| Summary: | The Svalbard archipelago and its principal island, Spitsbergen, respectively about the size of Scotland and Switzerland, have a wealth in variety and complexity in stratigraphy and structure no less than those classic areas. Moreover, with an international history and present treaty status many nations have participated in research, and the geological literature currently comprising far more than 3000 publications is widely scattered and rapidly increasing. There are indeed excellent published geological outlines, but no comprehensive work. This work presents the detailed geology of Svalbard. It arises from about 50 years of research in many aspects of Svalbard geology by the author with many colleagues and collaborato~ It is arranged systematically as a definitive study reflecting the present conjuncture of research. It thus meets the needs of specialists with convenient information on related fields or of any geoscientist surveying some aspect of global geology for an indication of what is known about this key region. This work is planned as an integrated synthesi~ Part I is introductory, setting the stage. Chapter 3 in particular outlines the main geological features and the principal geological conventions used throughout. Part 2 divides Svalbard into eight regions/sectors and each chapter describes these with minimal interpretation. The rock successions are listed from the top down as observed, and the structures are outlined and to some extent illustrated. Part 3, in forward time sequence, interprets historical events and environments. Part 4 comprises a summary of the economic aspects of Svaibard geology and three alphabetical lists as reference aids namely place names, stratigraphic names and general index. There is also an extensive reference list, which will be a significant bibliographic resource for researchers of Svalbard geology.
|
|---|