PAGADIAN DIOCESAN SCHOOLS

HOLY CHILD’S ACADEMY

Pagadian City

EARTH SCIENCE

Name: Grade & Section: ________________________Lesson #: 3 Topic: Metamorphism

Content Standards: The learners demonstrate an understanding of:
(a) geologic processes that occur within the Earth
Performance Standards: The learners shall be able to:
(a) make a simple map showing places where erosion and landslides may pose risks in the community
(b) using maps, diagrams, or models, predict what could happen in the future as the tectonic plates continue to move
Learning Competencies: The learners…
(a) describe the changes in mineral components and texture of rocks due to changes in pressure and temperature
(metamorphism) S11/12ES-IIc-d26
(b) describe how rocks behave under different types of stress such as compression, pulling apart, and shearing S11/12ES-IId-
27
Reference/s: Olivar J. II et.al (2016). Exploring Life through Science Series, Earth Science. Phoenix Publishing
Values: Self-discovery and Self Awareness
PRE-ASSESSMENT:
Directions: Choose and circle the letter of the correct answer.

1. What is the primary driving force behind b) Non-foliated

metamorphism? c) Recrystallization
a) Pressure d) Melting
b) Temperature
c) Melting 4. During contact metamorphism, rocks are primarily
d) Chemical weathering altered by:
a) High pressure and shear stress
2. Which of the following is NOT a common parent rock b) Tectonic forces
for metamorphism? c) The presence of chemically active fluids
a) Igneous rock d) Heat from nearby molten rock
b) Sedimentary rock
c) Metamorphic rock 5. Which metamorphic rock is typically formed from
d) Magma limestone or dolostone?
a) Schist
3. What is the term for the alignment of minerals in b) Gneiss
parallel layers during metamorphism? c) Marble
a) Foliation d) Slate

INTRODUCTION

ACTIVITY 1: WORD ASSOCIATION

Directions: A dice have 6 sides, each sides has a word that associates with the word “change”, the class will be grouped
into 5 (five), each group will play at least 2 (two) times, in whatever word it lands, the group will explain how that word
connects with rocks.

INTERACTION

Metamorphism is a geological process that involves the alteration of the mineral composition, texture, and structure of pre-
existing rocks, known as parent or protolith rocks, in response to changes in temperature, pressure, and the presence of
chemically active fluids. This process occurs beneath the Earth's surface and typically involves solid-state changes, as
opposed to melting. Metamorphism can give rise to new minerals and textures within the rocks and often results in the
formation of metamorphic rocks.
Key points about metamorphism include:
1. Temperature and Pressure Conditions: Metamorphism typically occurs at elevated temperatures and pressures,
which are below those required for melting (i.e., below the solidus of the rock). These conditions vary depending on
the depth within the Earth's crust.
2. Parent Rocks: Metamorphic rocks are derived from pre-existing rocks, which can be either sedimentary, igneous, or
even other metamorphic rocks. The nature of the parent rock influences the type of metamorphic rock that forms.
3. Mineral Changes: During metamorphism, the minerals within the parent rock may change composition. New
minerals may form, and existing minerals may recrystallize or change in abundance. For example, clay minerals in
a shale can transform into mica in a schist.
4. Texture Changes: The texture of a rock can change significantly during metamorphism. This includes the
development of foliation, where minerals align in parallel layers, and non-foliated textures, where minerals
recrystallize without a preferred orientation.
5. Chemically Active Fluids: The presence of chemically active fluids, often water, can enhance metamorphism by
facilitating mineral reactions. These fluids can transport ions and promote the growth of new minerals.
6. Types of Metamorphism: Metamorphism can occur through various processes, including contact metamorphism
(due to nearby heat sources), regional metamorphism (widespread changes due to tectonic forces), and dynamic
metamorphism (caused by high pressure and shear stress along fault zones).
7. Common Metamorphic Rocks: Examples of metamorphic rocks include marble (from limestone or dolostone), schist
(from shale or mudstone), and gneiss (from granite or other igneous rocks).
8. Geological Significance: Metamorphic rocks provide valuable insights into the Earth's history, as they record the
environmental conditions and tectonic events that have shaped the Earth's crust over millions of years.
Metamorphism is a complex geological process that plays a crucial role in the formation of various rock types, contributes to
the Earth's dynamic processes, and provides geologists with essential information about the planet's history.

