metamorphic rock |
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 Click image to enlarge Limestone Photo Credit: M. Ritter |
 Click image to enlarge Marble Photo credit: USGS Digital Data Series |
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Metamorphic rocks are rocks created from pre-existing rocks by exposing them to intense heat, and or, pressure. Limestone is shown in the photograph on the left above. It is a sedimentary rock formed the compaction and lithification of the shells of fossil marine organism. When exposed to intense pressure limestone metamorphoses into marble (photograph on the right), a more dense and stronger material. Being composed primarily of calcium carbonate, limestone and marble are especially susceptible to chemical weathering due to acid deposition. |
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