Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks

 

Terms to learn:

metamorphism                          protolith                differential stress
metamorphic grade                foliation                  slate
schist                                                gneiss                     contact metamorphism
regional metamorphism       blueschist

 

Topic outline:

1. Metamorphism
2. Factors controlling metamorphism
   1. Composition of protolith (parent rock)
   2. Heat (temperature)
   3. Pressure
      1. Types of pressure
         1. confining pressure (lithostatic)
         2. differential stress – compressive (flattening effect) or shearing
   4. Fluids - metasomatism
3. Textural and mineralogical changes
   1. metamorphic grade
   2. Foliation
   3. progressive metamorphism
4. Metamorphic rocks
   1. non-foliated
   2. foliated
5. Plate tectonic occurrence
   1. Contact (thermal)
   2. Regional (dynamothermal)
   3. Blueschist metamorphism

 

Interesting places to visit:

General info: http://www.mhhe.com/earthsci/geology/mcconnell/rocks_and_minerals/meta.htm

 

When you are finished with this topic, you should be able to answer these questions:

1. What are the major agents of metamorphism and what role do they play?
2. What information does foliation provide about the conditions of formation of the rock?
3. What P-T paths do each of the types of metamorphism follow (i.e. contact, regional, and blueschist)?