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Metamorphic Rock

Metamorphism means to change form; this is exactly what metamorphic rocks do. This paper will take a look at the Earth's rock cycle to examine exactly where the metamorphic rock fits into it. It will also look at how metamorphic rocks are formed and the relationship between metamorphic rocks and igneous rock and sedimentary rocks. This paper will examine the geological characteristics and materials of metamorphic rocks, and examine some examples of metamorphic rocks and will describe mineral composition of some examples and explain its economic uses.

The Rock Cycle

The rock cycle helps people to understand the starting point of the igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. In addition to explaining how each of the rocks are connected through the process. The rock cycle explains to us how the Earth assists in changing one type of rock into another type of rock.

The process begins when magma, found from beneath the Earth's surface or from a volcano, cools and crystallizes. This process forms rocks called igneous rocks. When an igneous rock is exposed to weathering and erosion and compacted by the weight of the groundwater, which is otherwise known as lithification, it creates a sedimentary rock. When sedimentary rocks are buried deep within the Earth and evolve into mountains or are exposed to extreme pressure and intense heat it will then turn into the last cycle of rock, the metamorphic rock. Metamorphic rocks can even evolve from other metamorphic rocks.

How Metamorphic Rocks Are Formed Within the Rock Cycle

Metamorphic rocks are created when they are exposed to extreme heat, pressure, and chemicals. Rocks are usually exposed to extreme heat, pressure, and chemicals at the same time. Metamorphism occurs in one of two situations, contact metamorphism or regional metamorphism. Contact metamorphism occurs when a rocks experience a rise in temperature when it is exposed to magma. Heat is the most important source of metamorphism because... [continues]

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What happens to rocks when they are subjected to extreme heat and pressure?

When rocks are exposed to extreme heat and pressure, they undergo a process called metamorphism. This causes the minerals within the rocks to recrystallize and rearrange, leading to the formation of new minerals and textures. The original rock may change in appearance and composition, resulting in the formation of metamorphic rocks.


What happens to igneous rocks that are exposed to great heat and pressure?

When exposed to great heat and pressure, igneous rocks can undergo metamorphism and recrystallize into metamorphic rocks. This process can lead to changes in mineral composition and texture, resulting in rocks like gneiss or schist.


What happens to rocks that are pushed under earth's surface and become hotter and experience more pressure?

Rocks pushed under the Earth's surface undergo metamorphism, where they are subjected to high temperatures and pressures that cause their mineral composition and texture to change. This process can lead to the formation of new minerals and textures, resulting in the development of metamorphic rocks.


What type of rock is formed when other rocks go through intense heat and pressure but do NOT melt?

Metamorphic.. I would love it if you would read your book and take an interest in learning. Learning is a gift and if you don't know how to learn or are to lazy to learn then you are wasting hundreds of thousands if not millions of years of evolution.


What happens to igneous rock in intense heat and pressure?

In intense heat and pressure, igneous rock can undergo metamorphism, transforming into metamorphic rock. This process involves recrystallization of minerals, and the rock may develop foliation or banding patterns. The original texture and mineral composition of the rock can change as a result of this process.

Related Questions

What happens to rocks when they are subjected to extreme heat and pressure?

When rocks are exposed to extreme heat and pressure, they undergo a process called metamorphism. This causes the minerals within the rocks to recrystallize and rearrange, leading to the formation of new minerals and textures. The original rock may change in appearance and composition, resulting in the formation of metamorphic rocks.


What happens to igneous rocks that are exposed to great heat and pressure?

When exposed to great heat and pressure, igneous rocks can undergo metamorphism and recrystallize into metamorphic rocks. This process can lead to changes in mineral composition and texture, resulting in rocks like gneiss or schist.


Within the earth what happens to the rock when it is exposed to very high temperatures?

it melts.


What happens to rock when it is exposed to very high temperature?

Rock exposed to very high temperature and pressure will soften or melt.


Why are metamorphic rocks created deep in earth's crust not on the surface?

Metamorphic rocks rarely form on Earth's surface because it needs an intense amount of heat & pressure to form. Earth's surface doesn't have as much heat as the mantle and the core. It also doesn't have much pressure but gravity.


What kind of rock is forms when heat and pressure of mountain building change sedimentary rock?

The sedimentary rock gets transformed into metamorphic rock under the heat and pressure of mountain-building processes. Examples of metamorphic rocks formed from sedimentary rocks include marble from limestone and schist from shale.


What happens to a fossil when the sedimentary rock it was in turned into a metamorphic rock?

As in what process causes this? if so it is usually under heat and pressure. Depending on what kind of rick it is depends on the resultant metamorphic rock e.g Shale-->Slate etc


What happens to rock when the layers get pushed down and are exposed to high pressure and heat?

They melt. Coal turns to diamond.


What happens to a rock when you boil it?

When you boil a rock, the heat causes any water or moisture trapped within the rock to expand and escape as steam. The rock itself does not change chemically or physically, although extreme heat could potentially cause some rocks, such as metamorphic ones, to undergo changes if exposed for a long time.


What happens to water when exposed to high pressure?

When water is exposed to high pressure, it can change its physical state. At high pressure, water can become denser and may even turn into a solid form, such as ice. This is because the pressure forces the water molecules to come closer together, causing a change in its properties.


What will happens to a plant exposed to air?

what will happens to a plant exposed to air


What happens to rocks that are pushed under earth's surface and become hotter and experience more pressure?

Rocks pushed under the Earth's surface undergo metamorphism, where they are subjected to high temperatures and pressures that cause their mineral composition and texture to change. This process can lead to the formation of new minerals and textures, resulting in the development of metamorphic rocks.