8.1.3: Hydrothermal Metamorphism
- Page ID
- 18597
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Occasionally metamorphism occurs without significant tectonism or magmatism. For example, metamorphism called hydrothermal metamorphism may occur because of hot water flowing through rock in areas next to hot springs or other geothermal areas. And, sometimes, water flowing through vast regions of the crust alters rocks far from mountain belts. These changes, mostly chemical in nature, can occur without significant increases in temperature and pressure. Typically, however, hydrothermal metamorphism is associated with regional or contact metamorphism.