Metamorphic Rocks Flashcards
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What are metamorphic rocks and how are they formed?
They are rocks that have changed due to high temperatures and/or pressure. These alter existing igneous and sedimentary rocks as well as other metamorphic rocks. (E.g. Slate)
Define contact metamorphic rocks.
Contact metamorphic rocks form when rocks are heated to high temperatures, usually through contact with an igneous intrusion (magma that has cooled/solidified before reaching the surface) at a relatively low pressure.
Define regional metamorphic rocks.
Regional metamorphic rocks are formed by changing physical conditions and typically happens at convergent plate boundaries (due to tectonic movement). Due to how large tectonic plates are, they can happen to many kilometres of rocks at once.
