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Rock metamorphosis, or metamorphism, is the change in the crystalline components, chemical composition, or structure of rocks from exposure to intense pressure, heat, or exchange of ions through heated solutions. Metamorphosis of rock usually occurs deep below the Earth's surface, but could also occur from meteor impact, or close contact with a magmatic intrusion. Metamorphism occurs in rock without melting. Mineral components can recrystallize, form new minerals, and become aligned directionally in physical appearance. Through metamorphosis, one type of rock becomes another type of rock. Sandstone can become quartzite, limestone can become marble, shale can become slate, and so on. High pressures and temperatures can cause hydrous minerals to change to non-hydrous minerals like garnet. Rounded mineral crystals can become flattened, and minerals that grow in the stressed rock can display a preferred orientation that is perpendicular to the direction of the stress and display a characteristic known as foliation, with distinct banding or platyness. In rocks such as quartzite and limestone, where the minerals are relatively stable along a broad range of temperatures and pressures, the mineral crystals simply become larger. In cases where the metamorphism occurs because of proximity to hydrothermal fluids, a chemical exchange will take place, changing the original composition of the host rock.

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How does Sedimentary rocks change to igneous rock?

Sedimentary rock melts, then it cools to form Igneous rock. Hoped this helped. :)


How can igneous rock disturb sedimentary rock layers?

Igneous rocks can disturb sedimentary rock layers and formations by their movement during ascent through such layer. when they make contact with this sedimentary rocks they could result to folding and/or metamorphism.


Can igneous rock be formed into a metamorphic rock?

An igneous rock can be metamorphosed (changed) into a metamorphic rock but will no longer be an igneous rock. An igneous body can be intruded into metamorphic rocks but will still be an igneous rock that is different from the surrounding metamorphic rocks. Ethier answer work depending on how the question is read.


What are the processes that can cause igneous or metamorphic rock to turn into sedimentary rock?

The metamorphic or igneous rock would have to be weathered and eroded until it is only particulates. Those particulates must then be forced together as a layer under gravitational pressure. These particulates will then become sedimentary rocks.


What conditions can cause a sedimentary or igneous rock to change into a metamorphic rocks?

The structure of rock, made of transformed crystals or organic particles or both, is susceptible to changes from heat, pressure, or chemicals. Many times these things operate in concert. Metamorphosis comes about because a) there is a chemical percolating through the material, or b) the rock is under a lot of underground pressure, or c) the rock is heated underground. Usually b) and c) operate together, but not always, and this is the most common way for "metamorphic" rocks to form.

Related Questions

How does an igneous become sedimentary?

Weathering and erosion cause the igneous rock to break apart causing sediments from it to go somewhere like a river. Than over time compaction and cementation cause it to become a sedimentary rock.


How does igneous becomes sedimentary?

Weathering and erosion cause the igneous rock to break apart causing sediments from it to go somewhere like a river. Than over time compaction and cementation cause it to become a sedimentary rock.


What condition change igneous sedimentary to metamorphic rock?

The conditions that change igneous or sedimentary rock into metamorphic rock include high temperature, high pressure, and the presence of chemically active fluids. These conditions cause the minerals in the original rock to recrystallize, forming new minerals and textures characteristic of metamorphic rocks.


What condition change igneous rocks and sedimentary rocks to metamorphic rock?

Extreme heat and pressure, like that of coal turning to diamonds. Metamorphic rocks, in turn, are then broken down or turned into molten rock, so new sedimentary, igneous, or metamorphic rocks can form.


How does Sedimentary rocks change to igneous rock?

Sedimentary rock melts, then it cools to form Igneous rock. Hoped this helped. :)


How can igneous rock disturb sedimentary rock layers?

Igneous rocks can disturb sedimentary rock layers and formations by their movement during ascent through such layer. when they make contact with this sedimentary rocks they could result to folding and/or metamorphism.


Can igneous rock be formed into a metamorphic rock?

An igneous rock can be metamorphosed (changed) into a metamorphic rock but will no longer be an igneous rock. An igneous body can be intruded into metamorphic rocks but will still be an igneous rock that is different from the surrounding metamorphic rocks. Ethier answer work depending on how the question is read.


What are the processes that can cause igneous or metamorphic rock to turn into sedimentary rock?

The metamorphic or igneous rock would have to be weathered and eroded until it is only particulates. Those particulates must then be forced together as a layer under gravitational pressure. These particulates will then become sedimentary rocks.


What conditions can cause a sedimentary or igneous rock to change into a metamorphic rocks?

The structure of rock, made of transformed crystals or organic particles or both, is susceptible to changes from heat, pressure, or chemicals. Many times these things operate in concert. Metamorphosis comes about because a) there is a chemical percolating through the material, or b) the rock is under a lot of underground pressure, or c) the rock is heated underground. Usually b) and c) operate together, but not always, and this is the most common way for "metamorphic" rocks to form.


What forces cause igneous rock to change to Sedimentary rock?

Igneous rock can change into sedimentary rock through the processes of weathering and erosion. Weathering breaks down the igneous rock into smaller sediment particles, which are then transported by natural forces like wind or water. These sediments accumulate in layers and are eventually compacted and cemented together to form sedimentary rock.


What happens if tectonic plates collide with sedimentary and igneous rocks?

When tectonic plates collide, the impact can cause sedimentary and igneous rocks to undergo various geological processes. Sedimentary rocks may be folded, faulted, or metamorphosed due to the immense pressure and heat generated during the collision. Igneous rocks, depending on their composition and location, can be uplifted, deformed, or even partially melted. This interaction plays a crucial role in the rock cycle and the formation of mountain ranges and other geological features.


What are Igneous or sedimentary rocks that are changed by heat or pressure called?

Igneous or sedimentary rocks that are changed by heat or pressure are called metamorphic rocks. This process typically occurs deep within the Earth's crust where high temperatures and pressures cause the original rock to recrystallize into a new rock with a different texture and mineral composition.