The zone of contact metamorphism (the aureole), ____.
A) extends throughout the surrounding region because rock is such a good conductor of heat
B) is commonly broad, as much as several kilometers wide
C) is commonly rather narrow, from 1 to 100 meters wide
D) is a thin zone, less than 1 meter wide
E) is a very thin zone, no more than a few centimeters in width

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The zone of contact metamorphism, also known as the aureole, is typically rather narrow, from 1 to 100 meters wide. This is because the heat from the intruding magma, which causes the metamorphism, dissipates relatively quickly as it moves away from the magma body. The other answer choices are not accurate descriptions of the zone of contact metamorphism.

The Zone of Contact Metamorphism (The Aureole), ____