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  • Metamorphic to Igneous Rocks: The Melting & Cooling Process
    The process that causes metamorphic rock to change into igneous rock is melting and then cooling and solidifying. Here's how it works:

    1. Melting: Metamorphic rocks, under intense heat and pressure deep within the Earth, can melt. This could be due to:

    * Magma intrusion: Hot magma rising from the Earth's mantle can melt surrounding metamorphic rocks.

    * Subduction: When tectonic plates collide, one plate can be pushed under the other (subduction). The intense pressure and heat can melt the subducted plate, which may include metamorphic rocks.

    * Geothermal activity: Hot springs and volcanic areas can provide enough heat to melt metamorphic rocks.

    2. Cooling and Solidification: Once the molten rock (magma) cools, it solidifies, forming new crystals. This process creates igneous rock.

    Important Note: The new igneous rock will be a completely different rock type than the original metamorphic rock. It will have a new mineral composition and texture determined by the cooling conditions of the magma.

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