Continental Lower Crust

by David M. Fountain (Editor), R. Arculus (Editor), R.W. Kay (Editor)

This is a multi-disciplinary review of the current state of geological and geophysical research on the continental lower crust. Topics include the structure of the crust as deduced from geophysical research, rheology of the lower crust, composition and evolution of the lower crust as constrained by xenoliths, magmas, crustal cross-sections, the role of fluids in the crust, and the interaction of the lower crust and magmas. Each chapter has extensive reference lists. The audience for this book is diverse. One group will consist of newcomers (students and professionals) to lower crustal research who are looking for an overview of the current research. For this group, the present volume can serve as a point of departure for further investigation of the continental lower crust. A second audience will consist of active researchers interested in reviews of aspects of lower crustal researchers out of their discipline. These scientists will find that the synoptic view presented within this volume opens new avenues of research. The book is appropriate for use in graduate-level seminars dealing with various aspects of continental structure and evolution.

486 pages, Hardcover

First published December 31, 1992