Rock the ASBOG Exam 2026 – Dig Deep into Geology Greatness!

The formation of metamorphic rocks is primarily influenced by temperature and pressure. These two factors play a critical role in the metamorphic process, which alters the mineral composition and texture of pre-existing rocks, known as parent rocks or protoliths.

When rocks are subjected to high temperatures, typically those that exceed 150 to 200 degrees Celsius, the minerals within the rocks can become unstable and begin to recrystallize into new forms that are stable under the new temperature conditions. Alongside temperature, pressure is equally important. As rocks are buried deeper within the Earth's crust, the pressure increases significantly. This increased pressure can cause the minerals to realign and form new structures, leading to foliation or layering in the metamorphic rock.

Both temperature and pressure can vary depending on the depth of burial and tectonic processes, such as continental collision, which can drive these conditions to create different types of metamorphic rocks at various locations within the Earth's crust.

In contrast, the other options do not directly contribute to the metamorphic rock formation process. Wind and water mainly affect weathering and erosion processes rather than the metamorphism of rocks. Biological activity is more related to sedimentary processes and does not play a significant role in metamorphism. Exposure to light is not