Archaean volcanism

Abstract

Archaean volcanic rocks contain much of the available geological information about the early evolution of the Earth’s mantle, about the thermal structure of the upper asthenosphere and lithosphere in Archaean time, and about the origins of the continents, oceans and atmosphere. Early life itself may have existed on the flanks of a volcano. Should we be able to understand what information to search for, how to draw it out and then how to digest it, we could learn much about how the Earth’s surface took shape.

Yet is the stocke not lessened nor spent

But still remains in everlasting store

As it first created was of yore:

For in the wide wombe of the world there lyes

In hateful darkness and deepe horrore

An huge eternal Chaos, which supplyes

The substaunces of natures fruitful progenyes

Spenser: Faerie Queen III. vi.