Search results
Results from the WOW.Com Content Network
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.
Depending on the structure, metamorphic rocks are divided into two general categories. Those that possess a texture are referred to as foliated ; the remainders are termed non-foliated. The name of the rock is then determined based on the types of minerals present.
Granulite – Class of high-grade medium to coarse grained metamorphic rocks; Greenschist – Metamorphic rock – A mafic metamorphic rock dominated by green amphiboles; Hornfels – Group of metamorphic rocks Calcflinta – Calc-silicate hornfels; Jadeitite – Metamorphic rock found in blueschist-grade metamorphic terranes
[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.
This diamond is a mineral from within an igneous or metamorphic rock that formed at high temperature and pressure. The rock cycle is a basic concept in geology that describes transitions through geologic time among the three main rock types: sedimentary, metamorphic, and igneous. Each rock type is altered when it is forced out of its ...
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 ...
Impactite is rock created or modified by one or more impacts of a meteorite. [1] [2] Impactites are considered metamorphic rock, because their source materials were modified by the heat and pressure of the impact. [3] On Earth, impactites consist primarily of modified terrestrial material, sometimes with pieces of the original meteorite. [3]
A shield is a large area of exposed Precambrian crystalline igneous and high-grade metamorphic rocks that form tectonically stable areas. [1] These rocks are older than 570 million years and sometimes date back to around 2 to 3.5 billion years.