In
geology
Geology (). is a branch of natural science concerned with the Earth and other astronomical objects, the rocks of which they are composed, and the processes by which they change over time. Modern geology significantly overlaps all other Earth ...
, metasedimentary rock is a type of
metamorphic rock
Metamorphic rocks arise from the transformation of existing rock to new types of rock in a process called metamorphism. The original rock ( protolith) is subjected to temperatures greater than and, often, elevated pressure of or more, caus ...
. Such a rock was first formed through the deposition and solidification of
sediment
Sediment is a solid material that is transported to a new location where it is deposited. It occurs naturally and, through the processes of weathering and erosion, is broken down and subsequently sediment transport, transported by the action of ...
. Then, the rock was buried underneath subsequent rock and was subjected to high pressures and temperatures, causing the rock to
recrystallize. The overall composition of a metasedimentary rock can be used to identify the original sedimentary rock, even where they have been subject to high-grade metamorphism and intense deformation.
Vernon, R.H. & Clarke, G.L. 2008. Principles of metamorphic petrology, Cambridge University Press, 460pp.
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Types of metasedimentary rocks
See also
*
References
Metamorphic petrology
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