Metamorphic Rocks: Formation and Types

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

What is the primary heat source for contact metamorphism?

Injection of water into existing rock layers
Intrusion of magma into existing cooler rock layers (correct)
High pressure from the atmosphere
Friction caused by tectonic plate movement

What distinguishes contact metamorphic rocks from regional metamorphic rocks?

They have prominent bands of aligned minerals
They are widespread and not confined to a small zone
They form under high pressure and high temperature conditions
They are primarily undeformed mineral crystals with subtle mineral bands or foliation (correct)

What is the difference between limestone and marble?

Limestone is formed by the cooling of lava while marble is formed by the compression of volcanic ash
Limestone is only used for construction purposes whereas marble is used for decorative purposes
Limestone has a grey, featureless appearance while marble tends to be bright white with subtle, wavy bands of gray (correct)
Limestone is denser than marble

What causes limestone to change into marble?

A rapid rise in temperature and pressure (D) Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes regional metamorphic rocks?

They have prominent bands of aligned minerals that are often deformed (B) Signup and view all the answers

Where do regional metamorphic rocks commonly form?

During the formation of mountains under high heat and pressure (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the distinguishing characteristic of contact metamorphism?

Formation of rocks with subtle mineral bands or foliation in a small area (C) Signup and view all the answers

What causes regional metamorphism to occur?

Squeezing, folding, and burial of rocks due to tectonic plate collisions (A) Signup and view all the answers

What are the three high-level rock categories defined in geology?

Igneous rocks, sedimentary rocks, and metamorphic rocks (A) Signup and view all the answers

How is a metamorphic rock defined?

Any rock that has undergone changes in response to surrounding conditions (C) Signup and view all the answers

What are the two most common types of metamorphism?

Regional and contact metamorphism (C) Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'protolith' refer to in the context of metamorphic rocks?

The original, preexisting rock before it undergoes metamorphism (A) Signup and view all the answers

What happens to the mineral composition and texture of a protolith rock during metamorphism?

They transform to a stable form in the new environment (D) Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes metamorphic rocks from igneous rocks?

Metamorphic rocks form when a preexisting rock experiences different temperature or pressure conditions, while igneous rocks form from a melt like magma and lava (C) Signup and view all the answers