What is a metamorphic rock, characteristics and how it is formed

Pre-existing rocks can be transformed into other rocks which are known as metamorphic, of which we now explain all the details, how they are, their characteristics and how they are formed.What is a metamorphic rock, characteristics and how it is formed A metamorphic rock is a rock that has undergone a transformation from its original structure. The term metamorphism therefore indicates the adaptation of the structure and composition of a rock to conditions different from those in which it was originally formed. The main causes of metamorphism are the change in temperature and pressure. For example, high temperatures allow rock to reconstitute and change its shape. Temperature and pressure can act together or separately. Based on this, the following types of metamorphisms can occur in rocks: regional metamorphism: in which both temperature and pressure act; contact metamorphism: mainly due to changes in temperature; cataclastic metamorphism: mainly due to pressure changes. Metamorphic rocks can also be divided into different types based on their degree of metamorphism. This means according to the intensity of the actions to which the rock has been subjected.In low degrees of metamorphism there is almost a sedimentary process, while in high degrees fusion occurs (magmatic process) .Types of metamorphism in rocks and examplesA From what has been explained we can see in more detail what are the different types of metamorphism that occur in rocks: Regional metamorphism Regional metamorphism occurs when rocks are taken to great depths with respect to their place of origin.The degree of regional metamorphism depends precisely on depth, since temperature and pressure increase with it. Rocks with the same initial composition and increasingly accentuated transformations form a metamorphic series among which we find as an example clays from which other rocks are formed.A rock of low regional metamorphism is, for example, shale, formed, following metamorphism, of parallel planes. Other examples are quartzites and magmatic rocks. Contact metamorphism This type of metamorphism occurs when a rock is hit by magmas that rise from deeper areas to the surface. This is why it is called “contacting.” This process often involves the recrystallization of existing minerals, which take on a new structure and size. This is due to the mobility that minerals acquire when the temperature rises. Marble is an example of this type of rock.Cataclastic MetamorphismThis third type of metamorphism occurs in rocks that are on the surface subjected to compressions due to the movements of the earth’s crust that push them against each other. The degree of metamorphism depends on the intensity of the pressure. Sometimes new larger minerals are formed and among the examples we can find mylonites.