Which light-colored rock is commonly found in the continental crust?

Which light-colored rock is commonly found in the continental crust?

• A. Pumice
• B. Granite
• C. Basalt
• D. Shale

Answer: (B)

Granite is a light-colored igneous rock that is predominantly found in the continental crust. It is primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving it a granitic texture and light hue. The formation of granite occurs from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface, and its prevalence in continental regions is due to the tectonic processes that lead to the uplift and exposure of these rocks over geologic time. In contrast, pumice, while also an igneous rock, is typically formed from volcanic eruptions and is characterized by its lightweight and porous structure, making it less common in the continental crust compared to granite. Basalt is a dark-colored igneous rock that primarily makes up the oceanic crust, making it less relevant in the context of continental rocks. Shale, which is a sedimentary rock, is generally not classified among the light-colored igneous rocks found in the continental crust.

Granite is a light-colored igneous rock that is predominantly found in the continental crust. It is primarily composed of quartz, feldspar, and mica, giving it a granitic texture and light hue. The formation of granite occurs from the slow crystallization of magma beneath the Earth's surface, and its prevalence in continental regions is due to the tectonic processes that lead to the uplift and exposure of these rocks over geologic time.

In contrast, pumice, while also an igneous rock, is typically formed from volcanic eruptions and is characterized by its lightweight and porous structure, making it less common in the continental crust compared to granite. Basalt is a dark-colored igneous rock that primarily makes up the oceanic crust, making it less relevant in the context of continental rocks. Shale, which is a sedimentary rock, is generally not classified among the light-colored igneous rocks found in the continental crust.