Principles of Precambrian 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 informationExtensive illustrations, tabulations, and mapsProvides a framework for assessing recent hypothesis on Earth dynamicsCovers main aspects of distribution, lithostratigraphy, age, and protogenesis of Precambrian rocks

(Chapter Headings): Distribution and Tectonic Setting of Precambrian Crust. Archean Crust. Early Proterozoic Crust. Mid-Proterozoic Crust. Late Proterozoic Crust. Evolution of the Continental Crust. Subject Index.
Distribution and Tectonic Setting of Precambrian Crust: Introduction. Global Distribution. Radiometric Dating. Orogenies and Tectonic Cycles. Precambrian Classification Scheme. Geologic Setting by Craton. Archean Crust: Introduction. Cathaysian Craton. Siberian Craton. East European Craton. Greenland Shield (North American Craton). South American Craton. African Craton: Southern Africa. African Craton: Central Africa. African Craton: West African Craton and Trans-Saharan Mobile Belt. IndianCraton. Australian Craton. Early Proterozoic Crust: Introduction. Cathaysian Craton. Siberian Craton. East European Craton. Greenland Shield (North American Craton). North American Craton (Less Greenland Shield). South American Craton. African Craton: Southern Africa. African Craton: Central (Equatorial) Africa. African Craton: Northwest Africa. African Craton: Northeast Africa and Arabia. Indian Craton. Australian Craton. Antarctic Craton. Mid-Proterozoic Crust: Introduction. Cathaysian Craton. Siberian Craton. East European Craton. Greenland Shield (North American Craton). North American Craton (Less Greenland Shield). South American Craton. African Craton: Southern Africa. African Craton: Southern Africa. African Craton: Central Africa. African Craton: Northern Africa. Indian Craton. Australian Craton. Antarctic Craton. Late Proterozoic Crust: Introduction. Cathaysian Craton. Siberian Craton. East European Craton. Greenland Shield (North American Craton). North American Craton (Less Greenland Shield). South American Craton. African Craton: Southern Africa. African Craton: Central Africa. African Craton: Northwest Africa. African Craton: Northeast Africa. Indian Craton. Australian Craton. Antarctic Craton. Evolution of the Continental Crust: Introduction. Endogenous Processes and Products. Summary Crustal Development by Stage. Preferred Model for the Evolution of the Continental Crust. References. Subject Index.