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Questions and Answers
Which phrase describes how metamorphic rocks form?
Which phrase describes how metamorphic rocks form?
- Form from sedimentation
- Form from volcanic activity
- Form from existing rocks (correct)
- Form from weathering processes
What statement best describes the formation of metamorphic rocks?
What statement best describes the formation of metamorphic rocks?
Ancient sandstone beaches become buried deep beneath Earth's surface, where they are exposed to extreme heat and pressure.
What metamorphic rock is formed with grains that formed in parallel layers?
What metamorphic rock is formed with grains that formed in parallel layers?
Gneiss
Which phrase describes non-foliated rocks?
Which phrase describes non-foliated rocks?
What is the first step in the formation of metamorphic rocks?
What is the first step in the formation of metamorphic rocks?
What is one characteristic used to identify types of metamorphic rocks?
What is one characteristic used to identify types of metamorphic rocks?
What are the two agents that are necessary in the formation of metamorphic rocks?
What are the two agents that are necessary in the formation of metamorphic rocks?
In the formation of metamorphic rocks, what effect do temperature and pressure primarily have?
In the formation of metamorphic rocks, what effect do temperature and pressure primarily have?
What event leads to increased heat during the formation of metamorphic rocks?
What event leads to increased heat during the formation of metamorphic rocks?
What most likely causes pressure to increase during the formation of metamorphic rocks?
What most likely causes pressure to increase during the formation of metamorphic rocks?
Which phrase describes a metamorphic rock?
Which phrase describes a metamorphic rock?
What statement describes the formation of metamorphic rocks?
What statement describes the formation of metamorphic rocks?
Which phrase describes foliated rocks?
Which phrase describes foliated rocks?
What describes gneiss?
What describes gneiss?
What describes slate?
What describes slate?
What is a characteristic of quartzite?
What is a characteristic of quartzite?
What type of rock is a non-foliated metamorphic rock?
What type of rock is a non-foliated metamorphic rock?
What type of rock is a foliated metamorphic rock?
What type of rock is a foliated metamorphic rock?
What is one source from which metamorphic rocks form?
What is one source from which metamorphic rocks form?
Which characteristic is used to classify metamorphic rocks as foliated or non-foliated?
Which characteristic is used to classify metamorphic rocks as foliated or non-foliated?
What type of metamorphic rock has randomly arranged grains and does not split into layers?
What type of metamorphic rock has randomly arranged grains and does not split into layers?
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Study Notes
Formation of Metamorphic Rocks
- Metamorphic rocks originate from existing rocks subjected to heat and pressure.
- Formation typically occurs as ancient sandstones are buried deep underground, experiencing extreme conditions.
- Increased temperature and pressure from the mantle and rising magma pockets result in changes to mineral composition.
Characteristics of Metamorphic Rocks
- Gneiss is a type of metamorphic rock that features parallel grains and tends to split along its banded layers.
- Foliation refers to the parallel layering found in some metamorphic rocks, while non-foliated types do not exhibit such layers.
- Non-foliated metamorphic rocks include quartzite and marble, characterized by randomly arranged grains.
Identification and Classification
- Grain arrangement is crucial for identifying and classifying metamorphic rocks as either foliated or non-foliated.
- Foliated rocks, such as gneiss and slate, tend to split apart along their bands due to the alignment of their mineral grains.
- Non-foliated rocks like quartzite do not break into layers, emphasizing the importance of grain arrangement for classification.
Agents of Change
- Pressure and heat are the primary agents responsible for metamorphic processes, facilitating mineral transformation.
- Rocks that are forced deeper into Earth's interior toward the mantle are subjected to rising pressure and temperature.
- One of the events leading to increased metamorphic heat is the rising of magma pockets.
Rock Sources
- Metamorphic rocks can originate from various rock types, including igneous rocks, demonstrating the adaptability of the rock cycle.
Specific Rock Types
- Slate is identified as a foliated metamorphic rock, exhibiting grains arranged in parallel layers.
- Marble constitutes a non-foliated metamorphic rock and does not exhibit layered splitting.
- The distinguishing characteristics of metamorphic rocks, such as grain arrangement and the presence or absence of foliation, are essential for study and classification.
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