Metamorphism of Rocks

Questions and Answers

What is metamorphism?

The process where one type of rock changes into metamorphic rock because of chemical processes or changes in temperature and pressure.

Where does metamorphic rock form?

Deep within the earth's crust.

What three types of rock can metamorphic rock form from?

Igneous, sedimentary, or metamorphic.

What causes some minerals to change into other minerals during metamorphism?

Heat and pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What gives metamorphic rock a layered appearance?

Parallel bands. Signup and view all the answers

The type of rock that forms because of ___ can indicate the conditions that were in place when the original rock changed.

metamorphism Signup and view all the answers

When does metamorphism occur?

When small volumes of rock come into contact with magma or when large areas of the earth's crust are affected by heat and pressure caused by tectonic plates. Signup and view all the answers

What is contact metamorphism?

A change in the texture, structure, or chemical composition of a rock due to contact with magma over a relatively small area. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the area of the rock that is affected by contact metamorphism.

A small area. Signup and view all the answers

What is regional metamorphism?

A change in the texture, structure, or chemical composition of a rock due to changes in temperature and pressure over a large area. Signup and view all the answers

Metamorphic rocks are usually __________ and strong.

hard to break Signup and view all the answers

Which type of metamorphism causes most metamorphic rock to form?

Regional metamorphism. Signup and view all the answers

Why are rocks that formed as a result of contact metamorphism often found near those formed by regional metamorphism?

Volcanism and the movement of magma often accompany tectonic activity. Signup and view all the answers

How are metamorphic rocks classified?

By chemical composition, texture, and whether they are foliated or non-foliated. Signup and view all the answers

What is a parent rock?

The beginning rock that gets transformed by heat or pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What is a daughter rock?

The ending rock that is metamorphic. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rock is described as the softest and can crumble relatively easily?

Sedimentary. Signup and view all the answers

Which type of rock is known to be hard but can form sediments by weathering?

Igneous. Signup and view all the answers

What are metamorphic rocks characterized as?

Very hard and very difficult to break, formed by heat and pressure. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to temperature as you go down into the earth?

Temperature increases. Signup and view all the answers

What happens to pressure as you go down into the earth?

Pressure increases. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Metamorphism

Process where one type of rock transforms into metamorphic rock due to chemical changes, temperature, and pressure.

Formation Location

Metamorphic rocks form deep within the Earth's crust.

Origin of Metamorphic Rock

Forms from three primary rock types: igneous, sedimentary, or pre-existing metamorphic rocks.

Mineral Changes

Heat and pressure induce some minerals to transform into different minerals.

Layered Appearance

Metamorphic rocks exhibit a layered look due to parallel bands.

Indications of Conditions

The type of rock formed through metamorphism provides clues about the conditions present during the change.

Occurrence of Metamorphism

Occurs when small rock volumes contact magma or when extensive crust areas undergo heat and pressure from tectonic activity.

Contact Metamorphism

Involves changes in rock texture, structure, or chemical composition due to magma contact over a relatively small area.

Affected Area Description

The area impacted by contact metamorphism is termed a small area.

Regional Metamorphism

Characterized by texture, structure, or chemical changes in rocks due to temperature and pressure variations over a broad area.

Rock Strength

Metamorphic rocks are typically hard and strong, making them difficult to break.

Dominant Metamorphism Type

Regional metamorphism is responsible for forming most metamorphic rocks.

Proximity of Rock Types

Rocks from contact metamorphism are often found near those from regional metamorphism because of accompanying volcanism and magma movement linked to tectonic activity.

Classification of Metamorphic Rocks

Classified based on:
- Chemical composition
- Texture
- Foliated or non-foliated characteristics

Parent Rock

Original rock transformed by heat or pressure is known as the parent rock.

Daughter Rock

The resulting metamorphic rock after transformation is referred to as the daughter rock.

Sedimentary Rock Characteristics

Sedimentary rocks are the softest, prone to crumbling easily.

Igneous Rock Traits

Igneous rocks are hard but can produce sediments through weathering processes.

Metamorphic Rock Traits

Metamorphic rocks are extremely hard and resilient, formed through heat and pressure.

Depth and Temperature Relationship

Temperature increases as depth within the Earth increases.

Depth and Pressure Relationship

Pressure also elevates with increasing depth into the Earth's crust.

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Description

Explore the fascinating process of metamorphism, where rocks are transformed through heat, pressure, and chemical changes. This quiz covers the formation, mineral changes, and characteristics of metamorphic rocks, as well as the conditions that indicate their origin. Test your understanding of how different rock types evolve into metamorphic rocks!