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Contact metamorphism takes place locally near igneous intrusions. It is caused by low to moderate pressure, intense heat, and reactions to magma that is being metamorphosed. When contact metamorphism takes place with mudstone or shale (sedimentary rocks) slate is formed. The mudstone or shale is the parent rock or protolith.

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Why are metamorphic rocks formed by contact metamorphism usually not dense or resistant?

Metamorphic rocks formed by contact metamorphism are usually not dense or resistant because they are formed at relatively low pressures and temperatures compared to regional metamorphism. The short duration of the heating process in contact metamorphism does not allow for the recrystallization and reorganization of mineral structures that contribute to denser and more resistant rocks. Additionally, the presence of fluids and gases in contact metamorphism can facilitate alteration and weakening of the original rock material.


Why are metamorphic rocksformed by contact metamorphism usually not as dense as those formed by regional metamorphism?

Because contact metamorphism usually occurs because of an increase in temperature. In contrary, regional metamorphism is usually the result of compression. Compression makes a rock more dense.


Why are metamorphic rocks formed by contact metamorphism usually not as dense as those formed by regional metamorphism?

Contact metamorphism does not cause profound compaction, which is the reduction in size of the spaces between mineral particles due to increases in pressure. Regional metamorphism causes compaction and possibly recrystallization, increasing the density of the rock.


What process forms hornfels?

Hornfels forms through the process of contact metamorphism, where rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures from nearby intruding magma. This causes the original minerals in the rock to recrystallize into new, denser minerals without melting. This process typically occurs at relatively shallow depths in the Earth's crust.


What is the difference between slate and phyllite?

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed from the low-grade metamorphism of shale or mudstone, while phyllite is a more intermediate-grade metamorphic rock formed from the metamorphism of slate. Phyllite has a more pronounced foliation and sheen due to increased metamorphic pressure and temperature compared to slate.

Related Questions

What type of rocks are nonfoliated?

Nonfoliated rocks are typically formed from processes such as contact metamorphism or regional metamorphism, where extreme heat and pressure cause recrystallization of minerals without the formation of distinct layers or bands. Some common types of nonfoliated rocks include quartzite, marble, and hornfels.


What is 2 types of metamorphic rocks?

Metamorphic rocks are formed by the process of extreme heat, pressure and other chemicals. Two types of metamorphism are dynamic which makes the pressure and extreme heat and thermal which is caused by the heat of magma from a volcanic eruption.


Why are metamorphic rocks formed by contact metamorphism usually not dense or resistant?

Metamorphic rocks formed by contact metamorphism are usually not dense or resistant because they are formed at relatively low pressures and temperatures compared to regional metamorphism. The short duration of the heating process in contact metamorphism does not allow for the recrystallization and reorganization of mineral structures that contribute to denser and more resistant rocks. Additionally, the presence of fluids and gases in contact metamorphism can facilitate alteration and weakening of the original rock material.


Why are metamorphic rocksformed by contact metamorphism usually not as dense as those formed by regional metamorphism?

Because contact metamorphism usually occurs because of an increase in temperature. In contrary, regional metamorphism is usually the result of compression. Compression makes a rock more dense.


At divergent boundaries is what metamorphism results from extrusion of basaltic lava?

A metamorphic rock formed from Basalt is Schist. a.k.a. Green Schist


What type of rock is formed exclusively from contact metamorphism?

Hornfels is a type of rock that is formed exclusively from contact metamorphism. It is typically fine-grained and formed when existing rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures from nearby magma intrusions.


Why are metamorphic rocks formed by contact metamorphism usually not as dense as those formed by regional metamorphism?

Contact metamorphism does not cause profound compaction, which is the reduction in size of the spaces between mineral particles due to increases in pressure. Regional metamorphism causes compaction and possibly recrystallization, increasing the density of the rock.


What process forms hornfels?

Hornfels forms through the process of contact metamorphism, where rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures from nearby intruding magma. This causes the original minerals in the rock to recrystallize into new, denser minerals without melting. This process typically occurs at relatively shallow depths in the Earth's crust.


What is the difference between slate and phyllite?

Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock formed from the low-grade metamorphism of shale or mudstone, while phyllite is a more intermediate-grade metamorphic rock formed from the metamorphism of slate. Phyllite has a more pronounced foliation and sheen due to increased metamorphic pressure and temperature compared to slate.


Why are metamorphic rocks formed by contact metamorphism usually not as dense as those formed by reg?

Because in contact the rock actually comes in contact with magma, this joins with the rock, so when it cools and become igneous rock, it's denser. In regular, or regional, the rock is formed from intense heat and pressure, but does not actually come in contact with magma.


How is contact metamorphism formed?

it's surface gets too hot and turns red


Is phyllite a mineral or a rock?

Phyllite is a type of metamorphic rock, not a mineral. It is formed from the metamorphism of shale or mudstone and has a fine-grained texture with a silky sheen due to the alignment of its minerals.