Rocks located directly above the magma chamber show strong mineral alignment, while rocks along the sides show patchy mineral growth without alignment. Which factor most likely explains this difference in texture?
Answer
A
Rapid heating above the chamber melted old layers, while uneven pressure along the sides created new igneous textures.
B
Directional pressure above the chamber caused minerals to align, while heat alone on the sides produced irregular crystal growth.
C
Even pressure around the chamber caused random mineral growth, while low heat above it preserved mineral layering.
D
Circulating fluids above the chamber dissolved older minerals, while strong pressure on the sides compressed the new crystals.
Explanation
Minerals tend to become aligned when rocks experience directional pressure during metamorphism. The strong alignment directly above the chamber is therefore best explained by directional pressure, while heat without a consistent pressure direction along the sides can produce patchy, irregular growth. Choice B matches both textures.
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