At a time when 'textural' evidence is regarded as being 'obvious' ( . . . ) it becomes more and more difficult to find illustrations or even descriptions of the arrangements of the various constituents of 'traumatized' rocks. It is helpful in consequence to advise geology students that the study of thin sections is not only concerned with the identification of their mineral content. To do so would mean they could not see the wood for the trees. Accurate identification of the indi vidual minerals that form rocks is fundamental in their description but the analysis of their textures and habits is also essential. Study of textural features enforces constraints upon the inter pretation of the origin and history of a rock. The analysis of micro textures cannot and should never be an aim in itself, out must be sup ported by qualitative and quantitative correlations with theories of petrogenesis. The aim here is to help the reader to bridge the gap between his observations of rocks unqer the microscope and petrogenetic theories. The habits or architectures of crystals in rocks may resemble those studied by metallurgists and glass scientists. Analysis of micro textures is undergoing change engendered by comparisonS between manu factured and hence minerals. This can be seen from the increased number of publications dealing with crystal ~rowth or deformation processes at microscopic scales to which the name of 'nanotectonics' has been applied.

At a time when 'textural' evidence is regarded as being 'obvious' ( . . . ) it becomes more and more difficult to find illustrations or even descriptions of the arrangements of the various constituents of 'traumatized' rocks. It is helpful in consequence to advise geology students that the study of thin sections is not only concerned with the identification of their mineral content. To do so would mean they could not see the wood for the trees. Accurate identification of the indi vidual minerals that form rocks is fundamental in their description but the analysis of their textures and habits is also essential. Study of textural features enforces constraints upon the inter pretation of the origin and history of a rock. The analysis of micro textures cannot and should never be an aim in itself, out must be sup ported by qualitative and quantitative correlations with theories of petrogenesis. The aim here is to help the reader to bridge the gap between his observations of rocks unqer the microscope and petrogenetic theories. The habits or architectures of crystals in rocks may resemble those studied by metallurgists and glass scientists. Analysis of micro textures is undergoing change engendered by comparisonS between manu factured and hence minerals. This can be seen from the increased number of publications dealing with crystal ~rowth or deformation processes at microscopic scales to which the name of 'nanotectonics' has been applied.

This is the first modern text to provide a thorough integrated treatment of those parts of the subject that use the polarizing microscope as the central analytical tool. The book is divided into three parts and a comprehensive glossary/index provides easy access to the contents of the book.

An introduction to the thin section description and interpretation of metamorphic rocks, their textures, and microstructures, for advanced undergraduate and graduate geology students. Sections cover some of the broader aspects of metamorphism and metamorphic rocks, the basics of description and interpretation of the textural/microstructural features from the simplest to the more complex, and advanced interpretations in polydeformed and polymetamorphosed rocks. Also available in paper (02414-2), $29.95. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

This is the eBook of the printed book and may not include any media, website access codes, or print supplements that may come packaged with the bound book. For a combined, one-semester, junior/senior-level course in Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology. Also useful for programs that teach Igneous Petrology and Metamorphic Petrology. Typical texts on igneous and metamorphic petrology are geared to either advanced or novice petrology students. This unique text offers comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of both igneous and metamorphic petrology in a single volume–and provides the quantitative and technical background required to critically evaluate igneous and metamorphic phenomena in a way that students at all levels can understand. The goal throughout is for students to be able to apply the techniques–and enjoy the insights of the results–rather than tinker with theory and develop everything from first principles.

Not until recently has the mid-Atlantic Piedmont region of the Appalachians been viewed from plate tectonic theory. Eight papers derived from 1995 and 1997 symposia of the Northeastern section of the Geological Society of America help fill in this gap. With chapters arranged by geographic location f

Metamorphic Textures provides definitions, descriptions and illustrations of metamorphic textures, as well as the fundamental processes involved in textural development. This book is composed of 11 chapters and begins with a presentation of the metamorphic processes and the production of metamorphic minerals. The subsequent chapters describe the structural classification of grain boundaries, the metamorphic reactions, mineral transformations, and the crystallization and recrystallization of metamorphic rocks. These topics are followed by the texture examination of thermal metamorphic rocks and minerals and the preferred orientations of these rocks, particularly the dimensional and lattice preferred orientation. Other chapters survey the textures of rocks under dynamic and shock metamorphism. The final chapters describe the textures of regional and polymetamorphism. This book will be of great use to petrologists, physicists, and graduate and undergraduate petrology students.

A clear understanding of the processes responsible for observed rock microstructures is essential for making reliable petrogenetic interpretations, including inferences made from chemical and isotopic analyses of minerals. This volume presents a comprehensive survey of rock microstructures, emphasising basic concepts and the latest methods, while highlighting potential pitfalls in the interpretation of the origin of rock microstructure. Richly illustrated with over 250 colour photographs, including more than 10 percent new photomicrographs and several mesoscopic images, it demonstrates the basic processes responsible for the wide variety of microstructures in igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rocks. This second edition includes extensive updates to the coverage of igneous rocks as well as recent ideas on physical processes in migmatites and partial melting of sedimentary rocks. This practical guide will continue to be an invaluable resource to advanced students and early-career researchers of mineralogy, petrology and structural geology, as well as professional geologists and material scientists.

A major international text for intermediate and advanced students of metamorphic petrology.

This book describes metamorphic rock formation mechanisms in a simplified form. It presents the geometrical rules which control mineral assemblages as a function of rock composition, and provides the basis of a thermodynamical approach used for equilibrium slope calculations as well as for the evaluation of P, T stability fields of mineral associations. On the basis of several examples from the literature, the author emphasizes the relations between different metamorphic gradients and different geodynamic situations. Associated P-T-t paths are examined from several points of view including the respective roles of heat conduction and convection. Audience: This textbook will be useful to undergraduate students in geology, but also to research students and scientists needing to rapidly update their knowledge of metamorphism. It is also accessible to anybody interested in geosciences wanting to acquire a basic knowledge of the close relationships that exist between geodynamics and metamorphic processes.