What is the most likely source of heat for contact metamorphism?
Also to know is, what is the major source of heat for contact metamorphism?
Contact metamorphism occurs typically around intrusive igneous rocks as a result of the temperature increase caused by the intrusion of magma into cooler country rock. The area surrounding the intrusion where the contact metamorphism effects are present is called the metamorphic aureole.
Keeping this in consideration, what is the source of heat for contact metamorphic rocks?
AGENTS OF METAMORPHIC CHANGE Heat sources include magma, geothermal heat, and friction along faults. Pressure sources include the weight of overlying rocks deep in the earth. Shear pressure in fault zones can metamorphose rocks at shallower depths.
Contact Metamorphism occurs when magma comes in contact with an already existing body of rock. When this happens the existing rocks temperature rises and also becomes infiltrated with fluid from the magma. The area affected by the contact of magma is usually small, from 1 to 10 kilometers.