Komatiite

A key reference for researchers and advanced students of petrology, Archaean geology and economic geology.

Nicholas Arndt (Author), C. Michael Lesher (Author), Steve J. Barnes (Author)

9780521874748, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 3 July 2008

488 pages
25.3 x 18 x 2.7 cm, 1.1 kg

'… describes komatiites and their geological settings in considerable detail; all komatiites that have ever been found and described to date appear to be included. … well illustrated …' Geological Magazine

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Geochemistry [RBGK], Petrology [RBGG], Earth sciences [RB], Mineralogy & gems [PNV]