What term describes the transformation of a rock into metamorphic rock due to chemical processes or changes in temperature and pressure?

What term describes the transformation of a rock into metamorphic rock due to chemical processes or changes in temperature and pressure?

• A. Metamorphism
• B. Erosion
• C. Sedimentation
• D. Weathering

Answer: (A)

Metamorphism is the process by which existing rocks are transformed into metamorphic rocks through heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids while staying in the solid state. These conditions drive minerals to recrystallize or new minerals to form, changing texture and mineral composition without melting. That's why rocks like shale can become slate, limestone can become marble, and sandstone can become quartzite under enough temperature, pressure, or fluid activity. This contrasts with weathering (breaking down at the surface), erosion (movement of those fragments), and sedimentation (deposition to form sedimentary rocks).

Metamorphism is the process by which existing rocks are transformed into metamorphic rocks through heat, pressure, and chemically active fluids while staying in the solid state. These conditions drive minerals to recrystallize or new minerals to form, changing texture and mineral composition without melting. That's why rocks like shale can become slate, limestone can become marble, and sandstone can become quartzite under enough temperature, pressure, or fluid activity. This contrasts with weathering (breaking down at the surface), erosion (movement of those fragments), and sedimentation (deposition to form sedimentary rocks).