CHAP 3.3 Metamorphic rocks.

Metamorphism transformation of pre-existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic rock). Granite Gneiss Shale Slate Slate Schist Undergoes change to reach equilibrium in new environment deform material must remain solid. Changes result formation of new minerals and/or change in texture.

CHAP 3.3 Agent of metamorphic rocks.

Heat: - rate of chemical reactions produce minerals different from original rock. - from intrusive magma / result of deep burial.

Pressure: - from weight of overlying rocks.

Fluid activity: - may contain ions in solution, rate of chemical reactions enhance metamorphism.

Confining stress

Differential stress

CHAP 3.3 Types of metamorphic rocks.

Contact metamorphism: magma alters the surrounding country rock - heat.

CHAP 3.3 Types of metamorphic rocks.

Dynamic metamorphism: associated with fault zones & mountain building pressure & heat.

Subducting sediments are metamorphosed by increase in pressure & temperature.

CHAP 3.3 Types of metamorphic rocks.

Regional metamorphism: associated with overburden stress heat & pressure.

Earth surface

Overburden pressure P = rgh.

Parent rock

CHAP 3.3 Grade metamorphism.

Gradation of metamorphic: / pressure or temperature recognize by minerals. High grade metamorphic (heat) - changes in texture & new mineral. Certain minerals are form with specific temperature & pressure index minerals (low / intermediate / high grade metamorphic zone). Different rock composition develop different index minerals. E.g shale (clay-rich rock).

CHAP 3.3 Texture.

Foliated texture: - minerals arranged in parallel fashion. - rock subjected to heat & differential pressure. - size & shape mineral grains fine / coarse foliation. - schistosity : Type of foliation with scaly appearance, under extreme-pressure regimes gives very fine mica crystal rock name schist. - e.g.: slate, phyllite,schist,gneiss.

Foliated metamorphic rocks

Rock cleavage in schist

CHAP 3.3 Texture.

Nonfoliated texture: - minerals do not show a discernible preferred orientation. - under microscopic: reveal some flattening & parallelism of grains. - result of recrystallization. - mosaic of roughly equidimensional minerals. - existing minerals & available ions in water will recombine to form minerals that stable in new environment.

Nonfoliated metamorphic rocks

CHAP 3 Engineering properties.

Compression & shear strength differ orientation. Critical for slope stabilization & reservoir **permeability in cleavage.

CHAP 3.4 - Rock Cycle

Rock cycle provides way of viewing the interrelationship between earths external (weathering, transportation, deposition) & internal (magma generation, melting)process. 3 major groups of rock; characterized by mode of formation, i.e: - Igneous. - Metamorphic. - Sedimentary.

Figure 6: Hand specimen of rocks