Metamorphic Rocks Flashcards

Questions and Answers

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?

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?

Gneiss

Which phrase describes non-foliated rocks?

Include quartzite and marble Signup and view all the answers

What is the first step in the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Existing rocks are buried and forced toward the mantle, increasing heat and pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is one characteristic used to identify types of metamorphic rocks?

Grain arrangement Signup and view all the answers

What are the two agents that are necessary in the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Pressure and heat Signup and view all the answers

In the formation of metamorphic rocks, what effect do temperature and pressure primarily have?

They change existing minerals. Signup and view all the answers

What event leads to increased heat during the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Magma pockets rise. Signup and view all the answers

What most likely causes pressure to increase during the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Rocks beneath Earth's surface are forced toward the mantle. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase describes a metamorphic rock?

Was once buried underground. Signup and view all the answers

What statement describes the formation of metamorphic rocks?

Rocks beneath the surface are forced toward the mantle. Signup and view all the answers

Which phrase describes foliated rocks?

Tend to split apart along bands. Signup and view all the answers

What describes gneiss?

Tends to split along bands. Signup and view all the answers

What describes slate?

Grains arranged in parallel layers. Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of quartzite?

Does not split into layers. Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock is a non-foliated metamorphic rock?

Marble Signup and view all the answers

What type of rock is a foliated metamorphic rock?

Slate Signup and view all the answers

What is one source from which metamorphic rocks form?

Igneous rock Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is used to classify metamorphic rocks as foliated or non-foliated?

Arrangement of grains. Signup and view all the answers

What type of metamorphic rock has randomly arranged grains and does not split into layers?

Non-foliated Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

Test your knowledge on how metamorphic rocks are formed with these flashcards. Each card presents a phrase or statement about the processes involved in the transformation of existing rocks into metamorphic varieties. Perfect for geology enthusiasts and students alike!