Dyke and sill are both igneous rocks, but there is a big difference between the two. Dykes are thin, sheet-like bodies of rock that are formed when magma intrudes into existing rock formations. Sills, on the other hand, are relatively thicker than dykes and form when magma fills in cracks or spaces between pre-existing rocks. Although both dykes and sills are made up of the same material, their different thicknesses create very different-looking rocks. This post will explore the differences between dykes and sills in more detail.
What is Dyke?
Dyke igneous rock is a type of rock that forms when magma squeezes into cracks or fissures in other rocks. Dykes can be either intrusive or extrusive, depending on how they form. Intrusive dykes form when magma slowly cools and solidifies beneath the Earth’s surface. Extrusive dykes form when magma rapidly cools and solidifies above the Earth’s surface. Dykes are often exposed at the Earth’s surface when the surrounding rocks are eroded away. They can vary greatly in size, from just a few meters wide to hundreds of kilometers wide. Dykes are an important source of information for geologists, as they can provide clues about the nature of the underlying magma and the rocks to that it intruded.
What is Sill?
Sill igneous rock is a type of rock that forms when magma intrudes into layers of sedimentary rock. The magma cools and hardens, creating a thin, sheet-like body of rock. Sills can be either intrusive or extrusive. Intrusive sills form beneath the Earth’s surface, while extrusive sills form at the surface. Sills are often several kilometers long and only a few meters thick. Sills can be found in a variety of locations, including the tops of mountains and the floors of valleys. Sill igneous rock is an important source of ore deposits and petroleum reservoirs. Sills are also used in the construction industry; they are a common type of stone used in buildings and roads.
Difference between Dyke and Sill
Dykes and sills are both types of igneous intrusions, which are formations that occur when magma rises up into preexisting rock. Dykes are characterized by being taller and narrower than sills, which are shorter and wider. Dykes also tend to have steeper sides, while sills have more gentle slopes. In terms of composition, dykes are usually made of basalt or gabbro, while sills can be made of a variety of different minerals. Dykes typically form when magma squeezes its way through cracks in the Earth’s crust, while sills form when magma fills in existing gaps between layers of rock. Finally, dykes tend to be younger than sills, as they generally form during periods of active volcanic activity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dykes and sills are both igneous rocks but have different properties. Dykes are thin and sheet-like, while sills are thicker and more rectangular in shape. Sill formations tend to be wider than they are deep, while dyke formations are typically the opposite. The two rocks also have different origins – dykes form when magma intrudes into preexisting rock, while sills form when magma solidifies between existing rock layers. Thanks for reading!
