Author Question: Ompare and contrast a high-energy environment to a low-energy environment. For each environment, ... (Read 175 times)

natalie2426 · **on:** Jul 14, 2018

ompare and contrast a high-energy environment to a low-energy environment. For each environment, cite an example of a common rock type and assess how it may form.

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Discuss the differences between contact and regional metamorphism.

What will be an ideal response?

Loise Hard · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 14, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: High-energy environments typically occur in fast-moving water, such as a rushing stream or river with high discharge. Common rock types in high-energy environments include breccia and conglomerate, where sediment is lithified. Low-energy environments form in organically rich sediments or areas where water is stagnant or barely moving, such as an ocean basin. Coal and black shale form from the compaction of organic debris and fine-grained muds, respectively.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: Contact metamorphism occurs when a rock is intruded by magma. The heat alters the form of the rock while remaining a solid, causing a metamorphic reaction. Regional metamorphism occurs during mountain building events when large quantities of rock are subjected to intense pressure and high temperatures.