Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Igneous and metamorphic petrology has over the last twenty years expanded rapidly into a broad, multifaceted and increasingly quantitative science. Advances in geochemistry, geochronology, and geophysics, as well as the appearance of new analytical tools, have all contributed to new ways of thinking about the origin and evolution of magmas, and the processes driving metamorphism.

This book is designed to give students a balanced and comprehensive coverage of these new advances, as well as a firm grounding in the classical aspects of igneous and metamorphic petrology. The emphasis throughout is on the processes controlling petrogenesis, but care is taken to present the important descriptive information so crucial to interpretation.

• One of the most up-to-date synthesis of igneous and metamorphic petrology available.
• Emphasis throughout on latest experimental and field data.
• Igneous and metamorphic sections can be used independently if necessary.

Preface.

1. Overview of fundamental concepts.

2. Composition and classification of magmatic rocks.

3. Thermodynamics and kinetics: an introduction.

4. Silicate melts and volatile fluids in magma systems.

5. Crystal-melt equilibria in magmatic systems.

6. Chemical dynamics of melts and crystals.

7. Kinetic paths and fabric of magmatic rocks.

8. Physical and thermal dynamics of bodies of magma.

9. Magma ascent and emplacement: field relations of intrusions.

10. Magma extrusion: field relations of volcanic rock bodies.

11. Generation of magma.

12. Differentiation of magmas.

13. Magmatic petrotectonic associations.

14. Metamorphic rocks and metamorphism: an overview.

15. Petrography of metamorphic rocks: fabric, composition, and classification.

16. Metamorphic mineral reactions and equilibria.

17. Evolution of imposed metamorphic fabrics: processes and kinetics.

18. Metamorphism at convergent plate margins: P-T-t paths, facies, and zones.

19. Precambrian rock associations.

Appendix A.

Appendix B.

References Cited.

Glossary.

Index

"This book brings together a large amount of key information on igneous and metamorphic rocks and is a thorough updating of the first edition." The Australian Geologist, October 2003 Myron G. Best is Professor Emeritus at Brigham Young University, is a Fellow of the Geological Society of America, and a member of the American Geophysical Union. Igneous and metamorphic petrology has over the last 20 years expanded rapidly into a broad, multifaceted, and increasingly quantitative science. Advances in geochemistry, geochronology, and geophysics, as well as the appearance of new analytical tools, have all contributed to new ways of thinking about the origin and evolution of magmas, and the processes driving metamorphism.

This book is designed to give students a balanced and comprehensive coverage of these new advances, as well as a firm grounding in the classical aspects of igneous and metamorphic petrology. The emphasis throughout is on the processes controlling petrogenesis, but care is taken to present the important descriptive information so crucial to interpretation.