Archean Evolution of the Pilbara Craton and Fortescue Basin

Is the geology of these scattered remnants of our planet’s early crust consistent with the theory that modern-style plate-tectonic processes operated from the early Archean, or does it indicate that tectonic and magmatic processes were different in the Archean?

Format: Hardback
Length: 465 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

One of the most significant and contentious geoscientific debates revolves around the origin of the Archean granite-greenstone terranes. The geology of these scattered remnants of our planet's early crust raises crucial questions: Is it consistent with the theory that modern-style plate-tectonic processes operated from the early Archean era, or does it indicate distinct tectonic and magmatic processes in that period? Earth's evolution since its formation is evident, so at what stage did its crustal growth processes first resemble those of today? To find answers to these intriguing and vital questions, it is essential to explore the best-preserved early Archean crust.

The Pilbara region in northwest Australia is renowned for its abundant and remarkably well-preserved fossil evidence of early life. However, until recently, this area has received less attention for the significant evidence it provides on early Archean crustal evolution. This book presents and interprets this evidence through a new stage-by-stage account of the development of the Pilbara's geological record between 3.53 and 2.63 Ga.

The Archean Pilbara crust forms a part of Earth's oldest known supercontinent, Vaalbara, which also encompassed the Kaapvaal Craton in southern Africa. The recognition of Vaalbara expands the background database for both these regions, enabling a more comprehensive understanding of each.

Weight: 928g
Dimension: 235 x 155 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031180057
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023