metamorphism
/ˌmɛtəˈmɔrfɪzəm/
noun
- The process by which rocks change form or composition due to heat, pressure, or chemical reactions, usually deep underground.
- Geologists study metamorphism to understand how the Earth's crust has changed over time.
- The mountains contain rocks that have undergone intense metamorphism over millions of years.
- The heat from the magma caused metamorphism in the surrounding limestone.
Synonyms