Chapter 11: Problem 1

What changes do rocks undergo during formation of an orogenic belt?

Short Answer

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Rocks undergo several changes during the formation of an orogenic belt due to pressure, temperature, and fluid activity. These changes include metamorphism, where the rock's mineralogy and texture transform, folding and faulting that alter the original shape and position of rocks, increased volcanic activity contributing to the creation of igneous rocks, and finally, uplift and erosion that expose the metamorphic and igneous rocks formed during earlier stages.

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Introduction to Orogenic Belts

An orogenic belt forms due to convergent tectonic activity, when one tectonic plate is forced over another, causing the crust to fold and rise. The changes that rocks undergo during the formation of an orogenic belt are primarily due to pressure, temperature, and the activity of fluids. This process is often associated with mountain ranges, making them sites of intense geological activity.

Metamorphism

During the formation of an orogenic belt, rocks are subjected to enormous pressure and high temperatures. This leads to a process called metamorphism, where the rock's mineralogy and texture undergo significant changes. The extreme conditions can lead to the formation of new minerals and the reorientation of mineral grains, resulting in a denser, more compact rock. Examples of metamorphic rocks include marble, schist, and gneiss.

Folding and Faulting

As tectonic plates interact during the formation of an orogenic belt, the immense lateral compressive forces can cause rocks to deform. Two primary forms of deformation are folding and faulting. Folding refers to the bending and warping of rock layers while faulting is the fracturing of rocks and the displacement of rock layers along the fracture. This leads to a change in the original shape and position of the rocks.

Volcanic Activity

Orogenic belts often exhibit increased volcanic activity. As one plate is subducted beneath another, it experiences increasing pressure and temperature. These conditions can cause the lower plate to partially melt, producing magma. This magma can rise through the crust, forming volcanoes and contributing to the creation of igneous rocks.

Uplift and Erosion

The final stages of the formation of an orogenic belt involve uplift and erosion. Uplift refers to the process where rocks are forced upwards to create mountains, while erosion denotes the wearing away of rocks due to weathering processes and the action of wind, water, and ice. These processes expose the metamorphic and igneous rocks formed during the earlier stages, contributing to the landscape of the orogenic belt. By understanding these processes, one can grasp the complex transformations rocks undergo during the formation of an orogenic belt.

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What changes do rocks undergo during formation of an orogenic belt?

Short Answer

Step by step solution

Introduction to Orogenic Belts

Metamorphism

Folding and Faulting

Volcanic Activity

Uplift and Erosion

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