Oceanic basalts are the most abundant rock type found at the earth's surface, and as such they have been the subject of considerable research, particularly since the concept of sea-floor spreading became widely accepted. This book provides a review of these rocks, first dicussing how we sample the ocean floor and what we know about the structure of the oceanic crust, followed by an overview of the various regional settings (Pacific crust, Atlantic crust, marginal basins, seamounts and islands) and finally examines the main processes (and their interactions) which prevail during the generation and emplacement of oceanic basalt magmas. This is a volume for geologists, geochemists and geophysicists and a source of reference for advanced undergraduate students and postgraduates in these disciplines.
...an excellent reference source and it will be used for both final-year undergraduates and researchers working in the field. - Scientific Drilling; ...this new book is particularly welcome. Peter Floyd has an imaginative group of authors of varying interest and experience.... abundant discussion of novel ideas and there are many references to recent work.. - Terra Books; ...a useful review and handbook - Chemical Geology