NSC GROUP 7 - METAMORPHISM REVIEWER

Members:
Kirk N. Minoza
Jireh Sebastian Y. Ladera
Ayah Ream Laguindab
Marineille Ramos
Beatrice Mikaela Escalante
Ruzelle Daming

TOPICS:
1. Metamorphism
2. 5 Processes of Metamorphism
3. Causes of Metamorphism
4. Types of Metamorphism
5. Metamorphic Rocks and their Protolith
6. Environments where different types of metamorphism would occur

Metamorphism
The Greek roots of the word "metamorphism" are Meta (change) and Morph (form), which
translate to "changed-form." When a rock is subjected to pressures and temperatures that
are opposite to the circumstances under which the rock was formed, it causes changes in
the mineral assemblage and texture.

Processes of Metamorphism
Recrystallization
Metamorphic process of recrystallization involves the packing of crystals together to form a
new crystal structure due to high temperature and pressure . Although the mineral's size and
shape may change during recrystallization, its composition remains the same.

Phase Change
The metamorphic process of phase change refers to the forming of new minerals
from a parent rock and results in a new mineral composition of a rock and different
structure. Phase change is due to temperature, pressure and chemical conditions
within the Earth.

Neo-Crystallization
The metamorphic process of Neo-recrystallization involves the creation of new
mineral crystals different from the protolith or parent rock. Chemical reactions digest
the minerals of the Protolith which yields new minerals. This is a very slow process
as it can also involve the diffusion of atoms through solid crystals.

Pressure Solution
In the metamorphic process of pressure solution, the minerals in a rock dissolve at
extreme pressure points and re-precipitate or reform at lower pressure points.
Pressure Solution is due to immense pressure exerted to the rocks which transforms
rocks.

Plastic Deformation
The metamorphic process of plastic deformation involves pressure being applied to
the protolith, causing it to shear or bend, but not break. It happens when
temperatures are high enough that brittle fractures do not occur, but not so high that
diffusion if crystals take place.

Causes of Metamorphism

Temperature - extreme temperature plays a big role in the process of

metamorphism as it contributes to the formation of metamorphic rocks
through mineral crystallization and new mineral phases.

Pressure - Since pressure increases with depth of burial, thus,

temperature as well as pressure will vary with depth in the Earth.
Pressure is defined as a force that acts in all directions equally. It is a
type of stress, called hydrostatic stress, or uniform stress.

Chemical Fluids - A fluid can possibly exist in any open gap between
mineral grains in a rock. This fluid is primarily water, but it also contains
dissolved ions. This phase is essential because chemical reactions
involving the transformation of one solid mineral into another can be
greatly accelerated by having dissolved ions conveyed by the fluid. The
process of chemical change of the rock caused by these fluids is known
as metasomatism.

Examples of Metamorphic Rocks and their Protoliths

Metamorphic Rocks Protoliths

Marble Limestone

Slate Shale

Gneiss Granite

Quartzite Sandstone

Phyllite Shale

Hornfels Mudstone/Shale

Schist Shale

Types of Metamorphism

Contact Metamorphism
This happens when magma collides with an already existing body of
rock. When this happens, the existing rocks' temperature rises and they
become infiltrated with magma fluid. The area affected by magma
contact is typically modest, ranging from 1 to 10 kilometers. Contact
metamorphism creates non-foliated (no cleavage) rocks like marble,
quartzite, and hornfels.

Environment: Areas near igneous intrusions like magma chambers.

Conditions: High temperature but relatively low pressure compared to
regional metamorphism.

Regional Metamorphism
This occurs on a far larger scale. Gneiss and schist are formed as a
result of this metamorphism. Large geologic processes, such as
mountain formation, produce regional metamorphism. When these rocks
are exposed to the surface, they reveal the incredible pressure that
causes the rocks to be twisted and shatter throughout the
mountain-building process. Foliated rocks such as gneiss and schist are
typically produced through regional metamorphism.

Environment: Tectonic plate boundaries, convergent plate boundaries,

and mountain-building zones.
Conditions: High pressure and high temperature due to tectonic forces
and deep burial.
Hydrothermal Metamorphism
Hydrothermal Metamorphism is a type of metamorphism where rocks
are changed due to hot-water fluids which come from the heating of
seawater due to rising magma which react with rocks and change their
structure and composition.

Environment: Associated with volcanic activity in water, hydrothermal

systems, and ore deposits.
Conditions: High temperature, with alteration caused by hot mineral-rich
fluids.

Burial Metamorphism
Burial Metamorphism is a type of metamorphism where rocks are
changed due to immense pressure and temperature as they are buried
deep in the Earth’s crust. As the rocks are buried deep in the ground, the
temperature and pressure increases which results in recrystallization of
rocks.

Environment: Occurs in sedimentary basins as sediments are buried

over time.
Conditions: Low to moderate pressure and temperature due to deep
burial.

Shock Metamorphism
A huge meteorite's kinetic energy is
turned into heat and a high-pressure
shock wave that propagates into the rock
at the impact site when it collides with the
Earth. The heat may be sufficient to
elevate the temperature to a point where
the earth rock will melt.

Environment: Associated with impact craters created by meteorite or

asteroid impacts.
Conditions: Extremely high pressure and temperature due to the energy
released during impact.
Dynamic Metamorphism

Dynamic Metamorphism, also known as Cataclastic Metamorphism, is a

type of metamorphism that occurs because of mechanical forces. In
tectonic processes like folding, faulting, and shearing, rocks are
subjected to extreme pressure and stress, which causes it. The friction
of sliding along the fault zone generates heat, and the rocks tend to due
to the slide, to be pulverized and crushed.

Environment: Fault Zones and regions with frequent tectonic activity

Conditions: Extremely high pressure and temperature due to tectonic
activity.