CASTRO, A., FERNÁNDEZ, C. & VIGNERESSE, J. L. (eds) 1999. Understanding Granites: Integrating New and Classical Techniques. Geological Society Special Publication no. 168. vi+278 pp. London, Bath: Geological Society of London. Price £70.00, US $117.00; members' price £32.00, US $53.00; AAPG/SEPM/GSA price £42.00, US $70.00; hard covers. ISBN 1 86239 058 4.

Abstract

‘Granite magmatism represents a major contribution to crustal growth and recycling and, consequently, is one of the most important mechanisms to have contributed to the geochemical differentiation of the Earth’s crust since the Archean times’, so say the editors of this book. Their aim was to present an integrated approach to granite studies using geophysics, geochemistry, experimental petrology, structural geology, scale modelling and field geology. The book ‘was inspired by the international workshop’ on modern and classical techniques in granite studies held in the University of Huelva, Spain in 1997. Seventeen chapters in the book were written by 30 authors, and many chapters are review papers discussing the development and achievements using particular techniques, such as geophysical imaging and crystal size distribution (CSD). Others describe problem solving using a variety of techniques, e.g. structural, gravitational and geochemical, to interpret pluton emplacement …