Komatiite
Komatiite
C. Michael Lesher, Laurentian University, Ontario
Steve J. Barnes, Division of Exploration and Mining, CSIRO, Australia
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.
- Readily accessible to students and researchers because of its informal and concise approach
- Controversial issues such as whether komatiites are derived from hydrous or anhydrous magmas are addressed in detail
- Devotes an entire chapter to ore deposits that will be valuable to geologists in mineral exploration
Reviews & endorsements
'...amply illustrated...huge amount of information..." - Tony Nikischer, Mineral News
'...will be critical for field and experimental petrologists and mining geologists and geophysicists. In this regard I highly recommend Komatiite.' - Patrick Taylor, The Leading Edge
'...an impressive, comprehensive, timely volume ... This extremely valuable contribution to the petrologic literature should be in the libraries of researchers involved/interested in ultramafic rocks, Cu-Ni-PGE deposits, Archaean geology, and/or magma genesis in the early stages of Earth's evolution. Abundant excellent informative figures/tables, an extremely comprehensive, up-to-date list of references, and a general subject index. Essential." - CHOICE
"Why is this book so good? First, it's good because it provides a very comprehensive introduction to an extremely interesting and economically important part of igneous petrology. ... Secondly, and what makes it fun to read, it's good because it does not duck the controversies ... Thirdly, it's well-written. There are lively asides, dry humour and honest comment ... this seems to me to be THE definitive work on komatiites." The Canadian Mineralogist.
Product details
July 2008Hardback
9780521874748
488 pages
253 × 180 × 27 mm
1.1kg
Available
Table of Contents
- 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.
