Which type of rock is formed in areas of high pressure and temperature, typically from sedimentary rock?

Metamorphic rock is formed through the processes of metamorphism, which occurs under conditions of high pressure and temperature. This transformation typically affects existing rock types, particularly sedimentary rocks, but can also involve igneous or other metamorphic rocks.

As sedimentary rocks undergo metamorphism, they can change their mineral composition and texture while remaining in a solid state. The elevated pressure and temperature can lead to recrystallization, foliation, or the development of new minerals, thus significantly altering the original characteristics of the rock. This geological process is crucial in understanding the rock cycle and the evolution of the Earth's crust, making metamorphic rocks essential for various applications, including construction, energy resources, and understanding geological history.

Other rock types mentioned do not relate directly to the transformation from sedimentary rock under high pressure and temperature conditions. Igneous rocks form from the cooling and solidification of molten material, while intrusive rocks are a subset of igneous rocks that crystallize below the Earth's surface. Clastic rocks, on the other hand, are primarily composed of fragments from other rocks and do not undergo the high-pressure, high-temperature metamorphic processes that define metamorphic rocks.