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Metamorphic rocks develop when existing rocks undergo metamorphism, which converts them into new types of rocks.
- Metamorphic rocks are composed of a material known as protolith.
- Because of changes in the physical and chemical environments of the rock during metamorphism, the mineral composition and texture of the protolith change.
- Metamorphic rocks cover approximately 12% of the earth's land surface.
- They are classified based on their protolith, chemical makeup, mineral makeup, and texture.
There are two types of metamorphic rocks
Very Short Answers Questions [1 Mark Questions]
Ques. What is the grain size of slate rock?
- Coarse
- Fine
- Medium
- Very coarse
Ans. The correct answer is b. Fine
Explanation: Slate is a fine-grained metamorphic rock with a slaty cleavage that allows it to be easily divided into thin sheets with parallel smooth surfaces.
Ques. High-grade schist is formed under what conditions?
- Regional metamorphism
- Chain metamorphism
- Local metamorphism
- Displacement metamorphism
Ans. The correct answer is a. Regional metamorphism
Explanation: Regional metamorphism and atoms rich in minerals that are stable at high temperatures, such as garnet, combine to generate high-grade schists.
Ques. Slate originated from which rock?
- Granite
- Basalt
- Shale
- Sandstone
Ans. The correct answer is c. Shale
Explanation: Slate is formed by low-grade regional metamorphism of argillaceous rocks such as clays and shales.
Ques. A similar type of rock to quartzite which is sedimentary is
- Holo-quartzite
- Compound quartzite
- Orthoquartzite
- Accu-quartzite
Ans. The correct answer is c. Orthoquartzite
Explanation: Orthoquartzite refers to a sedimentary rock with a similar composition but a different origin, in which quartz grains are bonded together by siliceous cement.
Ques. _____ is the highest rank of coal.
- Anthracite
- Slate
- Marble
- Skarn
Ans. The correct answer is a. Anthracite
Explanation: Anthracite, commonly known as hard coal and black coal, is the highest coal rank.
Ques. Existing rock is transformed into new rock through the process of
- Hybridization
- Metamorphism
- Polymorphism
- Rock building
Ans. The correct answer is b. Metamorphism
Explanation: When an existing rock undergoes metamorphism, it is converted into a new rock with a change in mineral content or texture.
Ques. Hornfels are _____ rocks.
- Foliated metamorphic
- Non-foliated metamorphic
Ans. The correct answer is b. Non-foliated metamorphic
Explanation: Hornfels is a non-foliated metamorphic rock formed during the contact metamorphism of fine-grained rocks such as mudstone or volcanic rock.
Short Answers Questions [2 Marks Questions]
Ques. Define metamorphic rock.
Ans. Metamorphic rocks form as a result of the metamorphism of existing rocks into new forms of rocks. The original rock is exposed to temperatures of 150 to 200 °C and, in certain cases, pressures of 100 megapascals or more, resulting in severe physical or chemical changes.
Ques. What are non-foliated metamorphic rocks?
Ans. Nonfoliated metamorphic rocks occur around igneous intrusions where temperatures are high but pressures are low and equal in all directions (confining pressure). The original minerals within the rock recrystallize into bigger sizes, and the atoms become more closely packed together, increasing the rock's density.
Ques. How are metamorphic rocks formed?
Ans. When rocks are subjected to high heat, high pressure, hot mineral-rich fluids, or, usually, any combination of these factors, metamorphic rocks form.
Ques. What are the three examples of foliated metamorphic rock?
Ans. The following are the three examples of foliated metamorphic rock
- Slate
- Schist, and
- Gneiss.
Ques. How are igneous rocks formed?
Ans. When heated, molten rock crystallizes and hardens, it forms igneous rocks. Melt originates deep inside the Earth along active plate borders or hot areas and rises to the surface.
Also Read:
Long Answers Questions [3 Marks Questions]
Ques. What are the different types of metamorphic rocks?
Ans. Metamorphic rocks can be classified into two main types: foliated and nonfoliated.
- Foliated metamorphic rocks: These rocks appear to be layered or banded. The strata are formed by mineral grain alignment during metamorphism. Slate, phyllite, schist, and gneiss are examples of foliated metamorphic rocks.
- Nonfoliated metamorphic rocks: These rocks do not appear to be layered or banded. Marble, quartzite, and hornfels are examples of nonfoliated metamorphic rocks.
Ques. What are the environmental impacts of metamorphic rock mining?
