Discuss the formation of metamorphic rocks, including foliation development

Metamorphic rocks form when a rock of any classification (igneous, meta, or sed) is subjected to heat and/or pressure, resulting in recrystallisation. Contact metamorphism occurs around a crustal intrusion due to increased temperature, producing baked and chilled margins (dyke/sill) or a metamorphic aureole (pluton). Dynamic metamorphism occurs at elevated pressures with little temperature change, such as in a fault zone. Regional metamorphism involves a change in both temperature and pressure, and is associated with large-scale tectonic processes such as orogenesis.The application of pressure may cause minerals in the rock to align, creating a foliation. This occurs in rocks containing platy minerals such as micas or chlorite. Foliations become more developed with increasing metamorphic grade:Slaty Cleavage > Phyllitic > Schistose Texture > Gneissose Banding

Answered by Amy M. Geology tutor

1100 Views

See similar Geology GCSE tutors

Related Geology GCSE answers

All answers ▸

What could be interpret about the formation of a sedimentary rock from the information that its grains are, in the majority, fine and well rounded?


Explain the evidence for seafloor spreading?


What is the Moho?


What are the properties of the asthenosphere?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact usWhatsapp logoMessage us on Whatsapptelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo
Cookie Preferences