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What is hydrothermal metamorphism and where does it most occur?
Hydrothermal metamorphism occurs when hot, chemically active, mineral laden waters interact with a surrounding preexisting rock (called the country rock). Most hydrothermal metamorphism takes place at low pressures and relatively low temperature, as the phase diagram shows.
Where does seafloor metamorphism take place?
Ocean-ridge metamorphism takes place at mid-oceanic ridges in response to sea floor spreading. The plate tectonic setting is therefore characterized by a divergent plate boundary regime. This metamorphism is attributed to the high heat flow and intense fluid circulation that occurs along oceanic ridges.
At which location is burial metamorphism most likely to occur?
While rocks can be metamorphosed at depth in most areas, the potential for metamorphism is greatest in the roots of mountain ranges where there is a strong likelihood for burial of relatively young sedimentary rock to great depths, as depicted in Figure 7.15. An example would be the Himalayan Range.
Does metamorphism occur in the mantle?
Because most of Earth’s mantle is solid, metamorphic processes may also occur there. Mantle rocks are seldom observed at the surface because they are too dense to rise, but occasionally a glimpse is presented by their inclusion in volcanic materials.
Where do we usually find regional metamorphism?
continental crust
Most regional metamorphism takes place within continental crust. While rocks can be metamorphosed at depth in most areas, the potential for metamorphism is greatest in the roots of mountain ranges where there is a strong likelihood for burial of relatively young sedimentary rock to great depths.
Where does Metasomatism occur?
Metasomatism takes place in some rocks adjacent to igneous intrusions (see Contact (thermal) metamorphism; Skarn). It may also affect extensive areas (regional metasomatism), with the introduction of fluids possibly related to partial fusion at depth.
When does cataclastic metamorphism occur in a fault zone?
Cataclastic Metamorphism – Cataclastic metamorphism occurs as a result of mechanical deformation, like when two bodies of rock slide past one another along a fault zone. It is not very common and is restricted to a narrow zone along which the shearing occurred.
Where does metamorphism occur in the rock crust?
Thus, regionally metamorphosed rocks occur in the cores of fold/thrust mountain belts or in eroded mountain ranges. Compressive stresses result in folding of rock and thickening of the crust, which tends to push rocks to deeper levels where they are subjected to higher temperatures and pressures.
How is metamorphism a result of mechanical deformation?
Metamorphism. Occurs as a result of mechanical deformation, like when two bodies of rock slide past one another along a fault zone. ➢Heat is generated by the friction of sliding along such a shear zone, and the rocks tend to be mechanically deformed, being crushed and pulverized, due to the shearing.
Which is a characteristic of a dynamic metamorphism zone?
Dynamic metamorphism is associated with zones of high to moderate strain such as fault zones. Cataclasis, crushing and grinding of rocks into angular fragments, occurs in dynamic metamorphic zones, giving cataclastic texture.