Batholith
Volcano Learning zone > Volcano Glossary
A Batholith is a continuous igneous mass of rock which extends for more than 100 km 2 . Typically composed of granitic rocks they are formed as bodies of magma rises through the crust and accumulate. The rising masses of granite magma are called plutons and rise as upside down teardrops. They rise as they until they meet inpenetrable crust or they are of the same density as the surrounding country rock. Within the magma convection currents circulate. A good example is the granites of Cornwall UK. A good example in the US is the Siera Nevada BAtholith the exposed top of which forms the mountains of thr Sierra Nevada in Yosemite ie Half Dome