Introducing Metamorphism

About this book

Metamorphic rocks are the third great type of rock found in the lithosphere. Originally of other types, these rocks have been changed mainly by heat and pressure into new forms. This introductory guide explains metamorphic processes and the resulting rocks.

Metamorphic rocks are one of the three main types of rock. Originally comprising either igneous or sedimentary rocks, metamorphic rocks are the products of change by heat and pressure, often at great depths in the Earth's crust, into a completely new form. One of the classic examples of the result of a metamorphic process is the transformation of sedimentary mudstone into slate.

Introducing Metamorphism provides a succinct introduction to metamorphism. Ian Sanders explains how and why rocks change during metamorphic processes. He discusses the role of water in metamorphism and describes the different types of metamorphic processes, including contact, shock and high-pressure metamorphism and metamorphism in an orogenic belt.

Copiously illustrated and written for those who wish to gain a clear understanding of metamorphic processes, Introducing Metamorphism is designed to make the processes that led to the formation of these rocks intelligible to its readers. Technical terms are kept to a minimum and are explained in a glossary.

Contents

Preface
Acknowledgements

1 Introduction:
    1.1 What is metamorphism?
    1.2 Metamorphic rocks – made under mountains
    1.3 Metamorphism in local settings
2 The petrography of metamorphic rocks
    2.1 Quartzite and metapsammite
    2.2 Metapelite
    2.3 Marble
    2.4 Metabasite
    2.5 Metagranite
    2.6 Metaperidotite
    2.7 Summary of metamorphic minerals and protoliths
3 Interpreting mineral changes and textures
    3.1 Mineral stability, fluids, and partial melting
    3.2 Understanding metamorphic textures
4 Aureoles, orogenies and impacts
    4.1 Contact metamorphism
    4.2 Metamorphism in orogenic belts and subduction zones
    4.3 Shock metamorphism
5 Case studies in geothermobarometry
    5.1 Granulite-facies rocks at Slishwood
    5.2 Eclogite-facies rocks at Glenelg

Appendix 1 The Earth’s interior
Appendix 2 The chemical formulae of minerals
Appendix 3 Minerals under the microscope
Appendix 4 Microbeam and X-ray methods
Appendix 5 The principles of isotopic dating (geochronology)

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