Explain how pillow lavas are formed and describe how they can be used as a way up structure

Pillow lavas are formed when lava is emitted from the earths crust under water. The outer layer cools rapidly and hardens while the inside remains soft. A round pillow like ball of malleable rock is formed and sinks down and lands on the pillows bellow. Because of the malleable inside the pillow changes shape to fit on the pillow bellow.
They can be used as a way up structure because the curved formed are always concave downwards due to the way the structures are formed. If they show concave upward shapes then we can assume the unit is overturned.

JM
Answered by James M. Geology tutor

3154 Views

See similar Geology A Level tutors

Related Geology A Level answers

All answers ▸

What is the difference between a syncline and an anticline?


What are some hypotheses to explain the Permo-Triassic mass extinction? (when 95% of marine invertebrates and 77% of land species became extinct)


state the difference between a normal and a reverse fault


“The formation of economic deposits of hydrocarbons and coals solely results from the thermal alteration of organic material” Evaluate this statement with reference to geological processes.


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning