Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
PART III
METAMORPHIC
ROCKS
Rock Cycle
Definition
Metamorphism- changes in the mineral assemblage and
textures of igneous, sedimentary or other metamorphic
rocks due to prolonged exposure to elevated temperatures
and pressures (or increased grades of metamorphism)
Types of Metamorphism
1) Burial metamorphism (also known as Diagenesis or Lithification) - Low
T, low-mod confining to differential P; original sedimentary/igneous
features generally preserved; forms in deeper parts of thick sedimentary
sequences in non-tectonic area (e.g., on passive continental margins)
Types of Metamorphism
2) Contact (or Thermal) metamorphism - High T, low-mod.
confining P; forms adjacent to igneous intrusions.
Types of Metamorphism
3) High-pressure metamorphism - High P (strongly
differential), low-mod T; forms at plate boundaries
convergent boundary zones. Also know as blueschist
metamorphism.
Types of Metamorphism
4) Regional metamorphism -Variable T, mod-high differential P;
characteristic of over-thickened plates (i.e., mountain belts)
above convergent boundaries; affects large areas
Types of Metamorphism
5) Cataclasis metamorphism -Variable T, very high directed P;
typically localized to narrow zones of intense mechanical
deformation (shear zones).
Types of Metamorphism
6) Metasomatism -Variable T&P; distinguished from other forms of
Mineralogic Response to
Metamorphism
Minerals that form depend on:
T and P conditions
Bulk composition of the source
rock
Progressive
metamorphism
of a graywacke
(dirty sandstone)
Summary of
Metamorphic
Rock Types
STRUCTURAL DEFORMATION
Large-scale Response to Directed Pressure
Dependent on Temperature and Rate of Stress
High Temperature, Low Rate of Stress FOLDING
STRUCTURAL DEFORMATION
Large-scale Response to Directed Pressure
Low Temperature, Rapid Rate of Stress FAULTING
Next Lecture
The Theory of Plate Tectonics:
The Grand Unifying Theory of the
Earth