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Metamorphic Rocks
How Metamorphic Rocks Form
Heat and pressure deep beneath Earth's
surface can change any rock into
metamorphic rock.
Metamorphic rock can form out of
– Igneous
– Sedimentary
– Metamorphic rock
The deeper rock is buried in the crust, the
greater the pressure on that rock.
How Metamorphic Rocks Form con’t
Forces inside Earth can push the
rock down toward the heat of the
mantle.
Pockets of magma rising
through the crust also provide
heat that can produce
metamorphic rocks.
Classifying Metamorphic Rocks
While metamorphic rocks are forming,
high temperatures change the size
and shape of the grains, or mineral
crystals, in the rock.
In addition, tremendous pressure
squeezes rock so tightly that the
mineral grains may line up in flat,
parallel layers.
Classifying Metamorphic Rocks con’t
• Metamorphic rocks that have their grains
arranged in parallel layers or bands are
said to be foliated.
Changing Rocks