Why does metamorphism happen at the site of meteor impacts and along mid-ocean ridges?

Metamorphism is a geological process where a rock undergoes transformation due to changes in pressure, temperature, or chemical environment. This can happen when rocks get buried deep below the Earth's surface or when they are subjected to extreme conditions, such as high temperatures or pressures.

When a meteor impacts the Earth, it releases an enormous amount of energy in the form of heat and pressure. This sudden and extreme increase in pressure and temperature causes the rocks near the impact site to undergo metamorphism. The high temperatures can cause new minerals to grow, or the existing minerals to recrystallize or even melt. The impact can also cause rocks to be deformed or shattered, leaving behind a characteristic pattern called "shatter cones."

Mid-ocean ridges are underwater mountain ranges formed where two tectonic plates are moving away from each other. As the plates separate, molten rock (magma) rises up from the mantle, forming new oceanic crust. This process is called seafloor spreading. The heat from the rising magma and the circulation of hydrothermal fluids through the newly-formed crust causes the minerals in the rocks to be altered, leading to metamorphism. As hot water circulates through the rocks, it can dissolve some minerals and cause new ones to form. In addition, the pressure at the mid-ocean ridge is relatively low compared to deeper parts of the Earth's crust, allowing rocks to undergo changes at lower temperatures than they would otherwise. In summary, metamorphism occurs at meteor impact sites and along mid-ocean ridges because of the specific conditions present in these locations. Meteor impacts bring extreme heat and pressure to the local area, transforming the rocks through metamorphic processes. Meanwhile, the heat and chemical changes happening along mid-ocean ridges due to moving tectonic plates and hydrothermal activity result in metamorphism as well.