Metamorphism and Continental Drift Theory Overview

Metasomatism

Change in mineral composition by hydrothermal fluids.

Diagenesis

Process of sediment turning into rock.

Mid-Ocean Ridge

Underwater mountain range formed by tectonic activity.

Stress

Force per unit area applied to rocks.

Regional Metamorphism

Occurs under high temperature and pressure conditions.

Alignment of Minerals

Minerals align perpendicular to applied force.

Convergent Boundary

Tectonic plates collide, causing geological features.

Contact Metamorphism

Metamorphism caused by heat from nearby magma.

Granoblastic Rocks

Metamorphic rocks with interlocking crystals.

Tensional Stress

Stress that pulls rocks apart.

Shock Metamorphism

Metamorphism due to high shock pressure.

Compressional Stress

Stress that squeezes rocks together.

High-Pressure Metamorphism

Occurs under high pressure and low temperature.

Shear Stress

Stress causing rocks to slide past each other.

Burial Metamorphism

Metamorphism due to low temperature and pressure.

Normal Faults

Faults formed by compressive stress, hanging wall drops.

Reverse Faults

Hanging wall moves up due to compressive stress.

Strike-Slip Faults

Faults where walls move sideways.

Anticline

Fold that arches upward, oldest rocks at center.

Syncline

Fold that bends downward, youngest rocks at center.

Continental Drift Theory

Theory proposing continents were once a single landmass.

Seafloor Spreading

Process of oceanic crust formation at mid-ocean ridges.

Geomagnetic Reversals

Patterns of magnetic polarity changes in seafloor rocks.