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Metamorphism

Metamorphism is the process by which rocks undergo changes to their mineral composition, texture, and structure due to changes in temperature, pressure, or chemically active fluids within the Earth's crust. Key factors that contribute to metamorphism include increased temperature promoting recrystallization of minerals, high pressure causing minerals to reorganize or align, and chemically active fluids facilitating mineral reactions and element movement. Metamorphic rocks can exhibit either a foliated texture with aligned mineral layers from directed pressure, or a non-foliated texture without layering from high temperature and pressure without stress.

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13 views10 pages

Metamorphism

Metamorphism is the process by which rocks undergo changes to their mineral composition, texture, and structure due to changes in temperature, pressure, or chemically active fluids within the Earth's crust. Key factors that contribute to metamorphism include increased temperature promoting recrystallization of minerals, high pressure causing minerals to reorganize or align, and chemically active fluids facilitating mineral reactions and element movement. Metamorphic rocks can exhibit either a foliated texture with aligned mineral layers from directed pressure, or a non-foliated texture without layering from high temperature and pressure without stress.

Uploaded by

kolinik1233
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Metamorphism

Metamorphism is a geological process that


involves the alteration of rocks in terms of
mineral composition, texture, and structure due
to changes in temperature, pressure, or the
presence of chemically active fluids. This process
typically occurs deep within the Earth's crust,
where rocks experience conditions different from
those under which they originally formed
Key factors
contributing to
metamorphism
3 key FACTORS
Temperature

Pressure

Chemically Active
Fluids
Temperature
Rocks are subjected to higher temperatures than
those at the Earth’s surface. Increased
temperature promotes the recrystallization of
minerals, leading to the formastion of new
minerals or changes in the crystal structure of
existing ones
Pressure
As depth increases within the Earth's
crust, the pressure on rocks also rises.
High pressure can cause minerals to
reorganize or align in specific directions,
affecting the rock's overall texture
Chemically Active Fluids
The presence of fluids, such as water-rich
solutions, can facilitate the movement of ions
and promote mineral reactions. These fluids may
introduce or remove certain elements from the
rocks, influencing mineral composition.
Foliated Texture
Minerals within the rock align in parallel layers or
bands. This texture is common in rocks that have
experienced directed pressure, such as during
regional metamorphism. Examples of foliated
metamorphic rocks include slate, schist, and
gneiss.
Non-foliated Texture
Minerals do not exhibit a preferred orientation, and the
rock lacks distinct layering. Non-foliated rocks often
form in response to high temperature and pressure
without directed stress. Examples include marble (from
limestone) and quartzite (from sandstone).

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