Anorthosites (Minerals, Rocks and Mountains)

The origin of anorthosites is a major unsolved petrogeneticproblem in igneous petrology. For most of the numerous typesof anorthosite that occur on Earth (and on other planets aswell), we cannot agree as to their parental magma composi-tions, the sources and methods of generation of these mag-mas, the mechanism of plagioclase accumulation, or theirtectonic setting. This book represents the only comprehensi-ve review of what is known and unknown about all anorthositetypes, both terrestrial and extraterrestrial. Descriptive,interpretative, and speculative information is given for alltypes of anorthosite, including therecently discovered an-orthositic meteorites from the Moon. The book is generouslyillustrated, with photographs and diagrams at all scalesfromphotomicrographs to satellite imagery. There are ex-haustive tabulations ofterrestrial anorthosite occurrences,giving their important attributes. A final chapter containsa synthesis of current knowledge and thinking on anorthosi-tes in general, some speculations on their significance inEarth and planetary history, and suggestions for future re-search. This book will be an essential source not only forthose active in anorthosite studies, but also for resear-chers and students interested in the broader aspects ofEarth and planetary history.