Metamorphic Rocks + Plate Tectonics Vocabulary Study Guide

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What is Regional Metamorphism?

Back

A type of metamorphism in which the mineralogy and texture of rocks are changed over a wide area by deep burial and heating associated with the large-scale forces of plate tectonics.

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What is Pangaea?

Back

A supercontinent that existed approximately 200 million years ago, encompassing all of Earth's current landmasses, which then broke apart to form the continents we know today.

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What is Contact Metamorphism?

Back

Metamorphism produced by the intrusion of magma.

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What is a Syncline?

Back

A fold with younger layers closer to the center of the structure.

Front

What is the Outer Core?

Back

A liquid layer of primarily iron and nickel, located between the solid inner core and the mantle, responsible for generating Earth's magnetic field.

Front

What is Plate Tectonics?

Back

The theory explaining the movement of the Earth's plates and the processes that occur at their boundaries.

Front

What is a Foliated Metamorphic Rock?

Back

A type of metamorphic rock that has a layered or banded appearance due to the alignment of mineral grains.

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What is a Non-Foliated Metamorphic Rock?

Back

A type of metamorphic rock that does not have a layered or banded appearance.

Front

What is an Anticline?

Back

A fold with older layers closer to the center of the structure.

Front

What is Rock Deformation?

Back

The process by which rocks change shape or volume due to stress.