The changes in mineral components and texture of rocks due to changes in pressure and temperature are the hallmark
characteristics of metamorphism. This geological process, known as metamorphism, involves the alteration of pre-existing
rocks (protoliths) as they are subjected to different temperature and pressure conditions within the Earth's crust. Here's a
more detailed explanation of this process:
1. Mineral Changes: One of the primary outcomes of metamorphism is the alteration of mineral composition. Under
the influence of increased temperature and pressure, the minerals within the protolith rocks may change. New
minerals can form while existing minerals may recrystallize, grow in size, or change in abundance. These mineral
changes are often influenced by the specific conditions of metamorphism and the chemical composition of the
protolith rock.

2. Texture Changes: The texture of a rock can also undergo significant transformation during metamorphism. This
includes the development of specific textures such as foliation and non-foliated textures:
 Foliation: Foliation is a texture characterized by the alignment of mineral grains in parallel layers or bands.
It typically occurs in response to directed pressure, causing minerals to reorient themselves perpendicular
to the applied stress. Foliated rocks, such as schist and slate, often exhibit this texture.
 Non-foliated Texture: In non-foliated rocks, minerals recrystallize without a preferred orientation. This
texture results from isotropic pressure, where pressure is applied uniformly from all directions. Non-foliated
rocks include marble and quartzite.

3. Pressure and Temperature Conditions: Metamorphism occurs due to variations in pressure and temperature
conditions within the Earth's crust. The specific pressure-temperature conditions can vary, and different types of
metamorphism occur at different depths and temperature ranges. Common metamorphic environments include
contact metamorphism (resulting from nearby heat sources), regional metamorphism (associated with tectonic
forces and extensive mountain-building processes), and dynamic metamorphism (caused by high pressure and
shear stress along fault zones).

4. Chemically Active Fluids: The presence of chemically active fluids, often water, can enhance metamorphism by
facilitating mineral reactions. These fluids can transport ions, promote the growth of new minerals, and contribute to
the overall alteration of the rock.
Rocks respond differently to various types of stress, such as compression, tension (pulling apart), and shear stress. These
stress types result in distinct deformation and rock behavior. Here's an overview of how rocks behave under each type of
stress:

1. Compression:
 Behavior: Under compression, rocks are subjected to a squeezing or compressive force. This typically
occurs in convergent tectonic plate boundaries where rocks are pushed together. Rocks respond by
undergoing shortening, folding, or faulting.
 Deformation: Rocks may experience ductile deformation, where they flow and fold over long periods,
especially under high pressure and temperature. This results in features like anticlines (upward folds) and
synclines (downward folds). In some cases, rocks may undergo brittle deformation, causing fractures and
faulting.
2. Tension (Pulling Apart):
 Behavior: Tensional stress occurs when rocks are pulled apart, often in divergent plate boundaries or
extensional tectonic settings. Rocks respond by stretching and thinning.
 Deformation: In tension, rocks tend to exhibit brittle deformation. This can lead to the formation of normal
faults, where one block drops relative to the other, creating a fault scarp. Tensional stress can also result in
the formation of rift valleys.
3. Shear Stress:
 Behavior: Shear stress involves rocks being subjected to parallel forces acting in opposite directions along
a fault plane. This type of stress is common at transform plate boundaries.
 Deformation: Shear stress typically results in a combination of both ductile and brittle deformation. In ductile
shear zones, rocks deform without significant fracturing, forming structures like shear zones or mylonites. In
areas with intense shear stress, rocks may undergo brittle deformation, causing fractures and strike-slip
faults, where blocks move horizontally past each other.