Final answer:
The metamorphic process most likely associated with differential stress is plastic deformation, where the rock's minerals are reoriented and restructured without fracturing. Therefore, the correct answer is option b) metamorphic reaction
Step-by-step explanation:
The metamorphic process most likely associated with differential stress is a) plastic deformation. Differential stress refers to the force applied unequally in different directions, which results in the deformation of rock without fracturing.
This can occur during the formation of metamorphic rocks, where the minerals within the rock are reoriented and restructured due to the directed pressures and high temperatures within the Earth's crust.
Heat typically causes the minerals to soften, allowing them to deform plastically, in contrast to higher pressures which can lead to fracturing if temperature conditions are not sufficient for plastic flow.
When discussing metamorphic rocks, the term protolith refers to the pre-existing rock, from which the metamorphic rock forms.
As the protolith undergoes metamorphism, it may transition through different metamorphic grades, often resulting in a foliated texture characterized by the parallel alignment of minerals due to the pressure conditions during metamorphism. This process does not relate directly to differential stress, making plastic deformation the correct association. Therefore, the correct answer is option b) metamorphic reaction