Metamorphism
CHANGE FORM
The change of shape or form of a rock due to temperature and/or pressure SOLID STATE re-crystallisation. i.e. no melting takes place
There are no additions to or removal of elements (apart from some volatile removal) There is no change in bulk chemistry (isochemical)
What forms of Metamorphism are there?
Essentially there are two main ways in which rocks can be metamorphosed: 1. Firstly by the increase in temperature Contact Metamorphism 2. Secondly by the application of pressure (this could result in an increase in temp) Regional Metamorphism
REGIONAL METAMORPHISM
There are two types of pressure involved in metamorphism: confining pressure and directed pressure.
The pressure is uniform in all directions; Increases with depth
Associated with mountain building processes
Confining Pressure
Confining pressure can be uniform, pressure can be applied in equal amounts from all directions. This usually happens at depth. It can also be differential. This means greater pressure can be applied in one direction than the others
Differential Stress
If differential stress is present during metamorphism, it can have a profound effect on the texture of the rock. Use the Blu Tak to experiment with different effects of pressure on rocks.
Rounded grains can become flattened in the direction of maximum compressional stress.
Minerals that crystallize or grow in the differential stress field may develop a preferred orientation
There are 4 main sources of temperature changes in metamorphic rocks: Increasing pressure/temperature with depth Radioactive decay Deformation Migrating magmas Locally, heating may occur as a result of frictional shear heating in fault zones.
Some points to remember: Heat flows from regions of high to low temperature. Substances have different heat capacities. Temperature almost invariably increases with depth, but the rate at which the temperature changes (geothermal gradient) depends on the tectonic setting and rock composition.
An over simplified view of the two main sources of heat and pressure
Regional Metamorphism; Associated with destructive plate margins Temperature AND Pressure (directed) Contact (Thermal) Metamorphism; Associated with igneous intrusions Mainly Temperature
Contact (Thermal) Metamorphism
Contact (thermal) heating of country rocks during igneous intrusion or beneath thick flows Growth of new metamorphic minerals in random orientations
Metamorphic Aureoles
When big enough to plot on a map the area affected by thermal metamorphism is called an AUREOLE AUREOLE Typical Pluton
The original rock into which the igneous rock intrudes is called the COUNTRY ROCK
luc i ho te/C Sp rn ord ot fel ted s ierit Ro e ck
An
du
COUNTRY ROCK
Baked Margins
COUNTRY ROCK (ORIGINAL ROCK) BAKED MARGINS
E DYK
What would you expect the grain size to be? How would you expect the grain size to change near the margin?
The Contact metamorphic rock will depend upon the original country rock
SHALE SPOTTED ROCK HORNFELS
SANDSTONE
(ORTHOQUARZITE)
META QUARZITE
COARSE METAQUARZITE
LIMESTONE
MARBLE
COARSE MARBLE
INTRUSION
Contact Metamorphism of a Limestone
Limestone Bioclastic texture
Marble Granoblastic texture
Contact Metamorphism of a Sandstone
Triassic Sandstone Well sorted, sub-rounded texture
Metaquarzite Granoblastic texture
Regional Metamorphism
Large scale metamorphism characteristic of mountain belts and shield areas as a result of tectonism Involves burial to produce elevated pressures and temperatures, and deformation to produce tectonic fabrics
Regional Metamorphism
TEMPERATURE
PRESSURE/DEPTH
Textures
There are a range of metamorphic textures that can be displayed. To an extent these depend on the level of metamorphism, but the original rock type is also important.
Alignment of minerals in regional metamorphism
Development of slaty cleavage
Slaty Cleavage results from the recrystallisation of clay minerals into tiny mica flakes. Because each mica flake is a flat tabular crystal it grows to align itself at right angles to the direction of pressure, this forms parallel layers which can be easily cleaved.
Cleavage and bedding
Bedding (relict)
Cleavage
Progressive regional metamorphism
Shale Slate
Schist
Gneiss
Progressive regional metamorphism
Main textural differences
Shale Slate Schist Gneiss
Increasing Grain size Increasing segregation of minerals Loss of slaty cleavage
REGIONAL METAMORPHISM
Several different grades of metamorphism can be produced when mudstones and shales are affected by regional metamorphism.
LOW-GRADE REGIONAL METAMORPHISM
High pressure Low temperature Mudstones and shales are turned to slate, slates as a result of slaty cleavage.
MEDIUM-GRADE REGIONAL METAMORPHISM
High pressure Moderately high temperature Occurs during mountain building All traces of bedding lost. Clay minerals all recrystallised to mica, rock reforms into a schist showing parallel foliation.
HIGH-GRADE REGIONAL METAMORPHISM
Intense pressure Intense heat Takes place at depth during formation of mountain chains. Fine sediments completely transformed into Gneiss (pronounced nice). Minerals separate into light and dark bands, rock is coarse grained and it is possible to identify minerals.
