The term "metamorphosis" is most ofttimes used in reference to the process of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly. Still, the discussion "metamorphosis" is a broad term that indicates a change from one thing to another. Even rocks, a seemingly constant substance, tin can modify into a new type of stone. Rocks that undergo a change to form a new rock are referred to every bit metamorphic rocks.

In the rock cycle, there are three dissimilar types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Sedimentary and igneous rocks began as something other than stone. Sedimentary rocks were originally sediments, which were compacted under loftier pressure. Igneous rocks formed when liquid magma or lava—magma that has emerged onto the surface of the Globe—cooled and hardened. A metamorphic rock, on the other hand, began equally a rock—either a sedimentary, igneous, or fifty-fifty a different sort of metamorphic rock. Then, due to diverse conditions within the Earth, the existing rock was changed into a new kind of metamorphic rock.

The conditions required to grade a metamorphic rock are very specific. The existing rock must exist exposed to loftier heat, high force per unit area, or to a hot, mineral-rich fluid. Unremarkably, all three of these circumstances are met. These atmospheric condition are most often found either deep in Earth's crust or at plate boundaries where tectonic plates collide. In guild to create metamorphic rock, it is vital that the existing rock remain solid and non cook. If there is too much heat or pressure level, the rock will melt and become magma. This will issue in the germination of an igneous rock, not a metamorphic rock.

Consider how granite changes form. Granite is an igneous rock that forms when magma cools relatively slowly underground. It is unremarkably equanimous primarily of the minerals quartz, feldspar, and mica. When granite is subjected to intense heat and force per unit area, it changes into a metamorphic rock called gneiss.

Slate is some other mutual metamorphic rock that forms from shale. Limestone, a sedimentary rock, will modify into the metamorphic rock marble if the right weather condition are met.

Although metamorphic rocks typically form deep in the planet's crust, they are oft exposed on the surface of the Earth. This happens due to geologic uplift and the erosion of the rock and soil above them. At the surface, metamorphic rocks will be exposed to weathering processes and may interruption down into sediment. These sediments could then exist compressed to course sedimentary rocks, which would start the entire cycle anew.

Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rock, estimated to be as old as iii.eight billion years, located near Isua at Qorqut Sound, Greenland.

Noun

rock formed by the cooling of magma or lava.

lava

Noun

molten stone, or magma, that erupts from volcanoes or fissures in the Earth's surface.

Noun

molten, or partially melted, rock beneath the Earth'south surface.

metamorphic stone

Noun

stone that has transformed its chemical qualities from igneous or sedimentary.

Noun

movement and interaction of the Earth's plates.

Substantive

processes that explain the relationship between the iii rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Any rock type can go any other.

Noun

rock formed from fragments of other rocks or the remains of plants or animals.

uplift

Noun

elevation of the Earth'south surface due to tectonic or other natural activity.

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    Director

    Tyson Chocolate-brown, National Geographic Order

    Author

    National Geographic Society

    Product Managers

    Gina Borgia, National Geographic Social club
    Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society

    Program Specialists

    Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Society
    Margot Willis, National Geographic Society

    Producer

    Clint Parks

    Terminal Updated

    Oct. 10, 2019

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