Equilibrium and Kinetics in Contact Metamorphism

A multidisciplinary study of the Ballachulish Igneous Complex in Scotland and its thermal aureole. This contact metamorphism investigation covers equilibrium aspects of rock- and mineral-forming processes and draws upon a range of specialisms to reinforce its assessment, including an isograd grid.

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This text is a multidisciplinary study by geologists, mineralogists, petrographists and geophysicists on the Ballachulish Igneous Complex (Scotland) and its thermal aureole. It represents the most comprehensive investigation of contact metamorphism to date. The aim of this work is to investigate equilibrium and kinetic aspects of rock- and mineral-forming processes in a well-constrained natural setting. The individual studies include a wide range of disciplines: field mapping, magnetic and gravity surveys and detailed microscopy and geothermal modelling. A grid of isograds surrounding the igneous complex, based on mineral reactions due to contact metamorphism is established. The associated cooling history has been constructed by thermal modelling. Time-temperature paths for different distances to the contact are related to the observed mineral reactions. The detailed information in the book has broad applications to other intrusions and their aureoles. This monograph on petrology, mineralogy, geochemistry, crystallography and geophysics is intended for researchers and students.