals of quartz and feldspar. (http://www.
