ophiolite Definition
- 1a section of the Earth's oceanic crust and the underlying upper mantle that has been uplifted and exposed above sea level and often emplaced onto continental crustal rocks
- 2a rock formation consisting of ophiolites
Using ophiolite: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "ophiolite" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The Troodos ophiolite in Cyprus is one of the best-studied ophiolites in the world.
Example
Ophiolites are important for understanding the processes of seafloor spreading and plate tectonics.
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Summary: ophiolite in Brief
An 'ophiolite' [ˈɒfiəlʌɪt] is a section of the Earth's oceanic crust and the underlying upper mantle that has been uplifted and exposed above sea level and often emplaced onto continental crustal rocks. It is also a rock formation consisting of ophiolites. Ophiolites are important for understanding the processes of seafloor spreading and plate tectonics.
