How it is possible that a collision between continental plates could result in the formation of metamorphic rock?

How it is possible that a collision between continental plates could result in the formation of metamorphic rock?

When continents collide the sediments at their boundaries undergo either low or intermediate grade metamorphism forming greenschists or amphibolites. When crustal rocks are subducted at a convergent plate boundary, the rocks undergo very rapid changes in pressure with only moderate temperature changes.

Can metamorphic rocks form by plate collisions?

Metamorphic rocks result from the forces active during plate tectonic processes. The collision of plates, subduction, and the sliding of plates along transform faults create differential stress, friction, shearing, compressive stress, folding, faulting, and increased heat flow.

How do plate tectonics create metamorphic rocks?

What factors lead to the formation of a metamorphic rock?

Metamorphic rocks form when rocks are subjected to high heat, high pressure, hot mineral-rich fluids or, more commonly, some combination of these factors. Conditions like these are found deep within the Earth or where tectonic plates meet.

How does regional metamorphism happen?

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. Most regional metamorphism takes place within continental crust.

What type of rock is likely to form when continental plates collide?

Igneous rocks also form where plates converge. The subducting plate melts as it sinks into the crust of the Earth, and the melt rises into the overriding plate forming volcanoes. Metamorphic rocks are formed mainly in the lithosphere, wherever there is high pressure and high temperature.

How does plate tectonics affect the rock cycle?

The heat from the mantle that fuels plate tectonics causes both igneous and sedimentary rocks to be turned into metamorphic rocks. The metamorphic rocks can be eroded into sedimentary rocks are remelted back into igneous. So the movement of metamorphic rocks in the rock cycle is also driven by plate tectonics.

In what plate tectonic setting does regional metamorphism usually take place?

Convergent plate boundaries
Regional metamorphism. In what plate tectonic setting does regional metamorphism usually take place? Convergent plate boundaries.

How can uplift of metamorphic rocks during mountain building lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks?

Sedimentary. Why does uplifting metamorphic rocks during mountain building lead to the formation of sedimentary rocks? Because the rocks become exposed to the elements and erode.

How can metamorphic rocks contain fossils?

Sorry – no fossils here! Metamorphic rocks have been put under great pressure, heated, squashed or stretched, and fossils do not usually survive these extreme conditions. Generally it is only sedimentary rocks that contain fossils.

How does the collision of two continental plates cause metamorphism?

The collision of two continental plates or island arcs with continental plates produce the extreme compressional forces required for the metamorphic changes typical of regional metamorphism. These orogenic mountains are later eroded, exposing the intensely deformed rocks typical of their cores.

When do metamorphic changes occur in a rock?

Conditions producing widespread regionally metamorphosed rocks occur during an orogenic event. The collision of two continental plates or island arcs with continental plates produce the extreme compressional forces required for the metamorphic changes typical of regional metamorphism.

What happens when two tectonic plates collide?

When two continental tectonic plates collide, it causes the rocks in both plates to fold and eventually become piled up to form mountains.

When does foliation occur in a convergent plate boundary?

Foliation is usually developed during metamorphism by directed stresses; either in the compressional mode (perpendicular) or as shear (parallel). In order to understand the development of metamorphic foliation, let’s consider what would happen to a shale undergoing increasing temperature and pressure in a convergent plate boundary, for example.