Hobbies And Interests
Formation of Metamorphic Rocks
Metamorphic rock is typically classified as regional or thermal. Regional rocks form due to the pressure exerted on them. For example, three miles into the earth, mud receives low pressure and can turn into shale. More pressure can transform shale into slate or mica. Thermal metamorphic rock is formed by pressure and intense heat. Molten rock pushed up into Earth's crust by an incredible amount of pressure brings intense heat with it that causes the rock surrounding it to recrystallize and form new rock. Marble is an example of thermal metamorphic rock.
Metamorphic Rock Porosity
Volcanic rock is lighter than granite because it's more porous. Do an experiment that investigates the porosity of different types of metamorphic rock. Pour 100 milliliters of water into a measuring cup. Place samples of metamorphic rock particles such as slate, marble, and mica into clear plastic cups. Fill the first sample with water from the measuring cup. To determine the amount of empty space in the rock samples, subtract the amount of water remaining in the measuring cup from 100 milliliters. For example, if you have 50 milliliters left in the measuring cup, subtract 50 from 100. This gives you a volume of 50 milliliters of space between the particles in your cup. Repeat this procedure for each sample. Is there a relationship between the size of the particles and the pore space? Vary this experiment by comparing the porosity of metamorphic rock to igneous or sedimentary rock.
Morphing Rocks Science Project
Metamorphic rock formation is slow and occurs deep in the earth where it cannot be seen. Demonstrate what happens when metamorphic rock forms by cutting a chocolate bar with a lot of ingredients such as caramel, peanut and cookie, in half. Sketch the cut side of the chocolate bar. Differentiate the layers by coloring them. Place half of the bar between two pieces of wax paper and set it on a block of wood. Place another block of wood on top of that. Press on the wood to flatten the chocolate bar. Remove the bar and sketch the cut side again. This science project demonstrates that when rock is under intense pressure, it changes in appearance. You can't see definable layers, but the ingredients that form the rock are still there in a different form.
Foliation in Metamorphised Rock
Foliation occurs when the flat minerals in metamorphic rocks become lined at a right angle to the direction of the pressure they are exposed to. To demonstrate foliation, add mica flakes to a piece of modeling clay. Knead the clay until the flakes are distributed throughout and then roll it into a ball. Break the ball in two. Notice that the flakes are oriented in several directions. This is how the minerals would appear in unmetamorphised rock. Flatten one piece of clay with your hand to simulate the pressure placed when forming metamorphic rock. Break the flattened piece of clay in half and examine the flakes. You'll notice that they are oriented differently. This imitation rock experiment shows how the minerals within metamorphic rocks rearrange under pressure to make a new rock.