meta means metamorphism
2006-12-19 12:02:24 · 2 answers · asked by deadman 4 life 2 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Earth Sciences & Geology
The pressures in regional metamorphism are greater than those of contact metamorphism. This pressure drives away volatiles, such as water and other light compounds, thus increasing the density of the remaining rocks. Also, when other rocks are formed, they have deformities such as vacancies (holes in the crystalline structure), which are removed by metamorphic processes. These vacancies are less dense than the atoms that replace them.
2006-12-20 03:49:29 · answer #1 · answered by Amphibolite 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Contact metamorphism occurs in the superheated rock near a magma body, whereas regional metamorphism typically occurs near faults or areas of extreme differential pressure. It would seem that the regional metamorphosed rock doesn't have to be so compacted because it is heated to a higher temperature, wheras the regional metamorphosed rock is created by extreme pressures, thus increasing the density (mass per area).
2006-12-19 19:52:49 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