Which of the following features is created by the cooling of magma underground?

Study for the NCFE Earth Science Test. Utilize quizzes and flashcards, with each multiple choice question offering hints and explanations. Prepare thoroughly for your exam!

The cooling of magma underground leads to the formation of intrusive igneous rock. When magma cools and solidifies beneath the Earth's surface, it does so slowly, allowing large crystals to form within the rock. This slow cooling process results in a coarse-grained texture, which is characteristic of intrusive igneous rocks such as granite.

In contrast, extrusive igneous rock is formed from magma that cools quickly at or near the surface, often resulting in a fine-grained texture due to the rapid solidification. Sedimentary rock forms from the accumulation of sediment, while metamorphic rock originates from pre-existing rocks that have been transformed by heat, pressure, or chemically active fluids. Each of these rock types forms under different conditions, making the process of cooling magma underground specifically indicative of intrusive igneous rock formation.

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