contact metamorphism
Americannoun
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A type of metamorphism in which the mineralogy and texture of a body of rock are changed by exposure to the pressure and extreme temperature associated with a body of intruding magma. Contact metamorphism often results in the formation of valuable minerals, such as garnet and emery, through the interaction of the hot magma with adjacent rock.
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See also aureole Compare regional metamorphism
Etymology
Origin of contact metamorphism
First recorded in 1875–80
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
When contact metamorphism occurs deeper in the Earth, metamorphism can be seen as rings of facies around the intrusion, resulting in aureoles.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2017
Why does contact metamorphism not normally take place at significant depth in the crust?
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
The upper body, which has intruded into cool unmetamorphosed rock, has created a zone of contact metamorphism.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
Any type of magma body can lead to contact metamorphism, from a thin dyke to a large stock.
From Textbooks ● Jan. 1, 2015
Garnets result mainly from contact metamorphism, and commonly occur either in schists and gneisses or in marble.
From The Economic Aspect of Geology by Leith, C. K. (Charles Kenneth)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
