What is the relationship of metamorphism and plate tectonics?
Metamorphic rocks result from the forces active during plate tectonic processes. The collision of plates, subduction, and the sliding of plates along transform faults create differential stress, friction, shearing, compressive stress, folding, faulting, and increased heat flow.
In which plate tectonic settings are metamorphic rocks likely to form?
Like igneous rocks, metamorphic rocks form almost exclusively at plate boundaries. Metamorphic rocks that form because they are exposed to heat from magma form at the same plate boundaries igneous rocks form: divergent, ocean–ocean convergent, and ocean–continent convergent boundaries.
What are the three types of plate boundaries and what type of geological activity is found at each?
There are three main types of plate boundaries:
- Convergent boundaries: where two plates are colliding. Subduction zones occur when one or both of the tectonic plates are composed of oceanic crust.
- Divergent boundaries – where two plates are moving apart.
- Transform boundaries – where plates slide passed each other.
In which plate tectonic settings are metamorphic rocks likely to form describe the temperatures and pressures high or low in each?
convergent plate boundaries
Metamorphic rocks are most abundant at convergent plate boundaries, but can occur in other areas where there are increased pressures and/or temperatures.
What is the theory of plate tectonics?
The theory of plate tectonics states that the Earth’s solid outer crust, the lithosphere, is separated into plates that move over the asthenosphere, the molten upper portion of the mantle. Oceanic and continental plates come together, spread apart, and interact at boundaries all over the planet.
What are the 3 main types of metamorphism?
There are three ways that metamorphic rocks can form. The three types of metamorphism are Contact, Regional, and Dynamic metamorphism. Contact Metamorphism occurs when magma comes in contact with an already existing body of rock.
How is the rock cycle and plate tectonics related?
The heat from the mantle that fuels plate tectonics causes both igneous and sedimentary rocks to be turned into metamorphic rocks. The metamorphic rocks can be eroded into sedimentary rocks are remelted back into igneous. rocks. So the movement of metamorphic rocks in the rock cycle is also driven by plate tectonics.
How do tectonic plates turn sedimentary rocks into metamorphic rocks?
Metamorphic Rocks and Plate Tectonics Hot magma pushes itself to the surface at both divergent plate boundaries and convergent plate boundaries. This magma comes in contact with rocks as it rises to the surface. The magma is hot, heating the rocks around it. As the rocks heat, they change and become metamorphic rocks.
What are the 4 types of plate boundary?
There are four types of boundaries between tectonic plates that are defined by the movement of the plates: divergent and convergent boundaries, transform fault boundaries, and plate boundary zones.
What are the 7 major plates?
There are seven major plates: African, Antarctic, Eurasian, Indo-Australian, North American, Pacific and South American.
What are the 4 main types of metamorphism?
Hydro-Thermo-Metamorphism.
- Type # 1. Contact Metamorphism:
- Type # 2. Regional Metamorphism:
- Type # 3. Hydro-Metamorphism:
- Type # 4. Hydro-Thermo-Metamorphism:
How are plate tectonics related to metamorphism?
All of the important processes of metamorphism can be understood in the context of geological processes related to plate tectonics. The relationships between plate tectonics and metamorphism are summarized in Figure 6.1.4. Two settings, continent-continent collisions and continental volcanic arcs are also shown in more detail in Figure 6.1.5.
Why are metamorphic rocks formed in mountain ranges likely to be foliated?
Metamorphic rocks formed there are likely to be foliated because of the strong directional pressure of converging plates. Figure 7.15 a: Regional metamorphism beneath a mountain range related to continent-continent collision (typical geothermal gradient).
What is an example of metamorphism at a subduction zone?
(Example: Cascadia subduction zone. Rock of this type is exposed in the San Francisco area.) Metamorphism also occurs at subduction zones, where oceanic crust is forced down into the hot mantle.
Where does metamorphism occur in a mountain range?
Regional metamorphism also takes place within volcanic-arc mountain ranges, and because of the extra heat associated with the volcanism, the geothermal gradient is typically a little steeper in these settings (somewhere between 40° and 50°C/km).