The term "metamorphosis" is almost often used in reference to the process of a caterpillar irresolute into a butterfly. However, the word "metamorphosis" is a broad term that indicates a change from one thing to another. Even rocks, a seemingly constant substance, tin alter into a new type of rock. Rocks that undergo a modify to class a new rock are referred to as metamorphic rocks.

In the rock cycle, there are three different types of rocks: sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic. Sedimentary and igneous rocks began as something other than rock. 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 World—cooled and hardened. A metamorphic rock, on the other paw, began as a rock—either a sedimentary, igneous, or even a different sort of metamorphic rock. Then, due to various conditions within the Earth, the existing rock was changed into a new kind of metamorphic rock.

The weather condition required to course a metamorphic rock are very specific. The existing rock must be exposed to high heat, high pressure, or to a hot, mineral-rich fluid. Commonly, all three of these circumstances are met. These atmospheric condition are most frequently found either deep in Earth's chaff 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 oestrus or force per unit area, the rock will cook and become magma. This volition result in the formation of an igneous stone, not a metamorphic rock.

Consider how granite changes form. Granite is an igneous rock that forms when magma cools relatively slowly undercover. It is usually composed primarily of the minerals quartz, feldspar, and mica. When granite is subjected to intense oestrus and pressure, it changes into a metamorphic rock called gneiss.

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

Although metamorphic rocks typically form deep in the planet'due south crust, they are oftentimes exposed on the surface of the World. This happens due to geologic uplift and the erosion of the rock and soil above them. At the surface, metamorphic rocks will be exposed to weathering processes and may break down into sediment. These sediments could so be compressed to class sedimentary rocks, which would start the entire wheel afresh.

Metamorphic Rocks

Metamorphic rock, estimated to be as one-time equally three.8 billion years, located almost Isua at Qorqut Sound, Greenland.

Noun

rock formed by the cooling of magma or lava.

lava

Noun

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

Noun

molten, or partially melted, rock below the Earth's surface.

metamorphic rock

Noun

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

Noun

movement and interaction of the Earth's plates.

Substantive

processes that explain the relationship between the iii rock types: igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic. Whatsoever rock type can get whatsoever other.

Substantive

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

uplift

Noun

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

  • Credits

    Media Credits

    The audio, illustrations, photos, and videos are credited beneath the media asset, except for promotional images, which generally link to another page that contains the media credit. The Rights Holder for media is the person or group credited.

    Director

    Tyson Brown, National Geographic Society

    Author

    National Geographic Lodge

    Production Managers

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

    Program Specialists

    Sarah Appleton, National Geographic Lodge
    Margot Willis, National Geographic Lodge

    Producer

    Clint Parks

    Final Updated

    Oct. x, 2019

  • User Permissions

    For information on user permissions, please read our Terms of Service. If you have questions about how to cite anything on our website in your project or classroom presentation, please contact your instructor. They will best know the preferred format. When you lot attain out to them, you will demand the page title, URL, and the appointment yous accessed the resources.

    Media

    If a media asset is downloadable, a download button appears in the corner of the media viewer. If no button appears, you cannot download or salvage the media.

    Text

    Text on this page is printable and can be used according to our Terms of Service.

    Interactives

    Any interactives on this page tin only exist played while you are visiting our website. Y'all cannot download interactives.