Batholith vs. Laccolith — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 27, 2024
A batholith is a large mass of intrusive igneous rock, typically forming the core of mountains, while a laccolith is smaller and forms when magma intrudes between rock layers, creating a dome-like shape.
Difference Between Batholith and Laccolith
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A batholith is a vast formation that usually covers an area of more than 100 square kilometers and is typically exposed over geological times through erosion. In contrast, a laccolith is relatively smaller, often less than 100 square kilometers, and characterized by its lens or mushroom shape due to less expansive spreading.
Batholiths are typically formed deep within the Earth's crust and are made predominantly of granitic or dioritic material. On the other hand, laccoliths are usually closer to the surface and can be composed of various rock types, including basaltic and andesitic compositions.
The formation of a batholith involves the crystallization of magma over millions of years, leading to the creation of large, coherent rock bodies. Whereas laccoliths form when magma intrudes into sedimentary layers and pushes the overlying strata upward, creating a bulge or dome.
Erosion plays a significant role in exposing batholiths to the surface, often resulting in dramatic landscapes such as those seen in the Sierra Nevada. Conversely, laccoliths may create visible features like the Henry Mountains in Utah, but they do not usually lead to the extensive mountain ranges typical of batholiths.
Batholiths are crucial in understanding continental crust formation and its evolution, providing insights into large-scale tectonic processes. Laccoliths, while also significant geologically, are often studied to understand the dynamics of magma intrusion and the mechanical properties of the crust.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Over 100 km², large
Typically less than 100 km², smaller
Shape
Irregular, massive
Dome-shaped, lens-like
Depth of Formation
Deep in the crust
Relatively shallow within the crust
Composition
Mainly granitic or dioritic
Varied, including basaltic, andesitic
Landscape Impact
Forms core of mountains, exposed by erosion
Causes uplift, forms smaller hills or domes
Compare with Definitions
Batholith
A large mass of igneous rock formed from cooled magma deep in the Earth's crust.
The Sierra Nevada mountains are underlain by a batholith.
Laccolith
A mushroom-shaped intrusion of magma between sedimentary layers.
The laccolith in the Henry Mountains was first described by G.K. Gilbert.
Batholith
Often covers extensive areas and can form the cores of mountains.
The Coast Range Batholith spans much of coastal British Columbia.
Laccolith
Causes the overlying strata to dome upwards.
The Pine Valley Mountain is a laccolithic dome.
Batholith
Primarily composed of granite or diorite.
The Idaho Batholith is a granitic formation.
Laccolith
Provides insight into the dynamics of magma intrusion.
Laccoliths in Colorado have been studied for their intrusion mechanics.
Batholith
Exposed through the process of erosion over millions of years.
Erosion has revealed the Stone Mountain Batholith in Georgia.
Laccolith
Can be composed of various igneous rock types.
The Palisade Laccolith is andesitic in composition.
Batholith
Important for understanding continental crust formation.
Studies of the Alaskan Batholith contribute to tectonic research.
Laccolith
Typically visible as small hills or domes.
The Bear Butte in South Dakota is an exposed laccolith.
Batholith
A batholith (from Greek bathos, depth + lithos, rock) is a large mass of intrusive igneous rock (also called plutonic rock), larger than 100 square kilometres (40 sq mi) in area, that forms from cooled magma deep in the Earth's crust. Batholiths are almost always made mostly of felsic or intermediate rock types, such as granite, quartz monzonite, or diorite (see also granite dome).
Laccolith
A laccolith is a sheet-like intrusion (or concordant pluton) that has been injected within or between layers of sedimentary rock (when the host rock is volcanic, the laccolith is referred to as a cryptodome). The pressure of the magma is high enough that the overlying strata are forced upward and folded, giving the laccolith a dome or mushroom-like form (or possibly conical or wedge-shape) with a generally planar base.
Batholith
A large mass of igneous rock that has melted and intruded surrounding strata at great depths.
Laccolith
A mass of igneous rock intruded between layers of sedimentary rock, resulting in uplift.
Batholith
(geology) A large irregular mass of intrusive igneous rock that has melted or forced itself into surrounding strata
Laccolith
(geology) A mass of igneous or volcanic rock found within strata which forces the overlaying strata upwards and forms domes.
Batholith
A large mass of intrusive igneous rock believed to have solidified deep within the earth.
Laccolith
A mass similar to lopolith but concave up.
Batholith
Large mass of intrusive igneous rock believed to have solidified deep within the earth
Common Curiosities
How does a laccolith form?
A laccolith forms when magma intrudes between layers of sedimentary rock, pushing the overlying layers upward and forming a dome or bulge.
Can laccoliths be seen on the Earth's surface?
Yes, laccoliths can create visible landforms such as small hills or domes, often exposed by erosion.
What is a batholith?
A batholith is a large, coherent mass of intrusive igneous rock, typically forming the cores of mountains.
How does a batholith differ from a laccolith in terms of size?
A batholith is much larger, often extending over 100 square kilometers, whereas a laccolith is smaller, typically less than 100 square kilometers.
How do batholiths and laccoliths affect the geological understanding of an area?
Both provide insights into magmatic processes and crustal structures but on different scales and depths.
What is an example of a famous batholith?
The Sierra Nevada Batholith is one of the most well-known examples.
What is an example of a well-known laccolith?
The Henry Mountains in Utah are a famous example of laccolithic formation.
What are typical rock types found in a batholith?
Batholiths are mainly composed of granitic or dioritic rocks.
What landscape features are associated with batholiths?
Batholiths are typically associated with major mountain ranges and are exposed by significant erosion.
Are batholiths or laccoliths more significant in terms of geological research?
Both are significant; batholiths are crucial for studying continental formation, while laccoliths help in understanding localized intrusion mechanics.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
