Author Question: Describe how contact metamorphism occurs. What are the important factors that cause rocks to alter ... (Read 27 times)

neverstopbelieb · **on:** Jul 15, 2018

Describe how contact metamorphism occurs. What are the important factors that cause rocks to alter in
this type of metamorphism? What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Is it always possible to identify the parent rock when looking at a metamorphic rock? Why or why
not? What will be an ideal response?

pallen55 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 15, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Heat from a body of magma raises the temperature of the surrounding country rock, causing thermal
alteration. Hot fluids released by the magma into the country rock help to form new minerals. The
important factors with the intrusion are its size and initial temperature, its fluid content, and the fluid
content of the country rock

Answer to Question 2

In some cases the original rock can be recognized because the changes are minor. Often the changes
are so great that the original rock cannot be determined, since new minerals and/or a new texture may
appear.