Archaean Geochemistry: The Origin and Evolution of the Archaean Continental Crust

Archaean Geochemistry 1972 - 1984 The realisation that the continental crust contains well-preserved relics which date as far back as 4/5 of the Earth's age has given a great impetus to the study of early Precambrian terrains. As late as the mid-sixties the Archaean still constituted the 'terra-in­ cognita' of earth science. High metamorphic grades, poor out­ crop, and not least a widely assumed obliteration of early crustal records by convective recycling and thermal reworking had com­ bined to discourage research in this field. Many excellent local studies existed, notably around gold mining centres, but remained unrelated to a broader regional and theoretical understanding. This situation has changed as the consequence of two inter-related factors: (1) advances in isotopic methods and their application to Precambrian rocks, and (2) the recognition that some of the oldest terrains have retained a wealth of primary igneous and sedi­ mentary textures and even geochemical characteristics.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 3642700039
• ISBN13: 9783642700033
• Release Date: November 2011
• Publisher: Springer
• Length: 286 Pages
• Weight: 1.07 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.7" x 9.6"