Determine which characteristics produce metamorphic rock vs sedimentary
Heat and pressure
Weathering and erosion
Igneous rocks under heat and pressure
compaction and sedimention
The first characteristic, heat and pressure, is primarily responsible for the formation of metamorphic rocks. When rocks are subjected to high temperatures and pressures deep within the Earth's crust, their mineral composition and texture can change, leading to the formation of metamorphic rocks.
The second characteristic, weathering and erosion, is associated with the formation of sedimentary rocks. Weathering refers to the process of breaking down rocks into smaller fragments or particles due to exposure to elements such as water, wind, and ice. These weathered materials, called sediments, are then transported by erosion and eventually deposited in layers. Over time, these layers of deposited sediments become cemented together and compacted, transforming into sedimentary rocks.
The third characteristic, igneous rocks under heat and pressure, is related to the formation of both metamorphic and igneous rocks. When existing igneous rocks are subjected to heat and pressure, they can be altered and transformed into metamorphic rocks. On the other hand, when molten magma cools and solidifies, it forms igneous rocks.
The final characteristic, compaction and sedimentation, is closely associated with the formation of sedimentary rocks. As sediments accumulate in layers over time, the weight of the overlying sediments and the pressure exerted on them cause compaction, which squeezes out any remaining water and air between the sediment grains. This compaction leads to the sediment particles becoming tightly packed and eventually forming solid sedimentary rocks.