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Some basic concepts and thoughts on the space-time-analysis of rocks and mineral deposits in orogenic belts

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  • Entwicklung und allgemeiner Bau der Orogene Frühzeit, Faltungszeit Tiefbau der Orogene
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Abstract

The basic concepts and thoughts presented here are based on observations made during the past fifteen years in orogenic belts of the Alps, the Cordillera of South and North America, the Appalachians, and in the stable areas of the Canadian Shield and the Middle West of the United States.

The constant repetition of the same pattern of problems with regard to space and time criteria in both, rock and ore genesis in all areas and all periods considered, suggests that a more fundamental approach than found so far in the literature may yield some results. This approach tends to separate observations and interpretations more rigidly, and it led to the conclusion that the present bewildering discrepancies of interpretation in rock and ore genesis are essentially due to a fundamental axiomatic difference of approach. The diverging interpretations reveal certain basically different patterns of thought with regard to the origin and evolution of matter in space and time. A brief sketch of the historical development of the present state of theories on rock and ore genesis is offered. Some light is shed on external reasons for the historical developments, and finally an attempt is made to understand the inherent, mostly subconscious reasons for this development and the present situation.

It is suggested that in addition to detailed observations and experiments, we need also an integrated approach. The term “integrated” is defined as a constant inclusion of contemporary knowledge of other fields of science and of philosophy and psychology. It does not appear to be possible to reach a modern theory in the field of rock and ore genesis, or in any other field of science and humanities without breaking the dissociation and isolation between the different fields of human endeavour.

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  1. G. C. Amstutz

    Present address: School of and Metallurgy, University of Missouri, Rolla, Missouri, USA

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    Amstutz, G.C. Some basic concepts and thoughts on the space-time-analysis of rocks and mineral deposits in orogenic belts. Geol Rundsch 50, 165–189 (1960). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01786835

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