Origin of Igneous Rocks

The origin of different kinds of igneous rocks can be understood in terms of the tectonic setting in which they form and in terms of the isotope compositions of strontium, neodymium, and lead they contain. This book explains the petrogenesis of igneous rocks as a consequence of tectonic processes resulting from interactions between asthenopheric plumes and the overlying lithospheric mantle. The relevant principles of isotope geochemistry are explained in Chapter 1 making this book accessible to university students as well as to professionals. The relevant isotopic data are presented in diagrammatic form. In addition, the text avoids the use of acronyms.