The term "metamorphosis" is most oft used in reference to the process of a caterpillar changing into a butterfly. However, the word "metamorphosis" is a broad term that indicates a change from 1 thing to another. Even rocks, a seemingly constant substance, can change into a new type of rock. Rocks that undergo a change to form a new rock are referred to every bit metamorphic rocks.

In the rock wheel, there are three different types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Sedimentary and igneous rocks began equally something other than stone. Sedimentary rocks were originally sediments, which were compacted under high pressure. Igneous rocks formed when liquid magma or lava—magma that has emerged onto the surface of the Earth—cooled and hardened. A metamorphic rock, on the other hand, began as a rock—either a sedimentary, igneous, or even a different sort of metamorphic rock. And then, due to various weather inside the Earth, the existing rock was changed into a new kind of metamorphic rock.

The conditions required to form a metamorphic stone are very specific. The existing rock must be exposed to high oestrus, high pressure level, or to a hot, mineral-rich fluid. Unremarkably, all 3 of these circumstances are met. These conditions are almost often found either deep in Globe'due south crust or at plate boundaries where tectonic plates collide. In order to create metamorphic rock, it is vital that the existing rock remain solid and not melt. If there is too much heat or pressure, the stone will melt and become magma. This will outcome in the formation of an igneous rock, non a metamorphic stone.

Consider how granite changes grade. Granite is an igneous stone that forms when magma cools relatively slowly underground. It is usually composed primarily of the minerals quartz, feldspar, and mica. When granite is subjected to intense estrus and pressure, information technology changes into a metamorphic rock called gneiss.

Slate is some other mutual metamorphic rock that forms from shale. Limestone, a sedimentary rock, will change into the metamorphic rock marble if the right conditions are met.

Although metamorphic rocks typically class deep in the planet'southward crust, they are often exposed on the surface of the Earth. This happens due to geologic uplift and the erosion of the rock and soil to a higher place them. At the surface, metamorphic rocks will exist exposed to weathering processes and may intermission downward into sediment. These sediments could and then be compressed to course sedimentary rocks, which would start the entire bike anew.

Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rock, estimated to be as former equally three.eight billion years, located near Isua at Qorqut Sound, Greenland.

Noun

stone formed by the cooling of magma or lava.

lava

Noun

molten rock, or magma, that erupts from volcanoes or fissures in the Earth's surface.

Noun

molten, or partially melted, rock beneath the World's surface.

metamorphic rock

Substantive

rock that has transformed its chemical qualities from igneous or sedimentary.

Noun

movement and interaction of the Earth's plates.

Substantive

processes that explain the human relationship between the iii stone types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Any stone type can become whatsoever other.

Noun

rock formed from fragments of other rocks or the remains of plants or animals.

uplift

Noun

elevation of the Earth's surface due to tectonic or other natural activity.

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    Director

    Tyson Dark-brown, National Geographic Society

    Author

    National Geographic Society

    Production Managers

    Gina Borgia, National Geographic Society
    Jeanna Sullivan, National Geographic Society

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    Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Order
    Margot Willis, National Geographic Gild

    Producer

    Clint Parks

    Last Updated

    Oct. x, 2019

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