What can happen to rock and soil when exposed to higher temperatures?

When rock and soil are exposed to higher temperatures, one of the most notable effects is that they may change colors. This color change can occur due to several factors, including the alteration of mineral structures or the oxidation of certain minerals. For instance, when rocks are heated, iron content can oxidize and shift to a different color spectrum, transforming a once red or brown rock into a lighter hue.

Higher temperatures can lead to processes such as thermal metamorphism, where rocks undergo structural changes, often reflected in their color. Additionally, organic materials within the soil can also decompose or oxidize, which further contributes to changes in coloration.

While it's true that extreme temperatures can cause rocks to melt or even vaporize some components, this is not true for all situations or types of rock and soil. Therefore, a change in color is a more common and observable result of increased temperature exposure. The permanence of the changes varies based on the material properties, but generally, some alteration is expected.