The evolution and differentiation of the continental crust pose fundamental questions that are being addressed by new research concerning melting, melt extraction and transport through the crust, and the effect of melt on crustal rheology. Insights into crustal processes have been triggered by combined field observations and laboratory experiments, supported by developments in numerical modelling. Opening chapters cover the structure of the continents, controls on heat production and the composition, differentiation and evolution of continental crust. The role of arc magmatism in the Phanerozoic and crustal generation in the Archean are addressed. Two regional examples illustrate the modification and differentiation of continental crust. Process-oriented chapters cover melting, melt extraction and migration, and crustal rheology. The final chapters review the emplacement and growth of plutons and outline a modeling approach to the physical controls on crustal differentiation. This is a valuable summary of recent advances for graduate students and research workers.

Table of Contents

Preface; 1. Introduction Michael Brown and Tracy Rushmer; 2. Structure of the continental lithosphere Alan Levander, Adrian Lenardic and Karl E. Karlstrom; 3. Thermo-mechanical controls on heat production distributions and the long-term evolution of the continents Mike Sandiford and Sandra McLaren; 4. Composition, differentiation, and evolution of continental crust: constraints from sedimentary rocks and heat flow Scott M. McLennan, Stuart Ross Taylor and Sidney R. Hemming; 5. The significance of Phanerozoic arc magmatism in generating continental crust Jon P. Davidson and Richard J. Arculus; 6. Crustal generation in the Archean Hugh Rollinson; 7. Structural and metamorphic processes in the lower crust: evidence from a deep-crustal isobarically-cooled terrane, Canada Michael L. Williams and Simon Hanmer; 8. Nature and evolution of the middle crust: heterogeneity of structure and process due to pluton-enhanced tectonism Karl E. Karlstrom and Michael L. Williams; 9. Melting of the continental crust: fluid regimes, melting reactions and source-rock fertility John D. Clemens; 10. Melt extraction from lower continental crust of orogens: the field evidence Michael Brown; 11. The extraction of melt from crustal protoliths and the flow behavior of partially molten crustal rocks: an experimental perspective Ernie H. Rutter and J. Mecklenburgh; 12. Melt migration in the continental crust and generation of lower crustal permeability: inferences from modeling and experimental studies Tracy Rushmer and Steve Miller; 13. Emplacement and growth of plutons: implications for rates of melting and mass transfer in continental crust Alexander R. Cruden; 14. Elements of a modeling approach to the physical controls on crustal differentiation George W. Bergantz and Scott A. Barboza.