Question

a metamorphic landscape as viewed in google earth
it is difficult to recognize metamorphic rocks in air - photos because the diagnostic fabrics of slate, schist, marble, et al. are too small in scale. but there is one area in north america where metamorphic rocks are so well - exposed (for lack of vegetation) that the setting of their origin is evident in satellite photography (fig. 6.8).
metamorphic rocks northwest territories, canada
n. 62°2958, w. 114°0428
q6.9 (refer to figure 6.8.) (a) what metamorphic setting appears to be reflected here—contact or regional? hint: does this landscape appear to be merely baked, or does it appear to be folded (i.e., wrinkled)? (b) which types of metamorphic rocks would you expect to find here?
figure 6.8 metamorphic rocks of precambrian age, northeast of yellowknife, northwest territories, canada, are apparent in this digital globe satellite photograph. vegetation is sparse because of atmospheric pollution produced by a smelter upwind.

Explanation:

(A) The landscape shows large - scale folding, which is characteristic of regional metamorphism rather than contact metamorphism that is more local and results in 'baking' of rocks near an igneous intrusion. (B) In a regional metamorphic setting, one might expect to find gneiss (formed from high - grade metamorphism of granite or other rocks), schist (formed from intermediate - grade metamorphism of clay - rich rocks), and slate (formed from low - grade metamorphism of shale).

Answer:

(A) Regional.
(B) Gneiss, schist, slate.