Metamorphism

Types and Agents

Definition
• Metamorphism means “to change form.”
• Most metamorphic changes occur at elevated temperatures and
pressures.
• Conditions for formation are found a few kilometers below the Earth’s
surface and extend into the upper mantle.
• Metamorphic rocks form at higher temperatures and pressures than
sedimentary rocks.
• Metamorphic rocks form at lower temperatures than igneous rocks.
• The rock does not melt
• Metamorphic processes generally cannot be observed directly.
Factors that Control Metamorphism
• Heat
• Pressure
• Fluids
• Rock composition
• Time
Effects of Heating on Metamorphism
Pressure and Metamorphism
Fluids and Rock Composition
Types of Metamorphism
• Regional metamorphism: occurs when large regions of crustal rocks
are subjected to elevated temperatures and pressures; takes place
during mountain-building
• Contact metamorphism: rocks around an igneous body produced as a
result of heating by an adjacent body of magma
• Shock metamorphism: produced by the high-velocity impact of an
extraterrestrial object such as a meteorite or an asteroid on Earth’s
surface
• Hydrothermal metamorphism: occurs when rocks react with
adjacent hot circulating fluids
Regional Metamorphism
Contact Metamorphism
Shock Metamorphism
Hydrothermal Metamorphism
References
• http://htus-
w2.wpmucdn.com/u.osu.edu/dist/6/14404/files/2016/02/Nance-
Chapter-07-Lecture-PPT-2kl1qc9.pdftps://cpb-
• https://www.tulane.edu/~sanelson/eens212/typesmetamorph.htm