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The metamorphic grade of such a rock is a rough measure of the degree of metamorphism it has undergone, as characterised by the presence of certain index minerals. An isograd is a theoretical surface comprising points all at the same metamorphic grade, and thus separates metamorphic zones whose rocks contain different index minerals. [1] [2] [3]
The following is a list of rock types recognized by geologists.There is no agreed number of specific types of rock. Any unique combination of chemical composition, mineralogy, grain size, texture, or other distinguishing characteristics can describe a rock type.
Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rock to new types of rock in a process called metamorphism. The original rock ( protolith ) is subjected to temperatures greater than 150 to 200 °C (300 to 400 °F) and, often, elevated pressure of 100 megapascals (1,000 bar ) or more, causing profound physical or chemical changes.
[2] [3] This infers that the rock is a poor heat conductor, which the maximum temperature experienced by the rock as well as its temperature change are insensitive to erosion rate. [2] Therefore, both the evidence of the maximum pressures and temperatures experienced by the buried layers can be imprinted in the underlying metamorphic rocks. [ 2 ]
[33] [34] Subsequent erosion of the mountains exposes the roots of the orogenic belt as extensive outcrops of metamorphic rock, [35] characteristic of mountain chains. [33] Metamorphic rock formed in these settings tends to shown well-developed foliation. [33] Foliation develops when a rock is being shortened along one axis during metamorphism.
A metamorphic facies is a set of mineral assemblages in metamorphic rocks formed under similar pressures and temperatures. [1] The assemblage is typical of what is formed in conditions corresponding to an area on the two dimensional graph of temperature vs. pressure (See diagram in Figure 1). [ 1 ]
In metamorphic geology, a compatibility diagram shows how the mineral assemblage of a metamorphic rock in thermodynamic equilibrium varies with composition at a fixed temperature and pressure. Compatibility diagrams provide an excellent way to analyze how variations in the rock's composition affect the mineral paragenesis that develops in a ...
Composition of gravel-size clasts they contain; Size range of gravel-size clasts present; The classification method depends on the type and detail of research being conducted. [1] [2] [5] A sedimentary rock composed largely of gravel is first named according to the roundness of the gravel.