Full View

Contents of 6.2 What is the role of temperature in metamorphism?

6.2 What is the role of temperature in metamorphism?

• Temperature increases along a geothermal gradient as rocks move deeper into Earth's crust (via burial or tectonic action) or are adjacent to igneous intrusions.
• Increasing temperature is an expression of the transfer of heat that drives chemical reaction during metamorphism such as dehydration and degassing.
• Minerals are stable within a defined range of temperature and pressure, outside of which they break down and form new minerals.