Definition of Metamorphism

The word "Metamorphism" comes from the Greek: Meta = change, Morph = form, so
Metamorphism means to change form. In geology metamorphism is the process of
mineralogical and structural changes of rocks in their solid state in response to physical and
chemical conditions, which differ from the conditions prevailing during the formation of the
rocks.

• Note that Diagenesis is also a change in form that occurs in sedimentary rocks. In
geology, however, we restrict diagenetic processes to those which occur at temperatures
below 150oC and pressures below about 300 MPa (MPa stands for Mega Pascals), this is
equivalent to about 3,000 atmospheric pressure.
• Metamorphism, therefore occurs at temperatures and pressures higher than 150oC and
300 MPa. Rocks can be subjected to these higher temperatures and pressures as they
become buried deeper in the Earth. Such burial usually takes place as a result of tectonic
processes such as continental collisions or subduction.
All the metamorphic reaction field has its upper boundary marked by magmatic
activity and the lower boundary marked by sedimentary activity.

Diagenesis

Metamorphism Melting
Pressure

1500C 6500C

All changes that take place in a rock can’t be considered as metamorphism.

Metamorphism must take place within the temperature range of 1500C-6500C. In
other words, the rocks of weathering, diagenesis and metamorphism are more or less
continous and the difference be only of degree. All the diagenetic process and
weathering takes place below 1500C where as igneous activity takes place above
6500C.
The metamorphic rocks are due to the change in temperature and
pressure.Temperature takes an important role in the transformation of parental
igneous rock or sedimentary rock into a metamorphic rock.
 Factors Controlling Metamorphism

The factors of metamorphism include temperature,pressure, chemically active fluids

and time.

1. Temperature or Heat

Temperature increases with depth and rate of increase of temperature with depth is
called geothermal gradient. The average geothermal gradient is 250C/Km. Other
sources for temperature are:- Contact of igneous intrusion and Radioactive
disintegration of U,Th etc.
If the temperature increases the structure of minerals expand and ions are
separated from one another, streching and weakening of bonds takes place.
Heat breaks some of the bonds but not enough to cause melting, by these free
ions to migrate through the rock to form the seats of metamorphic minerals.
Most ions probably move along the boundaries between grains by fluid if
present. The crystal defects, mineral cleavages are the channel ways for the
ions.

2. Pressure

The effect of pressure can be very clearly observed in the metamorphic reactions.
Pressure compresses the rocks and minerals and forces their ions closer together.
Two different type of pressure are involved in metamorphism. Each type causes
a different kind of change in rock.

Lithostatic pressure/ Confining pressure

The effective pressure during metamorphism is mainly due to the load of
overlying material. This load pressure or pressure gradient increases with
depth, at a rate of 250-300 bar/km depending on the density of rocks. The load
pressure at great depth is hydrostatic in character ie. The pressure is equal in
all direction. This pressure acts on both liquids and solids; It leads to decrease
in volume and an increase in the specific gravity of the rocks. There for
pressure leads to develop denser and anhydrous minerals during high grade
metamorphism.

Directed Pressure/Shearing Stress

The directed pressure or stress is due to the tectonic forces. The directed
pressure acts in one particular direction than in other and it is one of the most
 important factor influencing the fabric of metamorphic rock The effect range
from distortion and rotation of minerals and mechanical fractures to complex
minor folds.
Stress is an important factor in promoting re-crystallization.

Rounded grains can become flattened in the direction of maximum stress

3. Chemically Active Fluids

Most metamorphic mineral assemblage indicates the presence of a fluid phase

during metamorphism. The major fluid phases in metamorphic reaction are either
H2O/CO2 or a mixture of both. This fluid phase facilitate transfer of material in
metamorphic reaction. The composition of fluids is controlled either by local
reactions or by external reaction. In the first case the fluid is generated by
reactions taking place in the rocks and no fluid is introduced from external source.
In the second case, fluid is introduced from an external source. If the protolith
(original rock) are mainly silicate rocks,the major fluid involved is water. The
reaction that takes up H2O to form hydrated minerals is known as hydrolysis/
hydration reaction, and if water liberates during transformation is said to be
dehydration reaction. In carbonates rock, the main fluid involved is carbon
dioxide.

4. Time

The chemical reactions involved in metamorphism, along with recrystallization, and growth
of new minerals are extremely slow processes. Laboratory experiments suggest that the
longer the time available for metamorphism, the larger are the sizes of the mineral grains
produced. Thus, coarse grained metamorphic rocks involve long times of metamorphism.
Experiments suggest that the time involved is millions of years.