Topic 4: Metamorphism

In this topic, we will explore how plate tectonics leads to the formation of metamorphic rocks, through the increased pressures and/or temperatures of continental collisions, subduction zones, and igneous intrusions, and think about how these rocks have impacted society, particularly with regards to water.

Lecture

Lecture slides: L4 Metamorphism

Reading

I suggest reading Chapter 8 of Lutgens and Tarbuck 2015 Essentials of Geology. This is the chapter on Metamorphism and Metamorphic Rocks, which will be invaluable for this week’s content.

An alternative is Chapter Six of Johnson, C., Affolter, M.D., Inkenbrandt, P., and Mosher, C. (2017) An Introduction to Geology. USA: Salt Lake Community College. This is likewise the chapter on Metamorphism and Metamorphic rocks.

Additional

I would also suggest reading Price, W.R. and Ronck, C.L. 2019. Quarrying for World Heritage Designation: Slate Tourism in North Wales. Geoheritage 11, 1839–1854. This paper explores some of the impacts of metamorphism on society in Wales, specifically the Welsh slate industry. It covers the history, the rocks, and modern tourism associated with the metamorphic slate in Wales. It is an interesting example of what I’m trying to get across in this module, understanding how the rocks and the geological history have impacted society through human history into the present day.

To understand more about the minerals which rocks are made of, I'd suggest reading Chapter 3 of Lutgens, F.K. and Tarbuck, E.J. 2015 Essentials of Geology (Matter and Minerals), or the alternative Chapter 3 of Johnson, C., Affolter, M.D., Inkenbrandt, P., and Mosher, C. (2017) An Introduction to Geology. Both would be very useful reading - but, bear in mind that both go well beyond what you need.

The only part which might help is understanding the logic of the mineral structures - single tetrahedra, single chains, double chains, sheets, frameworks - with the singles, chains, and sheets held together by electrical charge. Just so that it makes a bit more sense when I mention minerals in other lectures - hopefully it with some of the metamorphism and volcanic/igneous parts mentioning minerals, and it will likely be helpful again when we discuss weathering and mining. You wouldn't need to know the mineral groups and properties etc. 

There's alternatives with less of the material you don't need in Chapter 2.1 of Environmental Geology by Steve Earle, and Chapter 5.4 of Physical Geology by Karla Panchuk (both online ebooks).

And here's a blog post about asbestos.