Here's a breakdown of the process:
* Heat: High temperatures cause the minerals in the rock to recrystallize, changing their size and arrangement. This can lead to the formation of new minerals that weren't present in the original rock.
* Pressure: Intense pressure squeezes the rock, causing its mineral grains to align in a specific direction. This can create a layered or banded appearance.
The type of metamorphic rock produced depends on:
* The original rock type (protolith): A sandstone will metamorphose differently than a limestone.
* The degree of heat and pressure: Higher temperatures and pressures lead to more significant changes.
Here are some examples of metamorphic rocks:
* Marble: Formed from the metamorphism of limestone.
* Slate: Formed from the metamorphism of shale.
* Quartzite: Formed from the metamorphism of sandstone.
* Gneiss: Formed from the metamorphism of granite or other igneous rocks.
Metamorphism is a key process in the rock cycle, and it plays a significant role in the formation of Earth's crust and its varied landscape.
