As a final product of the International Geological Correlation Program (IGCP) Project 217, this volume brings together significant advances in the understanding of Proterozoic crustal evolution. This IGCP Project focussed on nine research objectives: 1) Comparison of Archean and Proterozoic supracrustal assemblages to more fully understand differences between Archean and post-Archean tectonic regimes; 2) To more fully understand the geochemical differences between Archean and post-Archean sediments and to evaluate the various factors that control sediment composition; 3) From combined U/Pb zircon and whole-rock Sm/Nd studies, to see if the apparent 2.4-2.0 continental crust "generation gap" is real; 4) To employ new techniques in the dating of individual zircons to more fully understand Proterozoic tectonic history and the role of crustal reworking; 5) From trace element ratios and Nd isotopic data from basalts, to better understand Proterozoic mantle evolution; 6) To encourage more detailed studies of the anorogenic granite-anorthosite association to better understand its origin and significance in terms of crustal evolution; 7) From combined Nd, Pb, and Sr isotopic data, to more precisely estimate the amount of new continental crust formed during the Proterozoic; 8) To encourage joint P-T and geochronological studies of Proterozoic and high-grade terranes to better understand Proterozoic orogenesis: and 9) To try and understand why hydrothermal precious metal deposits are relatively rare in the Proterozoic compared to both the Archean and the Phanerozoic. The book should be of interest to professionals in the geosciences (especially geochemists, petrologists and structural geologists) and graduate students in the same fields.

First published in 1992, The Proterozoic Biosphere was the first major study of the paleobiology of the Proterozoic Earth.

The Early Proterozoic Michigamme Formation of northern Michigan was deposited in the southeastern part of the Animikie basin. The formation conformably overlies the Goodrich Quartzite and comprises three widespread members a lower member of thin-bedded shale, siltstone, and sandstone; the Bijiki Iron-formation Member; and an upper member of tur- biditic graywacke, siltstone, and mudstone and a few local members. The Goodrich Quartzite is interpreted as having been deposited in a tidally influenced shallow marine environ- ment. The lower member of the Michigamme is interpreted as having been deposited in a tidally influenced environment, the iron-formation member as having been deposited below wave base in somewhat deeper water, and the upper member as having been deposited in still deeper water with turbidity currents being a major depositional mechanism. Several lines of evidence including paleocurrents, paleo- geographic setting, and neodymium isotopes suggest that the graywacke of the southern part of the outcrop area was derived from the south (Early Proterozoic Wisconsin magmatic terranes, Archean miniplates, and older Early Proterozoic sedimentary units formed on the continental margin), and that the graywacke in the northern area was derived from an Archean terrane to the north. The tectonic model that best fits the available data is a northward-migrating foreland basin.

Summaries of the major features of the geology of North America and the adjacent oceanic regions are presented in 20 chapters. Topics covered include concise reviews of current thinking about Precambrian basement, Phanerozoic orogens, cratonic basins, passive-margin geology of the Atlantic and Gulf Coast regions, marine and terrestrial geology of the Caribbean region and economic geology.

Principles of Precambrian Geologyis an update to the 1991 book, Precambrian Geology: The Dynamic Evolution of the Continental Crust, by the same author. The new edition covers the same topics in a more concise and accessible format and is replete with explanatory figures, tables, and illustrations. The book serves as a modern comprehensive statement on the Earth's Precambrian crust, covering the main aspects of distribution, lithiostratigraphy, age, and petrogenesis of Precambrian rocks by continent within the context of the Earth's evolving continental crust. Principles of Precambrian Geology provides a suitable framework for assessing various Earth dynamic and biospheric hypotheses, including the modern plate tectonic paradigm and the Gaian hypothesis. Despite the concise format, the new edition provides extensive updated references to support the information presented. It is designed to serve the needs of student, teacher, explorationist and general student of the continental crust. - Updated to provide more concise accessible information - Extensive illustrations, tabulations, and maps - Provides a framework for assessing recent hypothesis on Earth dynamics - Covers main aspects of distribution, lithostratigraphy, age, and protogenesis of Precambrian rocks