Metamorphic Rock Essay - 1058 Words

Metamorphic Rock Metamorphism means to change form; this is exactly what metamorphic rocks do. This paper will take a look at the Earth’s rock cycle to examine exactly where the metamorphic rock fits into it. It will also look at how metamorphic rocks are formed and the relationship between metamorphic rocks and igneous rock and sedimentary rocks. This paper will examine the geological characteristics and materials of metamorphic rocks, and examine some examples of metamorphic rocks and will describe mineral composition of some examples and explain its economic uses. The Rock Cycle The rock cycle helps people to understand the starting point of the igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks. In addition to explaining how each of the†¦show more content†¦Regional metamorphism usually occurs during the formation of a mountain. Large amounts of rock are subject to extreme pressure and heat while the Earth’s crust is moving to create a mountain. Regional metamorphism also takes place when there is a collision of two continental plates. The force from the collision puts forth enough extreme pressure needed for a rock to go through a metamorphic change. Relationship Among the Three Rock Groups When sedimentary rock and igneous rock are exposed to extreme heat or pressure, they can change their appearance and mineral make up. The color and density of the rock can change as the mineral and density changes the structure of the rock. The rock under pressure and heat doesnt melt but the chemical or mineral structure of the rock condenses and compacts changing the rock to metamorphic rock. This chemical reaction will cause the rock to change color with the mineral grains and will give the appearance of strips. The metamorphic rock can keep changing its density and appearance when it is exposed to more heat and pressure. The rock type of granite gneiss and biotite schist that are found in the Green Mountains of Vermont are two types of metamorphic rock. Examples of Metamorphic Rocks There are many different types of metamorphic rocks that one can see on a regular basis; many probably do not realize they are metamorphic rocks. For example, slateShow MoreRelatedMetamorphic Rocks: Academic Research Questions1754 Words   |  7 Pagesexception of samples. Observations are a disciplined for of attention to detail. It is treating the natural world as a clue, not just a perception. Above all, observation is systematic perception it is simultaneously observing landforms, fossils, and rocks in their arrangement, minerals, strata, and the entire features of the land and environment. It involves making records, photographs, detailed notes, and is not static but done over time to observe any potential changes. It is designed to separateRead MoreThe Black Hills Of South Dakota1015 Words   |  5 Pagesedge of what is called the Harney Peak Granite Batholith in the Black Hills (NPS). The mountain itself comes from two main types of rocks: metamorphic and granite (National Park). A batholith is a geologic feature that occurs when there is cooling of a large igneous body of magma below earth’s surface. The Black Hills magma was then placed into older mica schist rocks during the Precambrian time (NPS). The Precambrian time period occurre d about 1.6-2.5 billion years ago (Nation Park PDF). Mica schistRead MoreObjectives. The Objectives Of This Lab Are To Learn How1504 Words   |  7 PagesObjectives The objectives of this lab are to learn how metamorphic rocks form and how to classify them based upon their texture and composition. In this chapter, we will also learn about distinguishing among the three rock groups and processes that wear rocks down once they have formed. Key Terms anthracite, bituminous, decomposition, disintegration, foliated, gneissic banding, grade, lignite, mass wasting, metamorphic rock, metamorphism, parent rock, peat, phyllitic texture, schistosity, slaty cleavageRead MoreThe Geological History Of The Valley1435 Words   |  6 Pagessimilarity to the other region in the Western Northern America province, what make Death Valley unique is the characters of the mountains and desert valleys are in a grand scale than the others. In addition, varies rock type and formation which include volcanic, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks makes the valley a great place for geological study (Green, 1997, p. 9). Today’s Death Valley we see has taken millions of years to take its present form. In this paper, we examining the geological history ofRead MoreWeathering And Erosion Of Soft Rocks901 Words   |  4 Pages Soft rocks are very important geomaterials since they are heavily used in construction for example, buildings, road and dams but they sometimes seem to cause some problems due to their sedimentary properties like fast weathering and low strength. Weathering is a process in which rock break down or dissolve with the help of natural agents. Weathering and erosion are constantly changing the earth’s surface, so that has a big impact on construction and usage of soft rocks over time. Weathering canRead MoreThe Theory Of The Field Trip1209 Words   |  5 Pages Usually, most people take rocks for granted, and ignoring its special characteristics. In fact, most people don’t know that they serve as an important key to understanding the Earth’s dynamic. But, through this geology module, and each field trip we were on, such as Inwood Park and predominantly Central Park, not only were we able to take into consideration of identifying rocks, but what I got out of this module was the appreciation of how rocks serves as an indicator of how we attain knowledgeRead MoreColorado : The Mountain National Park1011 Words   |  5 PagesWhen it comes to beautiful rock formations, geological wonder, and natural beauty, Colorado has all that to offer. Colorado is the state where The Rocky Mountain National Park was born. The geological and natural wonders of the park leave many guest visiting the area coming back for more every year. This state is also gifted with one of the biggest attraction in America: The Grand Canyon. Colorado is full of geological and natural majesty. The Rocky Mountain National Park was created in the rightRead MoreSuresh728 Words   |  3 PagesExamining Minerals and Rocks What is a mineral? A mineral is homogenous, naturally occurring substance formed through geological processes that has a characteristic chemical composition, a highly ordered atomic structure and speciï ¬ c physical properties. Physical properties citrine rose quartz prasiolite 1. COLOR agate milky quartz amethyst smoky quartz jasper Physical properties The color of a mineral when it is powdered is called the streak of the mineral. PhysicalRead MoreMy Special Place Of Voyageurs National Park1152 Words   |  5 Pagesshoreline characterized by many of the islands within Voyageurs National Park. These rocks vary in size, with some rocks having large cracks with small caves (Appendix C). The rocks around the shoreline were typically light grey in color with some variations in texture and crystal size. (Appendix B) I do not remember the rocks being particularly sandy, however, I have also not been to the site in four to five years. These rocks are most likely composed of granite and gneiss. They cover the whole shorelineRead MoreThe Blue Ridge Mountains Of North Carolina1239 Words   |  5 PagesVincent Carter 10/4/15 GLY 3311c Homework 2 The Blue Ridge Mountains in North Carolina is a diverse geological area to study tectonic setting, metamorphic and igneous rocks, and how the tectonic history has affected the development of the minerals in the area. The Blue Ridge Mountains sit within a larger tectonic area that includes part of the smoky mountains and Appalachian mountain chain. The Blue Ridge Mountains sit upon a large thrust plate area that has experienced repeated movement