Consider the following statements about rocks I. Shale becomes slate through metamorphosis II. Shale is converted to slate when it is subjected to tremendous pressure and high temperature Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Shale is a sedimentary rock that undergoes metamorphism to become slate [c1][t1]. This transformation occurs when the parent rock (protolith) is subjected to increased pressure and temperature, typically during regional metamorphism [t3][t6]. Statement I is correct as slate is the low-grade metamorphic product of shale [t3]. Statement II is also correct because metamorphism is fundamentally driven by changes in pressure, volume, and temperature (PVT) [c5]. Specifically, slate forms under low-grade metamorphic conditions where directed pressure leads to the development of slaty cleavage, a characteristic foliation [t1][t6]. While slate represents a lower grade of metamorphism compared to schist or gneiss, it still requires significant pressure and heat relative to the surface conditions where the original shale formed [c2][t10]. Therefore, both statements accurately describe the metamorphic relationship and the physical drivers behind the formation of slate from shale.

Sources

1. [1] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 2: The Earth's Crust > METAMORPHIC ROCKS > p. 19
2. [2] FUNDAMENTALS OF PHYSICAL GEOGRAPHY, Geography Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 5: Geomorphic Processes > Diastrophism > p. 38
3. [3] Physical Geography by PMF IAS, Manjunath Thamminidi, PMF IAS (1st ed.) > Chapter 13: Types of Rocks & Rock Cycle > Dynamic Metamorphism > p. 173