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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.
[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.
The geology of Australia includes virtually all known rock types, spanning a geological time period of over 3.8 billion years, including some of the oldest rocks on earth. Australia is a continent situated on the Indo-Australian Plate .
Hornfels – Group of metamorphic rocks Calcflinta – A type of hornfels found in the Scottish Highlands; Litchfieldite – Nepheline syenite gneiss; Marble – Type of metamorphic rock – a metamorphosed limestone; Migmatite – Mixture of metamorphic rock and igneous rock; Mylonite – Metamorphic rock – A metamorphic rock formed by shearing
Igneous rocks can be seen at mid-ocean ridges, areas of island arc volcanism or in intra-plate hotspots. Metamorphic rocks once existed as igneous or sedimentary rocks, but have been subjected to varying degrees of pressure and heat within the Earth's crust. The processes involved will change the composition and fabric of the rock and their ...
In the igneous environment, metasomatism produces skarns, greisen, and may affect hornfels in the contact metamorphic aureole adjacent to an intrusive rock mass. In the metamorphic environment, metasomatism is driven by mass transfer from a volume of metamorphic rock at higher stress and temperature into a zone with lower stress and temperature ...
Chlorite schist, a type of greenschist Greenschist (prasinite) at Cap Corse in Corsica, France Greenschist (epidote) from Itogon, Benguet, Philippines. Greenschists are metamorphic rocks that formed under the lowest temperatures and pressures usually produced by regional metamorphism, typically 300–450 °C (570–840 °F) and 2–10 kilobars (29,000–145,000 psi). [1]
In geology, metasedimentary rock is a type of metamorphic rock. Such a rock was first formed through the deposition and solidification of sediment. Then, the rock was buried underneath subsequent rock and was subjected to high pressures and temperatures, causing the rock to recrystallize. The overall composition of a metasedimentary rock can be ...