EOSC 110 MIDTERM 1 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 2026

EOSC 110 MIDTERM 1 LATEST
What forces drive metamorphism? - ANSWERS-1. Changes in
Temperature
2. Changes in Pressure
3. Fluids


What is the geothermal gradient? - ANSWERS-The amount of increase
in temperature with depth in Earth.


What is the average geothermal gradient? - ANSWERS-25C/KM depth


What does lithostatic mean? - ANSWERS-Increase in pressure equal in
all directions


Can compressive stress produce foliation? - ANSWERS-Yes, but only
with very platy minerals.


What changes in rocks during metamorphism? - ANSWERS-1.
Recrystallization (coarsening)
2. Formation of new minerals
3. Foliation

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, EOSC 110 MIDTERM 1 LATEST

Contact metamorphism - ANSWERS-Adjacent to intrusions in shallow
crust, country rock heated by conduction and hydrothermal convection


Regional metamorphism - ANSWERS-Occurs over large areas of the
crust due to increased P-T at depths >5KM


What does contact metamorphism result in? - ANSWERS-
Recrystallization, new minerals, veins form


What does regional metamorphism result in? - ANSWERS-
Recrystallization, new minerals form, metamorphism foliation develops


Three stages of divergent boundary? - ANSWERS-1. Rift valley
2. Continued rifting
3. Mature ocean basin


What are the layers of Earth and what are they like? - ANSWERS-1.
Inner Core (solid)
2. Outer Core (liquid)

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