The letters following each Review Question refer to the corresponding Learning Objective from the Chapter Opener. What changes do rocks undergo during formation of a mountain belt? (A)

Short Answer

Expert verified
During the formation of a mountain belt, rocks undergo various changes depending on the specific type of mountain building involved. In Fold Mountains, rocks experience deformation, leading to the formation of new metamorphic rocks such as slate, schist, and gneiss. In Fault-block Mountains, rocks can become fractured, faulted, or incorporated into new rocks like breccia or mylonite. In Volcanic Mountains, volcanic rocks form and existing rocks can be altered or metamorphosed due to heat and fluids from magma.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Mountain Formation Types

There are three primary types of mountain building: (1) Fold Mountains, which result from the folding of rock layers due to compression; (2) Fault-block Mountains, which occur when large blocks of rock are uplifted and tilted due to tension; and (3) Volcanic Mountains, which form when magma rises to the surface and solidifies. Each of these types of mountains results in different changes to rocks during their formation.
02

Fold Mountains

Fold Mountains form when the Earth's tectonic plates collide, causing rock layers to be compressed and folded. As a result, rocks in Fold Mountains undergo significant deformation. For instance, sedimentary rock layers may become bent, folded or broken. This can lead to the formation of new metamorphic rocks, such as slate, schist, and gneiss, due to increased temperature and pressure during the folding process.
03

Fault-block Mountains

Fault-block Mountains form when tension in the Earth's crust causes large blocks of rock to break apart and move relative to each other along faults. The rocks in these mountains undergo changes as a result of the faulting process. For example, the rocks can become fractured or faulted, with minerals filling in the spaces created by the fractures. In some cases, minerals and rock fragments can become incorporated into the surrounding rock, forming new rocks such as breccia or mylonite.
04

Volcanic Mountains

Volcanic Mountains form when magma rises from the Earth's mantle to the surface and solidifies, creating new igneous rock. The rocks found in volcanic mountains undergo changes due to the extreme heat and pressure involved in the process. For example, previously existing rock layers can be melted and incorporated into the newly formed volcanic rocks. Additionally, magma can cause the formation of new minerals and the alteration or metamorphism of surrounding rocks, as heat and fluids from the magma interact with the existing rocks. In conclusion, rocks undergo various changes during the formation of a mountain belt, depending on the specific type of mountain building involved. These changes can include deformation, metamorphism, fracturing, and the formation of new rocks and minerals.

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