Ophiolite

Ophiolite is a section of Earth's oceanic crust and upper mantle that has been exposed and often emplaced onto continental crust through tectonic processes. Composed mainly of basaltic rocks, gabbro, and ultramafic rocks like peridotite, ophiolites provide a rare glimpse into the Earth's deep-seated layers. They form when oceanic crust is pushed onto land during mountain-building events, allowing scientists to study what lies beneath the ocean floor without having to drill into the ocean. Ophiolites are important for understanding plate tectonics, volcanic activity, and the Earth's geological history.