When rocks experience high temperatures and differential stresses deep in the Earth,their grains tend to ________.
A)break in small fragments like a piece of fine crystal
B)fracture along planes of weakness
C)flatten and elongate
D)form new minerals

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

When rocks experience high temperatures and differential stresses deep in the Earth, their grains tend to flatten and elongate in the direction of the maximum stress. This process is called foliation and leads to the formation of metamorphic rocks with a layered or banded texture. Option A is incorrect because breaking in small fragments like a piece of fine crystal is not the typical response of rocks to high temperatures and pressures. Option B is incorrect because fracturing along planes of weakness usually occurs in rocks that are already fractured or have preexisting weaknesses. Option D is incorrect because while new minerals can form during metamorphism, this is not the most significant change that occurs in the texture of the rock.

When Rocks Experience High Temperatures and Differential Stresses Deep in the Earth,their