Metamorphic Rocks Are Formed By What Process?

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Multiple Choice

Metamorphic Rocks Are Formed By What Process?

Explanation:
Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are transformed deep underground by heat and pressure, causing minerals to recrystallize into new minerals and often align into layers. The rock remains solid during this change, so melting does not occur. If pressure is directed, minerals tend to align and create foliated textures (think slate, schist, gneiss); if pressure is more uniform, the rock can become non-foliated (like marble or quartzite). This distinguishes metamorphism from erosion and cementation, which build up sedimentary rocks at the surface, and from melting, which creates igneous rocks.

Metamorphic rocks form when existing rocks are transformed deep underground by heat and pressure, causing minerals to recrystallize into new minerals and often align into layers. The rock remains solid during this change, so melting does not occur. If pressure is directed, minerals tend to align and create foliated textures (think slate, schist, gneiss); if pressure is more uniform, the rock can become non-foliated (like marble or quartzite). This distinguishes metamorphism from erosion and cementation, which build up sedimentary rocks at the surface, and from melting, which creates igneous rocks.

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