What is a vesicle geology?
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In geology, a vesicle is a small cavity or void in a rock that is typically formed by the entrapment of gas or other volatile substances during the cooling and solidification of molten rock, such as lava or magma. Vesicles are common features in certain types of volcanic and igneous rocks, and theyRead more
In geology, a vesicle is a small cavity or void in a rock that is typically formed by the entrapment of gas or other volatile substances during the cooling and solidification of molten rock, such as lava or magma. Vesicles are common features in certain types of volcanic and igneous rocks, and they often leave behind distinctive voids or cavities after the rock has solidified.
Key characteristics of vesicles in geology include:
1. **Formation in Volcanic Rocks:** Vesicles are most commonly associated with volcanic rocks, such as basalt and scoria. When magma erupts onto the Earth’s surface as lava, the rapid decrease in pressure allows dissolved gases (primarily water vapor, carbon dioxide, and sulfur dioxide) to come out of solution and form bubbles or vesicles in the molten rock.
2. **Size and Shape:** Vesicles can vary in size, from tiny microscopic voids to larger cavities that are visible to the naked eye. They can have irregular shapes, and their distribution within a rock can be relatively uniform or clustered.
3. **Filling Material:** Vesicles may contain secondary minerals or other materials that have filled the cavities over time. Common filling materials include minerals like quartz, calcite, or zeolites.
4. **Impact on Density:** The presence of vesicles can reduce the density of a rock because they occupy space without adding mass. This can result in a lower specific gravity compared to similar rocks without vesicles.
5. **Identification:** Vesicles can be identified by their typically round or elliptical shapes, and they often have smoother interiors compared to fractures or cracks in rocks. They are a useful feature for distinguishing volcanic rocks and understanding their eruptive history.
6. **Geological Significance:** Vesicles can provide information about the volcanic environment, including the amount of gas dissolved in the magma, the depth of volcanic activity, and the cooling history of the lava or magma.
Vesicles are just one of many features that geologists use to analyze and interpret the origin and history of rocks. They are particularly common in volcanic rocks, where rapid cooling and gas release during eruptions create ideal conditions for vesicle formation.
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