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Questions and Answers
Which rock is formed through the metamorphosis of coal?
Which rock is formed through the metamorphosis of coal?
What metamorphic rock is characterized by its sheen and larger platy minerals?
What metamorphic rock is characterized by its sheen and larger platy minerals?
What type of metamorphism occurs primarily due to the intrusion of magma?
What type of metamorphism occurs primarily due to the intrusion of magma?
Which metamorphic rock displays banding of minerals?
Which metamorphic rock displays banding of minerals?
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What is the primary characteristic of non-foliated metamorphic rocks?
What is the primary characteristic of non-foliated metamorphic rocks?
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Which of the following is an index mineral that forms under specific temperature and pressure conditions?
Which of the following is an index mineral that forms under specific temperature and pressure conditions?
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What defines regional metamorphism?
What defines regional metamorphism?
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What is the defining feature of schist?
What is the defining feature of schist?
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What type of metamorphism is characterized by high heat and pressure due to flux melting?
What type of metamorphism is characterized by high heat and pressure due to flux melting?
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Which rock transforms into marble through metamorphism?
Which rock transforms into marble through metamorphism?
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Study Notes
Metamorphic Rock Formation
- Metamorphic rocks are formed from existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) through changes in temperature, pressure, or fluids.
- Metamorphism involves alteration without melting.
- Metamorphic grade indicates the extent of change a rock has undergone. Index minerals (minerals forming under specific conditions) help define metamorphic grade.
- Directed stress refers to unequal forces acting on rocks in one or more directions. Confining pressure is equal pressure applied from all sides. Strain are the results of stress on a rock.
Types of Metamorphism
- Burial Metamorphism: Deep burial causes heat and pressure, often creating foliated rocks.
- Contact Metamorphism: Magma intruding into cooler rocks creates a change mainly through heat. Lower pressure compared to regional metamorphism.
- Regional Metamorphism: Continental plate collisions generate high pressure leading to metamorphism.
- Subduction Zone Metamorphism: Specific regional metamorphism, high heat and pressure caused by flux melting and subduction. More extreme conditions than regional metamorphism.
- Shocked Metamorphism: Meteor impacts cause subtle metamorphic changes in rocks, producing features like shocked quartzite.
Metamorphic Rock Types and Characteristics
- Foliated Rocks: Minerals are aligned in sheets (like pages in a book).
- Lineated Rocks: Minerals arranged in lines (but no sheet formation).
- Non-Foliated Rocks: Minerals have no arrangement.
- Slate: Exhibits slaty cleavage (flat minerals).
- Phyllite: Larger platy minerals with a sheen from light reflection.
- Schist: Visible large, platy grains (individual crystals).
- Gneiss: Displays visible silicate mineral bands (light and dark).
- Quartzite: Formed from sandstone, extremely hard.
- Marble: Formed from limestone, valued for aesthetic properties.
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Description
Explore the fascinating processes that lead to the formation of metamorphic rocks. This quiz covers the definitions, mechanisms, and various types of metamorphism including burial, contact, and regional processes. Test your knowledge on how temperature, pressure, and fluids contribute to these geological transformations.
