Which type of rock is formed from volcanic activity?

Igneous rocks are formed from volcanic activity, which occurs when molten rock, known as magma, cools and solidifies. This process can happen either beneath the Earth's surface, leading to the formation of intrusive igneous rocks, or above ground during volcanic eruptions, resulting in extrusive igneous rocks. The cooling rate of the magma influences the texture and mineral composition of the resulting rock; for instance, slow cooling allows for larger crystals to form, characteristic of intrusive igneous rocks like granite. In contrast, rapid cooling, typical of lava that cools quickly upon eruption, leads to finer-grained extrusive igneous rocks like basalt. Understanding this fundamental process is crucial for recognizing the role of igneous rocks within the broader rock cycle and their significance in geology.