Large igneous provinces (LIPs) are intraplate magmatic events, involving volumes of mainly mafic magma upwards of 100,000 km3, and often above 1 million km3. They are linked to continental break-up, global environmental catastrophes, regional upliftand a variety of ore deposit types. In this up-to-date, fascinating book, leading expert Richard E. Ernst explores all aspects of LIPs, beginning by introducing their definition and essential characteristics. Topics covered include continental and oceanic LIPs; their origins, structures, and geochemistry; geological and environmental effects; association with silicic, carbonatite and kimberlite magmatism; and analogues of LIPs in the Archean, and on other planets. The book concludes with an assessment of LIPs´ influence on natural resources such as mineral deposits, petroleum and aquifers. This is a one-stop resource for researchers and graduate students in a wide range of disciplines, including tectonics, igneous petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, Earth history, and planetary geology, and for mining industry professionals. Preface; 1. Introduction, definition, and general characteristics; 2. Essential criteria: distinguishing LIP from non-LIP events; 3. Continental flood basalts and volcanic rifted margins; 4. Oceanic LIPs: oceanic plateaus and ocean basin flood basalts and their remnants through time; 5. Plumbing system of LIPs; 6. Archean LIPs; 7. Planetary LIPs; 8. Silicic (felsic) LIPs; 9. Links with carbonatites, kimberlites, and lamprophyres/lamproites; 10. Geochemistry of LIPs; 11. LIPs and topographic changes; 12. LIPs and rifting; 13. LIPs and links with contractional structures; 14. LIPs and environmental catastrophes; 15. Assessing the origin of LIPs; 16. LIPs and implications for mineral, hydrocarbon and water resources; References; Index. This book explores all aspects of large igneous provinces as key processes in shaping our planet, for researchers, graduate students and mining industry professionals.