Ans. Metamorphic rock mining can have many environmental impacts, including:
- Air pollution: Dust and other airborne pollutants can be produced during metamorphic rock mining. People who live near mining activities may have respiratory and other health issues as a result of these pollutants.
- Water pollution: Pollution of water can also result from metamorphic rock mining. This kind of pollution can arise when mining runoff connects rivers and streams.
- Land degradation: Metamorphic rock mining can also lead to land degradation. This is because mining operations can destroy the natural landscape and leave behind large pits and piles of waste rock.
Ques. Where do most metamorphic rocks form?
Ans. The majority of metamorphic rocks develop near plate borders where mountain ranges form.
- This is because the high temperatures and pressures produced by tectonic plate collisions are perfect for metamorphism.
- Metamorphic rocks can also develop where divergent plate boundaries generate new crust.
- The metamorphism that happens at divergent plate borders, on the other hand, is often less intense than that which occurs at convergent plate boundaries.
Very Long Answers Questions [5 Marks Questions]
Ques. What is the difference between Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks?
Ans. The following are the differences between Igneous and Metamorphic Rocks
| Igneous Rocks | Metamorphic Rocks |
|---|---|
| It is the oldest type of rock on the earth. | These are formed due to metamorphism from existing igneous or sedimentary rocks. |
| Igneous rocks are usually crystalline and are classified into two types: intrusive and extrusive. | Contact metamorphism and regional metamorphism are the two types of metamorphism. |
| The size of the particles in intense igneous rocks is determined by cooling and solidification. | Lineation refers to the arrangement of minerals in granules. |
| The occurrence of igneous rocks is nearly 95% of the total rocks. | Metamorphic rocks are found in small percentages. |
| The nature of igneous rocks is hard and impermeable. | They are also hard, but formed as a result of changes in igneous and sedimentary rocks, for example. Limestone becomes marble, sandstone becomes quartzite, and coal becomes graphite. |
Ques. What are the characteristics of metamorphic rocks?
Ans. The following are the characteristics of metamorphic rocks
- Heat: When temperatures rise beyond 200° Celsius, rocks undergo chemical changes. At this temperature, the crystalline structure of minerals found in rocks is broken down and changed using various combinations, resulting in the formation of new minerals. As rocks are heated to a certain temperature, they become magma, and as the magma cools, new igneous rocks form.
- Temperature: The texture of the rock can also be changed due to mechanical deformation and short-term temperature fluctuations, which is known as dynamic metamorphism. Dynamic metamorphism, also known as cataclasis, occurs when rocks undergo significant contact with high-temperature fluids; this is known as hydrothermal metamorphism.
- Pressure: Under the surface of the earth, rocks are buried. They are under pressure due to the weight of the materials above them. Under severe pressure, rocks become polymers, and the most visible effect of pressure on rocks is mineral crystal reorientation.
- Chemical action of fluids: Water and carbon dioxide are commonly found in trace concentrations in the pore spaces of rocks. When they combine chemically with dissolving ions to form fluid, it enhances metamorphism.
- Directed stress: Directed stress is also known as differential stress or tectonic stress. The movement of lithospheric plates causes directed stresses. It is the result of an unequal balance of forces acting on a rock in one or more directions.
Ques. What are the different examples of metamorphic rocks?
Ans. The following are examples of metamorphic rocks
- Hornfels: It is a fine-grained metamorphic rock produced by the impact of heat on clay rocks that is non-foliated.
- Amphibolite: It is also a non-foliated metamorphic rock that is typically made of very little quartz. It is created by applying direct pressure and a high viscosity. This is known as the recrystallization process.
- Gneiss: It is a foliated metamorphic rock with granular mineral grains. It has a banded look similar to granite and is rich in feldspar minerals, quartz, and mica.
- Novaculite: It is a hard, fine-grained, dense, and siliceous non-foliated metamorphic rock. It originates in maritime habitats where organisms such as diatoms (single-celled algae) grow.
- Marble: It is a non-foliated metamorphic rock formed by dolostone or limestone metamorphism. Marble is mostly made of calcium carbonate and is used in the construction of structures.
- Phyllite: It's a foliated metamorphic rock composed of very fine-grained mica. It has a usually glossy surface.
- Lapis Lazuli: Because of its blue color, it is regarded as one of the rarest metamorphic rocks. It is mostly used for ornamentation and the production of beads.
- Quartzite: It is a firm, non-foliated metamorphic rock made mostly of interlocking quartz crystals. It is formed as a result of sandstone metamorphism.
- Salte: It is a foliated metamorphic rock that is low-grade and fine-grained. It is easily divided into small slices.
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