Overview

The origin of anorthosites is a major unsolved petrogenetic problem in igenous petrology. For most of the numerous types of anorthosite that occur on Earth (and on other planets as well), we cannot agree tas to their parental magma compositions, the sources and methods of generation of these magmas, the mechanism of plagioclase accumulation, or their tectonic setting. This book represents comprehensive review of what is known and unknown about all anorthosite types, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial. Descriptive, interpretative, and speculative information is given for all tyhpes of anorthosite, including the recently discovered anorthositic meteorites from the Moon. The book is generously illustrated, with photographs and diagrams at all scales from photomicrographs to satellite imagery. There are exhaustive tabulations of terrestrial anorthosite occurrences, giving their important attributes. A final chapter contains a synthesis of current knowledge and thinking on anorthosites in general, some speculations on their significance in Earth and planetary history, and suggestions for future research. This book should be a useful source not only for those active in anorthosite studies, but also for researchers and students interested in the broader aspects of Earth and planetary history.

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9783540553618

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