Paper Summary:

This paper explains the process of metamorphosis in rocks and describes the change in the structure, texture, or even the composition of rocks over time that is caused by the process of heat, pressure shearing stress, chemically activity, or any combination. It includes several figures and tables that provide examples and comprehensive information about the processes.

From the Paper:

''In field of geology the process of metamorphosis, as the name indicates, implies change. This is a change in the structure, texture, or even the composition of rocks over time that is caused by the process of heat, pressure, shearing stress, chemically activity, or any combination. This is done over time while the rock remains essentially in the cohesive from. Initially all rocks are considered formed when their various components are stable within the surrounding physical environment. However, if these conditions are altered by the aforementioned activities in the earth's crust or by igneous action, metamorphism occurs as the result and the rock mass's equilibrium is restored with the new physical changes.
Metamorphic rocks form when sedimentary rocks are buried deeply enough to undergo chemical and physical changes, as in the formation of slate from mudstone. If the temperatures and pressures are high enough, the rock may melt to form liquid magma, which may be erupted at the surface to form volcanic igneous rocks (lava flows) or may cool and crystallise underground to give igneous intrusions (such as granite). (Cater 2002:5)
''There are three forms of crustal rocks: 1). Igneous, those that have cooled from a melt often from lava on the surface or magma beneath it. 2.) Sedimentary, those that have been compacted over time from sediments washed from other surfaces or precipitated from solution and then subjected to tremendous pressures. 3.) Metamorphic, those that have changed their crystalline composition or physical characteristics as a result of heat, pressure, and / or burial at great depths. ("Metamorphic Rocks" 2007).''

Sample of Sources Used:

• BEUS, STANLEY S. AND MICHAEL MORALES, eds. 2003. Grand Canyon Geology 2nd ed. New York: Oxford University Press.
• CATER, JOHN. 2002. The Key to the Future: The Study of Earth History. New York: Taylor & Francis.
• DEFANT, MARC J. 2002. "Eternity in the Rocks." World and I, March, p. 144.
• MATHEZ, EDMOND A., AND JAMES D. WEBSTER. 2004. The Earth Machine: The Science of a Dynamic Planet. New York: Columbia University Press.
• "METAMORPHIC PETROLOGY." 2009. Department of Geology. (2009) Utah State university. 18 March 2009 <http://www.usu.edu/geo/shervais/G4500_PDF/METAMORPHIC%20PETROLOGY.pdf>

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