What term describes the reshaping of rocks under extreme heat and pressure?

Study for the Earth Science Regents Exam. Dive into flashcards and multiple-choice questions, complete with hints and explanations. Prepare confidently for your exam!

The correct term that describes the reshaping of rocks under extreme heat and pressure is metamorphosis. In geology, metamorphism refers to the process by which existing rocks, known as protoliths, undergo physical and chemical changes due to exposure to high temperatures, high pressures, or chemically active fluids. This process can result in the formation of metamorphic rocks, which may exhibit new mineral assemblages and textures distinct from their original forms.

Re-crystallization is a part of this broader process, where minerals may change their crystal structure without melting, but it does not fully encompass the entire range of transformations that occur during metamorphism. Weathering, on the other hand, refers to the breaking down of rocks at the Earth's surface due to environmental factors, while cementation is a process involved in lithification where sediments bind together to form rock, not related to the reshaping of existing solid rock under heat and pressure.

Understanding the difference between these terms helps clarify the specific processes involved in the transformation of rock materials in the Earth's crust.

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