Final answer:
The progression with deeper burial and more intense, higher-grade metamorphism between gneiss, slate, schist, and phyllite is characterized by changes in texture and mineral composition.
Step-by-step explanation:
The progression with deeper burial and more intense, higher-level metamorphism between gneiss, slate, schist, and phyllite can be understood by examining the changes in texture and mineral composition.
- Slate: Slate is a low-grade metamorphic rock that forms from the metamorphism of shale. It has a fine-grained texture and displays planar foliation surfaces.
- Phyllite: Phyllite is an intermediate-grade metamorphic rock that forms from the further metamorphism of slate. It has a shiny appearance due to aligned mica minerals.
- Schist: Schist is a higher-grade metamorphic rock that forms from the additional metamorphism of phyllite. It has a coarser texture and displays visible mineral crystals.
- Gneiss: Gneiss is a high-grade metamorphic rock that forms from the further metamorphism of schist. It has alternating bands or stripes of light and dark minerals.