What happens to metamorphic rock when it is subjected to high temperatures and pressure?

What happens to metamorphic rock when it is subjected to high temperatures and pressure?

• A. It melts into magma
• B. It transforms into igneous rock
• C. It changes its composition or texture
• D. It becomes sedimentary rock

Answer: (C)

When metamorphic rock is subjected to high temperatures and pressure, it undergoes significant changes in its composition or texture. This process, known as metamorphism, alters the minerals within the rock, resulting in new mineral formations and different textures. As the existing minerals get reconfigured, new structures can develop—such as foliation or banding—giving rise to a rock that can appear quite different from its parent rock. The key aspect of metamorphism is that the rock remains solid; it does not melt into magma, which is a characteristic of igneous processes where rocks are subjected to enough heat to become molten. The transformation occurring in metamorphic rock means it cannot simply change into sedimentary rock, which arises from the compaction and cementation of sediments rather than by direct changes under heat and pressure. Additionally, while metamorphic rocks can eventually become igneous through melting, this is not a direct effect of heat and pressure alone, which primarily lead to changes in texture and composition.

When metamorphic rock is subjected to high temperatures and pressure, it undergoes significant changes in its composition or texture. This process, known as metamorphism, alters the minerals within the rock, resulting in new mineral formations and different textures. As the existing minerals get reconfigured, new structures can develop—such as foliation or banding—giving rise to a rock that can appear quite different from its parent rock.

The key aspect of metamorphism is that the rock remains solid; it does not melt into magma, which is a characteristic of igneous processes where rocks are subjected to enough heat to become molten. The transformation occurring in metamorphic rock means it cannot simply change into sedimentary rock, which arises from the compaction and cementation of sediments rather than by direct changes under heat and pressure. Additionally, while metamorphic rocks can eventually become igneous through melting, this is not a direct effect of heat and pressure alone, which primarily lead to changes in texture and composition.