The Tethys oceanic realm, which separated North America, Europe, and Asia from South America, Africa, India, Australia, and Antarctica during the Mesozoic period, offers unique insights into the evolution of a fossil ocean and of the Earth's global behavior. This eighth volume in The Ocean Basins and Margins series, the first exploration of an ancient ocean, examines the Tethys from a multitude of perspectives. The book describes the results of a five-year, multidisciplinary research project (the Tethys project), which involved the collaboration of more than 100 international experts. Highlights of this extraordinary reference include a synthesis of the plate-tectonic history of Tethys, featuring new data on its geodynamic evolution; revealing Mesozoic paleogeographic reconstructions; a series of syntheses of Tethyan resources and sedimentation; and discussions on the part played by Tethys in the evolution of the Northern Andes. In addition, the volume introduces the concept of seuils lithospheriques, physiographic cratonic barriers that influenced Tethyan ocean dynamics. Extensive bibliographies make this volume an excellent sourcebook for investigators conducting ongoing research in this area.

''A voluminous encyclopedia of Tethyan geology and, as such, it provides an invaluable source of information for those interested in this region, and Earth history in general...The book is a must for the libraries of universities and geologic institutions.'' --- Palaios, October 1997 Volume 8 focuses on the Tethys oceanic realm and introduces new concepts such as 'transit plates' and 'seuils lithospheriques.' Contributors include new guides to understanding the distribution of Tethyan mineral and organic resources, and present insights into the role of carbonate platforms. Chapters are abundant with maps and illustrations.