Faure G. Origin of Igneous Rocks: The Isotopic Evidence

Springer, 2001. — 506 p. — ISBN: 978-3-642-08728-8.This book is intended for graduate students of the Earth Sciences who require a comprehensive examination of the origins of igneous rocks as recorded by the isotope compositions of the strontium, neodymium, lead, and oxygen they contain. Students who have not had a formal course in the systematics of radiogenic isotopes can acquire a basic understanding of this subject by a careful study of Chap. 1. The primary purpose of this book is to demonstrate how the isotope composition of Sr, Nd, Pb, and 0 in igneous rocks has been used to shed light on the origin of igneous rocks and hence on the activity of the mantle and on its interactions with the continental and oceanic crust.
The presentations are based on the premise that igneous and metamorphic rocks form as a direct consequence of the dynamic processes of the mantle and of the resulting interactions between the mantle and the crust.
The examination of the geologic history of the continental crust, as recorded by the isotopic data brings into focus the question concerning the origin of granite. The evidence confirms the view that the granitic rocks of the continental crust have formed by remelting and/or recrystallizaton of volcano-sedimentary rocks whose prior crustal residence ages increase with decreasing ages of the granitic rocks. The record is noisy and does not support sweeping conclusions or narrowly defined classification schemes. Every generalization concerning the origin of granite can be contradicted by citing exceptions. There are no simple answers in the Earth Sciences. We must accept complexity.
The text is augmented by more than 400 original diagrams. In addition, all chapters include summaries in which important conclusions are emphasized and unresolved problems are identified. The adjusted isotope ratios are presented graphically in diagrams in order to reveal their relationship to other chemical or physical parameters. In addition, the figures have descriptive captions that facilitate browsing and reinforce the text. The extensive list of references, author and geographic indexes, and a geologic timescale will enhance the encyclopedic function of this book by helping users to find the information they are looking for. The detailed Table of Contents takes the place of a subject index.