Dynamic Earth GEOL-1500
Spring 2024
Metamorphic Rock Description and Classification
Learning Exercise
Name: Haley Young Learning Goals:
To know the definition of a metamorphic rock
To understand the concept of protoliths
To know how metamorphic rocks are classified.
Understand the processes that occur during metamorphism
To understand the relationship between tectonic environment and metamorphism
Questions:
Part 1: Metamorphic processes
1. What is a metamorphic rock?
A metamorphic rock is a rock that changed from its original form due to high heat, high pressure,
or a combination of the two. 2. What physical changes occur to the mineral content and grain structure when a rock undergoes
metamorphism?
Metamorphism alters the rocks texture, layering crystals, and banded appearance. 3. What are the physical “agents of metamorphism” (e.g. the physical conditions that cause metamorphism)?
The physical agents of metamorphism are heat from the magma chamber, geothermal gradient and pressure from tectonic plate collisions. 1
