Which process would change metamorphic rock to igneous rock?
cooling followed by cementation cooling followed by cementation melting followed by cooling melting followed by cooling pressure followed by weathering pressure followed by weathering erosion followed by compaction
melting followed by cooling
The process that would change metamorphic rock to igneous rock is melting followed by cooling. Here's an explanation of why this process is responsible for the transformation:
1. First, it's important to understand that metamorphic rock forms from the transformation of existing rocks (igneous, sedimentary, or other metamorphic rocks) due to high temperatures and pressures beneath the Earth's surface.
2. To change metamorphic rock to igneous rock, the existing rock needs to undergo a melting process. This occurs when the temperature and pressure conditions become favorable for the minerals within the rock to melt and become molten.
3. The molten rock, known as magma, then rises towards the Earth's surface through cracks and fractures in the crust. As it reaches higher levels, the magma cools down gradually.
4. As the magma cools, the minerals within it crystallize and solidify to form new rock. This process is called cooling. The rate of cooling plays a crucial role in the type of igneous rock that will form. Faster cooling leads to the formation of fine-grained rocks, while slower cooling allows larger crystals to develop, resulting in coarse-grained rocks.
5. Once the magma has completely cooled and solidified, it has transformed into igneous rock, replacing the original metamorphic rock.
So, the correct answer is "melting followed by cooling." The other processes you mentioned, such as cementation, weathering, compaction, and erosion, are involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks or the alteration of existing sedimentary rocks rather than the transformation of metamorphic rocks into igneous rocks.