petrogenesis
/ˌpɛtroʊˈdʒɛnəsɪs/
noun
- The origin and formation of rocks, especially igneous and metamorphic rocks.
- In geology class, we learned about the petrogenesis of the Himalayan mountains.
- The study of petrogenesis helps scientists find valuable mineral deposits.
- Petrogenesis explains how magma cools to form solid rock.