Question

What is an aureole?

a. the source of chemically active fluids that cause the metamorphism of rocks
b. the area of metamorphism deep in the roots of mountains
c. a discreet zone adjacent to the heat source in contact metamorphism
d. a rock that is formed in a zone of intense ductile deformation
e. the location where a projectile has struck Earth

Answer 1

An aureole is a discrete zone around a magma intrusion where high temperatures have caused nearby rocks to become metamorphic rocks.

Step-by-step explanation:

An aureole is a discrete zone adjacent to the heat source in contact metamorphism. It is the region surrounding an intrusion of magma where the high temperatures from the magma have caused the existing rocks to recrystallize and change form, thereby creating metamorphic rocks.

This can happen at various depths, but typically it is found in the upper crust where magmatic intrusions are more common. Aureoles can vary in width and are usually most pronounced closest to the intrusion, diminishing in effect with distance.