Rocks located and metamorphosed near magma chambers undergo contact metamorphism at varying temperatures and what type kind of pressures (low, medium, high)?

Contact metamorphism occurs primarily due to the influence of heat from nearby magma. In this process, the rocks closest to the magma chamber are subjected to high temperatures. However, the pressure conditions during contact metamorphism are typically relatively low. This is primarily because the metamorphism occurs in a localized setting where the pressure exerted by the surrounding rocks is not as significant as the heat coming from the magma.

1. Temperature: The temperatures in contact metamorphism can vary widely, often exceeding 500°C, depending on the proximity to the magma.

2. Pressure: The pressures involved are generally low because the surrounding rocks may not pile up significantly in the immediate vicinity of the magma chamber. This contrasts with regional metamorphism, which typically occurs under higher pressure conditions over larger areas.

In summary, rocks that undergo contact metamorphism near magma chambers experience high temperatures and low pressures, leading to the formation of various metamorphic rocks such as hornfels.