metamorphism: Regional Metamorphism

Metamorphism on a grander scale, called regional metamorphism, accompanies mountain-building activity. These metamorphic rocks pervade regions that have been subjected to intense pressures and temperatures during the development of mountain chains along boundaries between crustal plates. Large scale, intense regional metamorphism is particularly great in the “roots” of these mountains, which were at considerable depths when the pressures forming the mountains were active. These kinds of metamorphic rocks are most commonly exposed in old mountain chains, like the Blue Ridge Mts., that have substantially eroded away over time, leaving only disturbed structure and regional metamorphic rocks.

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Regional Metamorphism
• Local Metamorphism
• Changes in Chemical Constituents
• Foliation
• Characteristics of Metamorphism

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