The 32 papers in this volume examine the mode and nature of igneous, metamorphic, tectonic, sedimentological, and biological processes associated with the evolution of oceanic crust in different tectonic settings in Earth history as revealed in various ophiolites and ophiolite belts around the world, and the geodynamic significance of these ophiolites in the evolution of different orogenic systems. Divided into six thematic sections, the book presents a wealth of new data and syntheses from mainly Phanerozoic ophiolites around the world.

Wright (geology, U. of Georgia) and Shervais (geology, Utah State U.) edit selections from a symposium titled "Ophiolites, Batholiths, and Regional Geology: A Session in Honor of Cliff Hopson" held at the Cordilleran Section Meeting of The Geological Society of America in 2005. With contributions from geologists and earth scientists from throughout the United States, the title contains separate sections for papers on the topics of ophiolites, arcs, and batholiths. The publication is illustrated in both black-and-white and color, but contains no index.

The Eastern Mediterranean region is a classic area for the study of tectonic processes and settings related to the development of the Tethyan orogenic belt. The present set of research and synthesis papers by earth scientists from countries in this region and others provides an up-to-date, interdisciplinary overview of the tectonic development of the Eastern Mediterranean region from Precambrian to Recent. Key topics include continental rifting, ophiolite genesis and emplacement, continental collision, extensional tectonics, crustal exhumation and intra-plate deformation (e.g. active faulting). Alternative tectonic reconstructions of the Tethyan orogen are presented and discussed, with important implications for other regions of the world. The book will be an essential source of information and interpretation for academic researchers (geologists and geophysicists), advanced undergraduates and also for industry professionals, including those concerned with hydrocarbons, minerals and geological hazards (e.g. earthquakes).

"Inspired by a GSA Penrose Conference held in Lander, Wyoming, June 14-18, 2006, this volume discusses the beginning and evolution of plate tectonics on Earth, and gives readers an introduction to some of the uncertainties and controversies related to the evolution of the planet. In the first three sections of the book, which cover isotopic, geochemical, metamorphic, mineralization, and mantle geodynamic constraints, a variety of papers address the question of when "modern-style" plate tectonics began on planet Earth. The next set of papers focuses on the geodynamic or geophysical constraints for the beginning of plate tectonics. The volume's final section synthesizes a broad range of evidence, from planetary analogues and geodynamic modeling, to Earth's preserved geologic record. This work provides an excellent graduate level text summarizing the current state of knowledge and will be of interest to a wide range of earth and planetary scientists."--Publisher's website.

Volume 1A: Principles of Geologic AnalysisA "how-to" primer describes the basic concepts petroleum geologists and students need to understand hydrocarbon exploration in a broad range of geological settings globally. Volume 1B: Phanerozoic Rift Systems and Sedimentary BasinsIncorporates industry data to present regional seismic lines and cross sections to accurately document and analyze proven hydrocarbon systems. It also includes summaries of analogue and theoretical models as an essential backdrop to the structure and stratigraphy of a variety of geological settings. Volume 1C: Phanerozoic Passive Margins, Cratonic Basins and Global Tectonic MapsFocuses on both volcanic and non-volcanic passive margins as well as cratonic basins—critical habitats for hydrocarbons. It provides a unique basis for comparison of different passive margins and for an understanding of their structural and stratigraphic evolution, as well as their petroleum systems—especially useful to explorationists working in deep-water basins and researchers examining the tectonic evolution of the continent-ocean transition. A vast amount of data to enable hydrocarbon play assessments and analysis on passive margins is also included in this thorough yet accessible reference. Individual volumes can also be purchased:978044453042497804445635699780444563576 Volume 1A discusses in detail the principles of regional geological analysis and the main geological and geophysical tools used in basin analysis Volume 1B features simple documentation and analysis of major rift systems developed in contrasting geological settings as well as in-depth analyses of active rifts in various regions all over the world for immediately implementable petroleum exploration applications Volume 1C features real-world case studies and analyses, useful summaries of analogue and theoretical models, thorough documentation of numerous passive margins that are the focus of deep water oil exploration, and unique tectonic maps facilitating access to exact basin locations and their tectonic settings A companion website offers select downloadable images from the books: http://booksite.elsevier.com/9780444530424/index.php