Earth Science

Grade 11/12 • Unit 11: Geologic Processes Inside Earth

Lesson 11.4
Plutonism

Magma forms underneath the ground.

Introduction
We often associate magma with volcanoes but have we seen magma in person? By
definition, magma is formed deep within the Earth. Therefore, you will burn if you attempt
to reach the layer of Earth where magma is formed. We only usually see hot molten rocks in
the form of lava. The difference between magma and lava is important, especially in
distinguishing the classifications of rocks which are volcanic and plutonic rocks. What is the
difference between plutonic and volcanic rocks?

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Grade 11/12 • Unit 11: Geologic Processes Inside Earth

Describe what happens after magma is formed (S11/12ES-IIc-25).

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Grade 11/12 • Unit 11: Geologic Processes Inside Earth

Learn about It

Plutonism
In the 18th century, James Hutton’s theory of plutonism was recognized. His theory states
that rocks were formed from heat driven processes. This heat comes from the interior of
the Earth. Another fundamental aspect of plutonism is that the processes are constant and
slow. This theory was not widely accepted during Hutton’s lifetime but became the
foundation of modern geology.
Plutonism opposed Neptunism’s idea of the origin of granites. Neptunist theory of the origin
of granites states that these rocks are the oldest precipitates from a primordial sea. Hutton,
on the other hand, proposed that granites are intrusive igneous bodies. He observed that
some granites cut across sediment layers, thus, the granite must have been injected into the
country rock making it younger than the sediments.

The term plutonic can be used to classify rocks which formed in the interior of the Earth.
This is the opposite of volcanic rocks which form on the crust. Some examples of plutonic
rocks are gabbro, diorite and granite. They have grains that are much coarser compared to
volcanic equivalents.

Fig. 1. Common plutonic rocks. From left to right: gabbro, diorite and granite

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Grade 11/12 • Unit 11: Geologic Processes Inside Earth

Question

Classification of Plutons
As magma rises to the crust, it can displace the host or country rock to form structures
called plutons. Uplift and erosion exposes these structures. They vary in sizes and shape
and may be classified as discordant or concordant structures.

Discordant structures are those that cut across existing structures. An example of
discordant structure is a dike. A dike is an igneous body that cuts across bedding surfaces or
other structures of the country rock.
Concordant bodies are those that are injected parallel to features in the rock such as
sedimentary beds. An example is a sill. Sills are nearly horizontal igneous bodies that form
when magma exploits weak spots between the sedimentary beds or other structures.

Fig. 2. A dike and sill complex

Batholith
Plutons may occur as massive intrusive bodies like batholiths. Batholiths are by far the
largest intrusive igneous bodies with lengths of up to several hundreds of kilometers and

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Grade 11/12 • Unit 11: Geologic Processes Inside Earth

widths of up to 100 kilometers. They have surface exposures greater than 100 square
kilometers. Smaller plutons are termed stocks.

Fig. 3. A batholith

Points

● Plutonism theory states that rocks were formed from heat driven processes.
● Neptunist theory of the origin of granites states that these rocks are the oldest
precipitates from a primordial sea.
● The term plutonic can be used to classify rocks which formed in the interior of the
Earth. This is the opposite of volcanic rocks which form on the crust.
● They vary in sizes and shape and may be classified as discordant or concordant
structures.
○ Discordant structures are those that cut across existing structures.
○ Concordant bodies are those that are injected parallel to features in the rock
such as sedimentary beds.
● Batholiths are by far the largest intrusive igneous bodies with lengths of up to

several hundreds of kilometers and widths of up to 100 kilometers.