The Difference between Regional Metamorphism & Contact Metamorphism and associated

rocks with it.

What is Regional Metamorphism?

Regional metamorphism is one of the metamorphism types that is common and very
widespread. This metamorphism covers a very large area. Other than that, the occurrence of
this event is usually in the crust where the rocks are deeply buried, continental crusts or
island arcs. It is also associated with orogenic events.

During metamorphism, the pressure exerted causes the rocks to be deformed. Some of
the distinct features that can be recognized as a result from this metamorphism is the texture.
The texture changes by forming foliations.

Himalayan Range is a good example of the results of a regional metamorphism.

What is Contact Metamorphism?

Contact metamorphism is a metamorphism process that is completely different from

the regional metamorphism above. Basically, contact metamorphism is when there is contact
between magma and any rock bodies.

During the contact metamorphism, the temperature plays a big role. The temperature
may be ranging from 300 °C to 800 °C.

What are the differences of Regional Metamorphism and Contact Metamorphism?

Regional Metamorphism and Contact Metamorphism, both types of metamorphism have

distinct differences that can be distinguished.

First of all, regional metamorphism occurs majorly in continental crust due to tectonic
events (convergence) while the contact metamorphism is usually associated with magma and
intrusions. Some factors that affect the regional metamorphism is the high pressure effect but
low temperature. Therefore, it occurs in a larger scale compares to the contact
metamorphism, as this type of metamorphism is affected by high temperature surroundings
(magma).
Below are the illusions that show different process and how both, regional and contact
metamorphism occur.

Figure 1 A model shows the regional metamorphism.

Figure 2 A model shows the contact metamorphism.

Other than that, in regional metamorphism, pressure exerted during the process has
impacted texture of the rocks that are experiencing the pressure exerted. The change in
texture is call as the foliation. On the other hand, for the contact metamorphism, the rocks are
depending on the country rocks (native rocks in the area) and the temperature that contacted
to it. Hence, we can clearly see the difference in the type of rocks formed from both
metamorphism rocks which we can see in the next part of this assignment.
What are rocks that associated to both types of metamorphism?

i. Rocks that are associated with regional metamorphism

FOLIATED METAMORPHIC ROCKS

Figure 3 Slate Rock Figure 4 Schist

Figure 5 Phyllite Figure 6 Gneiss

 ii. Rocks that are associated with the contact metamorphism

Figure 7 Hornfels Figure 8 Marble

Figure 9 Quartzite

Conclusion
In this assignments, I can clearly differentiate between regional metamorphism and
contact metamorphism where regional metamorphism is basically affected by pressure and
majorly occur in large scale while contact metamorphism is related to high temperature
(magma). Besides, now I can memorize the rocks that are associated to both of the processes.
Hopefully, I can apply what I have read and summarize for this assignment may help me in
the future as a future geologist.