Definition of "katamorphism" [katamorphism]

• Any form of metamorphism that occurs near the Earth's surface (noun)

Wiktionary.org : Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License

• "The zone in which katamorphism is most active, usually near the surface, is called the _zone of katamorphism_."
• "The sedimentary iron ores in general evidently represent an advanced stage of katamorphism, and illustrate the tendency of this phase of the metamorphic cycle toward simplification and segregation of certain materials."
• "By katamorphism rocks break down to produce the surficial rocks, and by anamorphism the surficial rocks are again consolidated and altered to produce highly crystalline rocks, which are not dissimilar in many of their characteristics to the igneous rocks from which all rocks trace their ultimate origin."