There are 3 main agents that cause metamorphism. Factors that cause an increase in Temperature, Pressure, and Chemical changes are the three agents that we are going to study. Temperature increases can be caused by layers of sediments being buried deeper and deeper under the surface of the Earth.

Equally as significant are changes in chemical environment that result in two metamorphic processes: (1) mechanical dislocation where a rock is deformed, especially as a consequence of differential stress; and (2) chemical recrystallization where a mineral assemblage becomes out of equilibrium due to temperature and …

Heat as a Metamorphic Agent – The most important agent of metamorphism is heat because it provides the energy to drive the chemical changes that result in the recrystallization of minerals.

What two features characterize most metamorphic rocks? or alternating light and dark mineral bands) are characteristic of most metamorphic rocks. What phenomena can cause metamorphism? convection, deep burial, and water-rock interactions all lead to metamorphism.

Scientists use the term magma for molten rock that is underground and lava for molten rock that breaks through the Earth’s surface.

Intrustive rock originates beneath the surface while extrusive rocks originates at the surface. How does the rate of cooling influence crystal size? Slower cooling results in fewer, larger crystals, while more rapid cooling results in a solid mass of small interwoven crystals.

Temperature and pressure are the primary agents that drive metamorphism.

Regional metamorphism occurs when rocks are buried deep in the crust. This is commonly associated with convergent plate boundaries and the formation of mountain ranges. Because burial to 10 km to 20 km is required, the areas affected tend to be large.