Precambrian Of The Northern Hemisphere And General Features Of Early Geological Evolution Obscaja Stratigraficeskaja Skala Dokembrija Engl By Lj Salop Engl Transl Ed By Gm Young

Proposes a generalized subdivision of the Precambrian based on comparative analysis.

Progress in Precambrian geology has been exceptionally great, indeed quite striking for geologists of the older generation; only some 30-40 years ago the Precambrian appeared as an uncertain and even mystic prelude to geologic evolution. Even the very name - Precambrian - means some indi visible unit in the early history of the Earth, the beginning of which is poorly known. At the same time it was obvious that the Precambrian formations are of extremely varied and complex composition and poor knowledge and lack of reliable methods of division and correlation were to blame for the lack of significant progress in studies of this early evolutionary stage of the planet. Certainly, even at the very start of Precambrian studies, the results obtained were quite promising, lifting as they did the mysterious veil over the regional Precambrian; but they presented no general realistic picture of this early stage in the Earth's evolution at that time. Recently, this situation has completely changed, due to new methods of study of the older forma tions, and due also to the refinement of some well-known methods, in particular of division, dating, and correlation of "silent" metamorphic strata. Application of different isotope methods of dating was most impor tant in providing objective rock age and thereby the age of geologic events recorded in these rocks. Thus it became possible to reconstruct the oldest geologic period of our planet.

Precambrian of the Northern Hemisphere

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 information Extensive illustrations, tabulations, and maps Provides a framework for assessing recent hypothesis on Earth dynamics Covers main aspects of distribution, lithostratigraphy, age, and protogenesis of Precambrian rocks

The main goal of this book is to provide a modern comprehensive statement on the Earth's Precambrian crust. It uses geographic and tectonic location, lithostratigraphy, geochronology, and petrogenesis as a basis for considering Precambrian coastal evolution--including the role of plate tectonics. Detailed consideration is given to the endogenic and exogenic processes which formed the continental crust and also to its subsequent secular evolution across Precambrian time**An essential reference volume for every Precambrian geologist.