A Dike is a type of intrusive (plutonic) volcanic landform. It is formed when magma forces its way vertically or sub-vertically through existing rock layers and solidifies. Unlike a sill, which is horizontal and parallel to rock layers, a dike cuts across them, acting as a “wall” of volcanic rock. ANSWER: (D) Volcanic intrusive landform
What is a dike? (A) Coastal landform (B) Glacier-formed landform (C) Volcanic extrusive landform (D) Volcanic intrusive landform
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When magma rises toward the surface but fails to erupt, it cools within the crust, forming Intrusive Igneous Bodies. A dike is specifically a discordant body, meaning it cuts across the “bedding planes” of the surrounding country rock. Dikes often act as the “plumbing system” for volcanoes, feeding magma to vents. After millions of years of erosion, the surrounding softer rock may wear away, leaving the harder volcanic dike standing as a prominent, wall-like ridge in the landscape. This makes them essential features for geologists studying ancient volcanic plumbing.