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The origin of different kinds of igneous rocks can be understood in terms of the tectonic setting in which they form and in terms of the isotope compositions of strontium, neodymium, and lead they contain. This book explains the petrogenesis of igneous rocks as a consequence of tectonic processes resulting from interactions between asthenopheric plumes and the overlying lithospheric mantle. The relevant principles of isotope geochemistry are explained in Chapter 1 making this book accessible to university students as well as to professionals. The relevant isotopic data are presented in diagrammatic form. In addition, the text avoids the use of acronyms.
From the contents: Chemical Properties and Isotope Systematics: Chemical Properties of Rb and Sr; Fitting of Isochrons; Fractional Crystallization of Magma.- The Origin of Volcanic Rocks in the Oceans: Magma Formation in the Mantle; Atlantic Ocean; Canary Islands; Island Chains of Polynesia.- Subduction Zones in the Oceans: Petrogenetic Models; Mariana Island Arc; Aleutian Islands.- The Compressive Margin of the American Continents: Andes of South America; Mafic Volcanic Rocks, Southwestern USA.- Continental Flood Basalt Provinces: Columbia River Basalt, USA; Rajmahal Plateau, India.- Alkalic Igneous Rocks on the Continents: East African Rift System; Scandinavia.- Differentiated Gabbroic Intrusives: Midcontinent Rift System of North America; Great Dyke, Zimbabwe.- Archean Greenstone Belts and Granitic Gneisses of North America: The Wyoming Craton.
