Ophiolite Concept and the Evolution of Geological Thought

Boulder, Colorado, U.S.A.: Geological Society of America, 2004. Book. New. Trade Paperback. Reprint. 4to. Reprint. Oversize trade paperback. 512 pp. Since their recognition as on-land remnant of fossil oceanic lithosphere, ophiolites have been a major component of the plate tectonics paradigm. Changing hypotheses about the occurrence, origin, and emplacement of ophiolites mimic the broader advancement of the many facets of geology over 200 years. Continuing controversy over ophiolites raises fascinating scientific, historical, and philosophical questions in the evolution of geological thought. The papers in this book examine our current knowledge about ophiolites and their significance in geological studies through time and provide a historical perspective on many fundamental problems and questions that have arisen as ophiolite studies have evolved. Presenting personal views of the authors on major developments in our understanding of ophiolites, papers in the first part of the volume make the critical connections between some of the important discoveries and the flow of events and personal communications among the scientists that led to these discoveries. Other papers present a thorough chronicle of major developments in ophiolite research and provide a probing critique of how these developments aided our understanding of key scientific problems and questions. Major topics include the classification schemes of ophiolites, the validity of ophiolite-ocean crust analogy based on marine geophysical data, definition of the Moho, magma chamber models and their evolution, the significance of the Troodos massif (Cyprus) in the evolving ophiolite concept, geology of supra-subduction zones, the concept of supra-subduction zone origin of ophiolites, petrofabric features of Alpine-type and Pacific-type metamorphic belts and their implications for the exhumation histories of convergent margin plate junctions, discovery of mélanges, and the history of asbestos discovery and use. The collection in a single volume of divergent perspectives and opposing views on ophiolites and ophiolite studies through time makes this book a vivid account of the scientific process and a unique contribution to the history of science. The book will be of great interest to researchers and students working in the broad fields of petrology and geochemistry, marine geology and geophysics, and tectonics and geodynamics. New..