Geology Metamorphic Rock Assignment

1. How can the study of metamorphic rocks contribute to our understanding of carbon sequestration processes? Carbon sequestration is the act of returning carbon to the geosphere where it belongs. Understanding how rocks are metamorphized can in turn help us understand how the rocks interact with carbon in its different forms (such as its aqueous and gaseous forms). 2. How have modern technologies, such as electron microscopy or satellite imaging, advanced our understanding of metamorphic rock formations? Electron microscopy can help us study metamorphic rocks on a deeper level (literally) by letting us see and identify the grains in the rock. We can use satellite imaging on a more global level to find where on Earth certain metamorphic rocks form. 3. Explain how the study of certain metamorphic rocks provide insights into past climate conditions, helping to forecast future environmental shifts. Certain rocks undergo certain types of metamorphism (for example, anthracite coal undergoes regional metamorphism, which means it occurs at convergent plate boundaries). If you know how each type of rock formed, that may give some clues as to what the Earth was like when that specific layer of rock formed. 4. How are large-scale mining, drilling, or construction projects potentially accelerating metamorphic processes in localized regions? Many commercially important metals are found in metamorphic rocks. Fracking and mining can expose these rocks to other metamorphic agents, such as air and heat. 5. In what ways can the study of metamorphic rocks contribute to more sustainable mining practices especially for rare earth elements? Knowledge of metamorphic rocks can lead to mines being built in better places. For example, if miners are looking to extract a certain rock that forms by burial metamorphism, they’ll know they have to dig several hundreds of miles down to find it. 6. How do modern mining practices involving metamorphic rocks balance economic benefits with the preservation of ecosystems? Open-pit mines can serve as man-made lakes when they are no longer in use. This is a useful way of preserving – or in this case, replenishing – the ecosystem. 7. How might the understanding of metamorphic rock structures help in predicting or mitigating natural disasters? Certain metamorphic rocks are formed at the edges of plate boundaries (fault lines). Observing how the rocks formed at these fault lines can possibly predict how the faults will move in the future (predicting earthquakes or tsunamis). 8. Should there be stricter regulations in the mining of metamorphic rocks to prevent environmental degradation? Explain the process. I definitely think there should be regulations as to where people can mine/frack in America. But then again, there are some people who will probably break those rules on purpose because they already think the government puts too many restrictions on things. 9. How might the geographic distribution of certain economically valuable metamorphic rocks affect global trade or lead to geopolitical conflicts? They can cause geopolitical conflicts because the countries may argue over which land or territory is their own to mine for resources. This may especially be the case with the rocks found at fault lines, as many of them are on county borders and in the middle of oceans. 10. What can metamorphic rocks tell us about the conditions of the Earth's crust and mantle millions of years ago, and why is this knowledge crucial today? Rocks located deep in the crust are probably currently undergoing burial metamorphism (and possibly also dynamic metamorphism based on where they are in the tectonic plates). Knowledge of the rocks located at certain depths can inform us about the history of the Earth’s crust.