In this book, readers will learn how intense heat and pressure changes rock so completely it becomes metamorphic rock. Vibrant, full-color photos and carefully leveled text will engage readers as they learn more about the new rocks that are created and where on Earth they are found.

The Field Description of Metamorphic Rocks The Field Description of Metamorphic Rocks, Second Edition This pocket-sized field guide describes how metamorphic rocks and rock masses may be observed, recorded and mapped in the field. Written at a level suitable for Earth Science undergraduate students, this book is an essential tool for any geologist — student, professional or amateur — faced with the task of making a general description of an area of metamorphic rocks. A clear, systematic framework, together with numerous colour diagrams, illustrations and checklists, enables readers with different backgrounds to produce useful descriptions, despite possible differences of background or specialist interest. Additional information is also provided to aid those who are undertaking field mapping courses or must compile field evidence into reports on the metamorphic evolution of a region. This book: Shows the reader how to observe metamorphic rocks in the field, from the outcrop to the hand specimen scale Is fully revised and updated to incorporate new developments in the field Offers a user-friendly and accessible writing style including a revised format with tabbed sections for easy navigation Covers key topics including classification and mapping of metamorphic rocks, understanding key textures and fabrics, and details on contacts and fault zones

Metamorphic rocks are one of the three classes of rocks. Seen on a global scale they constitute the dominant material of the Earth. The understanding of the petrogenesis and significance of metamorphic of geological education. rocks is, therefore, a fundamental topic There are, of course, many different possible ways to lecture on this theme. This book addresses rock metamorphism from a relatively pragmatic view point. It has been written for the senior undergrad uate or graduate student who needs practical knowledge of how to interpret various groups of minerals found in metamorphic rocks. The book is also of interest for the non-specialist and non-petrolo gist professional who is interested in learning more about the geolo gical messages that metamorphic mineral assemblages are sending, as well as pressure and temperature conditions of formation. The book is organized into two parts. The first part introduces the different types of metamorphism, defines some names, terms and graphs used to describe metamorphic rocks, and discusses principal aspects of metamorphic processes. Part I introduces the causes of metamorphism on various scales in time and space, and some principles of chemical reactions in rocks that accompany metamorphism, but without treating these principles in detail, and presenting the thermodynamic basis for quantitative analysis of reactions and their equilibria in metamorphism. Part I also presents concepts of metamorphic grade or intensity of metamorphism, such as the metamorphic-facies concept.

Heat, pressure and stress can also change some igneous or sedimentary rocks into other kinds of rocks. This fact-filled book describes the process that turns limestone into marble, shale into slate, and granite into gneiss. Metamorphic rocks are often used as materials for floors, roofs, and counter tops because of their beauty.

This book is an illustrative introduction to metamorphic rocks as seen in the field, designed for advanced high school to graduate-level earth science and geology students to jump-start their observational skills. In addition to photographs of rocks in the field, there are numerous line diagrams and examples of metamorphic features shown in thin section. The thin section photos are all at a scale and in a context that can be related to views seen in the field through a hand lens. This book will serve as a pictorial atlas of metamorphic rocks, processes, and features. Suitable for a broad range of education, background, and interests.