Test 2 (Lectures 4-8) Pt. 3 Flashcards
What are metamorphic rocks?
Pre-existing rocks that have undergone solid-state changes
What does the word “meta” stand for?
Change
What does the word “morphe” stand for?
Form
The preexisting rocks that are altered during metamorphism are called
Protoliths
Metamorphism can alter to what type of protoliths?
- Igneous
- Sedimentary
- Metamorphic
Protoliths undergo changes in what?
- Texture
- Mineralogy
Why do protoliths undergo these changes?
They can happen due to:
- temperature
- pressure
- tectonic stress
- the amount of reactive water
What are some metamorphic processes?
- Recrystallization
- Neocrystallization
- Pressure solution
- Plastic Deformation
What is recrystallization?
When minerals change shape and size through dissolution and growth of crystals. Ex - limestone to marble
What is neocrystallization?
Formation of new metamorphic minerals from old (those from protoliths)
What is pressure solution?
When mineral grains partially dissolve where their surfaces press together
What is plastic deformation?
When mineral grains soften and deform when rock is squeezed or sheared at elevated temperature and pressure
What are the two different kinds of differential stress?
- Normal
- Shear
Why does differential stress occur?
It’s a result of tectonic forces
Mountain building creates a horizontal compression ___; rifting creates a horizontal extension _____
Push; pull
How does normal stress work?
Operates perpendicular to a surface
What is compression?
Push-together normal stress
What is tension?
Pull-apart normal stress
How does shear stress work?
It acts as a parallel to the surface
How does differential stress occur?
It causes inadequate mineral shapes to align in preferred orientations
Why does foliation develop?
The rocks have been subjected to differential stress
What is foliation?
A planar fabric that cuts through the rock
What are some foliated metamorphic rocks?
- Phyllite
- Schist
- Metaconglomerate
- Gneiss
What are some non-foliated metamorphic rocks?
- Quartzite
- Marble
What are the different types of metamorphism?
- Thermal
- Burial
- Dynamic
- Regional
- Hydrothermal
- Subduction
- Shock
What is contact (or thermal) metamorphism?
Metamorphism that is due to heat from a body of magma invading host rock
Dynamic metamorphism involves
A breakage of rock by shearing within a fault zone