science definition of basalt
Basalt (pronounced /bÉËsÉËlt/, /ËbÃ¦sÉlt/, /ËbÃ¦sÉËlt/, or /ËbeÉªsÉËlt/) is a common extrusive igneous (volcanic) rock formed from the rapid cooling of basaltic lava exposed at or very near the surface of a planet or moon. Flood basalt describes the formation in a series of lava basalt flows.