The movement of earth's crusts forms Metamorphic Rock when-
tectonic plates are forced apart in the middle of the ocean.
layers of rock are forced together under great pressure.
volcanoes erupt, forcing magma to cool and harden.
severe storms wash sediments away and deposit them at the base of a mountain.
To determine the correct answer, let's break down each option and understand the process of rock formation:
1. Tectonic plates are forced apart in the middle of the ocean:
When tectonic plates spread apart in the middle of the ocean, it creates a gap or rift. This process is called seafloor spreading. However, this mainly leads to the formation of igneous rocks like basalt as magma wells up from beneath the Earth's crust and cools rapidly to form new oceanic crust. It does not directly lead to the formation of metamorphic rocks. Therefore, this option is not the correct answer.
2. Layers of rock are forced together under great pressure:
This option describes a process known as "mountain building" or "orogeny." When two tectonic plates converge, the collision forces the rock layers to fold, buckle, and deform, under immense pressure. These compressed rocks can undergo changes in their mineral composition, texture, and structure, leading to the formation of metamorphic rocks. Hence, this option is the correct answer.
3. Volcanoes erupt, forcing magma to cool and harden:
This process describes the formation of igneous rocks rather than metamorphic rocks. When volcanoes erupt, molten rock known as magma is expelled onto the Earth's surface or into the surrounding environment. As the magma cools, it solidifies and forms igneous rocks like basalt, andesite, or granite, depending on the cooling rate and the composition of the magma. It does not involve the process of metamorphism, so this option is not the correct answer.
4. Severe storms wash sediments away and deposit them at the base of a mountain:
This option is related to the process of sedimentation, which typically leads to the formation of sedimentary rocks. When severe storms or weathering events occur, they can erode rock fragments and minerals, transport them through rivers or streams, and eventually deposit them in sedimentary basins. Over time, these deposited sediments compact and cement together, forming sedimentary rocks. Thus, this option does not describe the formation of metamorphic rocks, making it incorrect.
In conclusion, the correct answer is: Layers of rock are forced together under great pressure.