Which type of metamorphism produces more types of rocks?

Question

Contact or regional metamorphism?

Answer 1

Wow, I'm impressed. You read my previous answer.

This is a tough one to answer, but sheer logic would say regional metamorphism, mainly because of the size of the areas involved. Contact metamorphism tends to be localized, and limited to relatively short distances away from the heat source. It also depends on the size of the heat source and the amount of deformational pressure applied.

Regional metamorphism can impact very large areas, and consequently, a wide variety of rocks. Regional metamorphism also tends to produce more deformed rocks as the "squishing" pressures are very high and over a large area.

Although some really weird things can occur next to a magmatic pipe (also called a dike) or sill (magma forced in between formations), logically, I would go for regional metamorphism.

You are making my brain hurt.

This is excellent. You seem to have a real interest in geology, I would urge you to take some beginner level geology classes at your local college or university. You will be surprised about what you will learn about the world around you.

If you can't grow it, it comes from the earth.

But why the fascination with metamomorphics?

Answer 2

Wow... hard to say. Each can produce a specific suite that is diverse, but perhaps contact metamorphism, because it can be very different depending on the type of magma intruding, amount of fluid, where regional is more standardized.

Subduction-related (blueschist) metamorphism is more diverse than both. It creates very strange lowT hiP rocks and minerals that can be formed no other way.

Answer 3

Tough question. I would think regional metamorphism would "produce" the most rocks. Metamorphism doesn't really produce rocks, it may be better to say that it transforms existing rocks.

Answer 4

THE BLACK ONES