When sedimentary rock is exposed to heat and pressure, it undergoes a transformation into metamorphic rock. This process, known as metamorphism, alters the mineral composition and texture of the original rock without melting it.
For instance, limestone, a common sedimentary rock, can change into marble when subjected to sufficient heat and pressure. Similarly, shale can transform into slate. The heat and pressure cause the minerals within the sedimentary rock to recrystallize, leading to a denser and often more durable rock.
This transformation is a natural part of the rock cycle and illustrates the dynamic processes that shape our Earth’s environment over geological time. Understanding these changes helps geologists interpret the geological history of an area.