Komatiite

ISBN-13: 9780521874748 / Angielski / Twarda / 2008 / 488 str.

Nicholas Arndt; C. Michael Lesher; Steve Barnes

Opis

Komatiites erupted billions of years ago as pulsating streams of white-hot lava. Their unusual chemical compositions and exceptionally high formation temperatures produced highly fluid lava that crystallized as spectacular layered flows. Investigation of the extreme conditions in which komatiites formed provides important evidence about the thermal and chemical evolution of the planet, and the nature of the Precambrian mantle. This monograph, written by three experts with long experience in the field, presents a complete account of the characteristics of komatiites including their volcanic structures, textures, mineralogy and chemical compositions. Models for their formation and eruption are evaluated (including the anhydrous vs. hydrous magmas controversy). A chapter is also devoted to the valuable nickel and copper ore deposits found in komatiites. Komatiite is a key reference for researchers and advanced students interested in petrology, Archaean geology, economic geology, and broader questions about the evolution of the Earth's crust and mantle.

Recenzje

'… describes komatiites and their geological settings in considerable detail; all komatiites that have ever been found and described to date appear to be included. … well illustrated …' Geological Magazine

Spis treści

Foreword; Part I. Background Information - Description of the Field Characteristics, Mineralogy and Geochemistry of Komatiites: 1. A brief history of komatiite studies and a discussion of komatiite nomenclature; 2. Brief descriptions of six classic komatiite occurrences; 3. Field characteristics, textures and structures; 4. Mineralogy; 5. Geochemistry; 6. Isotopic compositions of komatiites; 7. Experimental petrology; 8. Physical properties of komatiites; Part II. Interpretation – The Manner of Emplacement, the Origin, and the Tectonic Setting of Komatiites: 9. Physical volcanology; 10. Komatiite-associated Ni-Cu-PGE deposits; 11. The hydrous komatiite hypothesis; 12. Compositions and eruption temperatures of komatiitic liquids; 13. Petrogenesis of komatiite; 14. Geodynamic setting; References; Index.