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Rock Cycle
The succession of events that results in the transformation of Earth materials from one rock type to another.
Forming Igneous Rock
Requires heating and melting of rock components.
Forming Sedimentary Rocks
Requires erosion, transportation, and deposition of rock materials.
Forming Metamorphic Rocks
Requires burial and/or heating of pre-existing rocks.
Geochemical Cycles
Involve primarily physical components of the Earth System.
Biogeochemical Cycles
Involve both physical and living components of the Earth System.
Metamorphic Rock
Forms when a pre-existing rock (protolith) undergoes a solid-state change in response to the modification of its environment.
Protolith
The original rock that has undergone metamorphism.
Metamorphism
The process by which one kind of rock forms into a different type of rock.
Foliated Metamorphic Rocks
Rocks with parallel surfaces or layers that can occur due to preferred mineral orientation or layering.
Nonfoliated Metamorphic Rocks
Rocks that do not exhibit foliation and have minerals that recrystallized or grew during metamorphism.
Metamorphic Grade
Represents the intensity of metamorphism based on the amount or degree of metamorphic change.
Metamorphic Zone
The region between two metamorphic isograds, typically named after an index mineral found within the region.
Thermal Metamorphism
Occurs due to high temperatures without pressure changes, altering rock mineralogy.
Contact Metamorphism
Results from rocks coming into contact with magma, leading to changes in mineralogy and texture.
