This book addresses fundamental problems in the evolution of magmatic and ore-forming processes in the Noril’sk area of northern Central Siberia. Based on data on the geology and geochemistry of rocks, obtained by the author in the course of fieldworks and new analytical studies (applying XRF, ICP-MS, microprobe analysis, ion-probe analysis and studying melt and fluid inclusions in olivine, as well as stable and radiogenic isotopes in the rocks), it was proposed a new scheme for the evolution of magmatism, including two episodes: rift and trap per se. The ultramafic-mafic massifs are classified into three geochemical types, the most important of which (the ore-bearing Noril’sk type) was formed in post-Nadezhdinsky time as an independent pulse of magmatic activity. The primary melts for ore-bearing intrusions had tholeiitic composition with elevated MgO (8 wt%) and low volatile contents (data form melt inclusions in olivine and pyroxenes, in combination with numerical simulations using the COMAGMAT program package). The assimilation of host rocks by the parental melts was studied in the contact zones of the Maslovsky and Talnakh intrusions. It was shown that it had taken place only in narrow zones (about 1-2 m) and did not played sufficient role in ore formation. It was suggested that the source of the material was lower crustal rocks in long-lived rift zones, where sulfides accumulated in several stages. The book offers a valuable resource for specialists in the geology of ore deposits and petrology, as well as for advanced Geology students.

This book presents 41 selected articles written by leading researchers from the Vernadsky Institute of Geochemistry and Analytical Chemistry, part of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The articles are grouped by the following topics: (1) Geochemistry, (2) Meteoritics, Cosmochemistry, Lunar and Planetary Sciences, (3) Biogeochemistry and Ecology, and (4) Analytical Chemistry, Radiochemistry, and Radioecology. The articles present recent experimental data, theoretical investigations, critical reviews, the results of computer modeling in the above-mentioned fields. Intended to provide a scientific “snapshot” of the institute, the book also includes content on its history, main scientific achievements and current goals, together with detailed descriptions of its 25 laboratories and three museums so as to promote new international collaborations. Given its scope, the book will be of interest to all scientists and graduate students working in the areas of geochemistry, analytical chemistry and radiochemistry, earth and environmental sciences, biogeosciences, meteoritics and planetary science, and to those seeking new collaboration opportunities in these areas in Russia.

The book presents isotope-geochemical investigations of the world’s largest reserves of copper, nickel, and platinum-group elements in the Norilsk ore region. Ever since its discovery, generations of geologists have been fascinated by the geology of these deposits, described as a 250 Ma magmatic formation with mafic and ultramafic layered intrusions, disseminated ore and continuous copper-nickel ore bed. The book includes the results of more than 5,000 analyses of eleven isotopic systems, performed at the Russian Research Geological Institute’s Center of Isotopic Research between 2005 and 2014. The book is intended for specialists in isotope geology, metallogeny, ore geology and students of geology.

The basis of this investigation is the petrographic and geochemical understanding of principal igneous rock types of the Noril’sk region, in order to demonstrate that these data provide unique and self-evident solutions to the problems of petrogenesis and mineralization. The results of the investigations are presented in two volumes: the first includes mainly text and the second contains illustrations. In the first volume, the state of the main problems of the genesis of igneous rocks with reference to Traps and related ore deposits is discussed, as well as short petrological descriptions of igneous complexes in the region, the mineral and geochemical diversity of the rocks, and aspects of the differentiation of basaltic melts and mineralization are described. Taking into account the vast number of publications on the petrology of Traps of the Noril’sk region, primary attention in the monograph is given to earlier unknown phenomena, as well as other aspects that are of great importance for solving genetic problems. Some exotic geologic targets such as the Mikchandinsky differentiated cover, the magnetite lava flow of the Putorana Plateau, the magmatogenic breccia of Kharaelakh and others are described in detail. The second volume contains an atlas of Rock Indications of igneous rock-types; formally identified reference rocks from all igneous complexes of the region, as well as photographs of thin sections of typical rocks and analytical tables of rocks and minerals from the key sections of sedimentary units and intrusions. Each rock type has been geochemically and petrographically analysed thereby providing a formal identity, complete with a photograph of the thin section. Photomicrographs of the rocks in this book will be a useful aid in visualizing the diversity of rock types in the Traps; each photograph reflecting a unique combination of minerals.

The Geology of the U.S.S.R: A Short Outline is a 10-chapter text that considers the topographical features, the main stratigraphical description, tectonics, magmatism, and economic deposits of U.S.S.R. territories. The entire US.S.R territory covers an area of approximately eight and a half million square miles, or about one-sixth of the total land surface of the Earth. The first chapters explore the geological features of specific territories, including the mainland, Siberian platform, West Siberian lowlands, Ural Mountains, and Western Arctic and Timan. The remaining chapters deal with other territories, such as the Angara, Pacific Ocean, and Mediterranean geosynclines, Central Asia, and North-Western border of the Mediterranean geosyncline. This book will prove useful to practitioners of general geology, petrology, economic geology, and geography.

This book is written by a leading authority on the subject of magmatic sulfide deposits. An overview of deposit types, accompanied by a summary of the resources of nickel, copper and platinum-group elements in the world’s principal known deposits, is followed by a summary of the relevant physical chemistry. The core of the book comprises a discussion about the geology and geochemistry of each of the deposit types in turn, accompanied by the implications of this data to the origin of the deposits in the light of our understanding of the chemical processes involved. A final chapter focuses on the use of the genetic concepts in exploration.

This invaluable volume set of Advances in Geosciences continues the excellent tradition of the Asia-Oceania scientific community in providing the most up-to-date research results on a wide range of geosciences and environmental science. The information is vital to the understanding of the effects of climate change, extreme weathers on the most populated regions and fastest moving economies in the world. Besides, these volumes also highlight original papers from many prestigious research institutions which are doing cutting edge study in atmospheric physics, hydrological science and water resource, ocean science and coastal study, planetary exploration and solar system science, seismology, tsunamis, upper atmospheric physics and space science.

This invaluable volume set of Advances in Geosciences continues the excellent tradition of the Asia-Oceania scientific community in providing the most up-to-date research results on a wide range of geosciences and environmental science. The information is vital to the understanding of the effects of climate change, extreme weathers on the most populated regions and fastest moving economies in the world. Besides, these volumes also highlight original papers from many prestigious research institutions which are doing cutting edge study in atmospheric physics, hydrological science and water resource, ocean science and coastal study, planetary exploration and solar system science, seismology, tsunamis, upper atmospheric physics and space science.

The former Soviet Union possessed some of the world's largest reserves of energy and mineral resources. With the dissolution of the country in 1991, the former Soviet republics are now exercising complete control over their mining industries. The new Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) consists of several new nations, well-endowed in hydrocarbons, metals, and industrial materials; efforts are now underway to boost development activities and attract foreign investment. Commonwealth members today are implementing policies to regulate energy and mineral development and enhance economic growth. This book provides a comprehensive overview of the energy and minerals industries of the CIS and other former Soviet republics outside the Commonwealth. Prospects for international cooperation and trade in hydrocarbons, metals, and nonmetals are examined, as are opportunities for joint ventures and technology transfers in mining. Economic relations between the CIS and several Asian nations are also analyzed. Contributors to the book from throughout the Commonwealth, Asia, Europe, and North America have a wide variety of backgrounds in the energy and mineral fields, including government, academia, and industry.