Lecture 7

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6.4 What is the role of fluid in metamorphism?

• The origin of fluids
• part of original (parent) rock
• Introduced into the metamorphic environment
• Pore spaces, fractures, mineral grain boundaries
• Igneous intrusions
• Brings water, reactive ions, and heat
• Many economic sulfide minerals associated with these reactions
• Fluid changes the composition of rocks
• The ability of water to transport chemical components in and out of the metamorphic zone means that metamorphic rocks made in the presence of abundant fluids produces a rock very different from the parent rock