Olvadékmeder

Olvadékmeder refers to a geological feature formed by the accumulation and solidification of molten rock, or magma, within the Earth's crust. These features are typically found in areas of volcanic activity or where tectonic plates have interacted. The molten rock, under immense pressure, can force its way through existing rock strata, creating cavities or channels. As the magma cools and solidifies, it forms igneous rock bodies within these structures.

The shape and size of an olvadékmeder are highly variable, depending on the volume and emplacement mechanism of the magma. Some can be relatively small, forming dikes or sills, which are tabular intrusions. Others can be much larger, evolving into batholiths or laccoliths, which are significant bodies of intrusive igneous rock. The surrounding rock, known as country rock, can be altered by the heat and chemical reactions from the intruding magma, a process called contact metamorphism.

The study of olvadékmeder is crucial for understanding the processes of magmatic intrusion and the formation of igneous rocks. Geologists analyze the composition and structure of the solidified magma and the surrounding country rock to infer the conditions under which they formed, including temperature, pressure, and the source of the molten material. These features can also be important indicators of past volcanic activity and can sometimes host valuable mineral deposits.