This book is for senior undergraduate or postgraduate students who want an insight into some modern approaches to metamorphic petrology. Its aims are to explain, in reasonably simple, informal terms, the processes underlying (i) metamorphic reactions and (ii) the production of micro structures in metamorphic rocks, these currently being the things that interest me most, geologically. The first aim requires discussion of equilibrium factors, reaction kinetics and reaction mechanisms, empha sising both the complexity of realistic reactions and the need to combine the chemical and microstructural approaches to them. The second aim requires discussion of deformation, recovery, recrystallisation and grain growth processes, with emphasis on experiments on silicate minerals. The book concludes with a general attempt to relate chemical and physical processes in metamorphism, although it will be clear from reading earlier chapters (especially Chapter 4) that the two aspects can rarely be separated completely in detailed metamorphic studies. Petrological and experimental investigations of metamorphic reactions and microstructural development are advancing so rapidly these days that students are faced with an ever-increasing volume of information and a relatively rapid obsolescence of data. So, in this book I do not try to be comprehensive, or to present much so-called 'factual' information. Instead, I deal more with basic principles, in the hope that these will guide the student in his or her encounters with the details of specific metamorphic problems."

Principles of Metamorphic Petrology provides a modern introduction to the latest ideas, techniques and approaches in the study of metamorphic rocks. The book begins with basic concepts, but advances further than most other metamorphic petrology texts. Examples of this include the latest chemographic approaches, the correct use of pseudosections and the application of x-ray compositional mapping to metamorphic problems. It also covers recent advances in thermobarometry and the application of modern geochronological techniques to the absolute timing of tectonometamorphic events. Determination of parent rocks is covered in detail and there is a modern exposition of partial melting reactions, melt extraction and deformation of migmatites. The book includes a large number of references to lead students into independent investigation. A valuable text for advanced undergraduate and graduate courses in metamorphic petrology, that serves as the most current reference for researchers and exploration geologists.