Dear Colleagues,

We hope you consider submitting an abstract for the 2015 GSA meeting to Topical Session T169, 

"The Extremes of Metamorphism"

The recognition of extreme varieties of crustal metamorphism in terms of pressure (P), temperature (T), and/or time (t) has transformed our understanding of metamorphic processes and their role in crustal evolution and geodynamics. From ultrahigh temperature/pressure terranes to low P/T metamorphic environments, very old (Mesoarchean) to very young (Quaternary) metamorphism, and very rapid (<1 Myr) to prolonged (>100 Myr) metamorphic durations, such examples inform us about fundamental Earth properties and processes. However, progress in quantifying the most extreme depths, temperatures, ages, and durations of metamorphic processes has been hindered by inherent difficulties in applying various analytical techniques to these settings. 

This session invites contributions that seek progress in understanding the extremes of crustal metamorphism and their role in crustal evolution, with particular emphasis on using novel and innovative approaches to overcome difficulties in quantifying aspects of such metamorphism, including, but not limited to: trace element thermometry to retrieve peak temperatures, phase equilibria modeling (accounting for evolving effective bulk compositions, open system behaviour, or chemical potential relationships) to construct P–T paths, linking in situ geochronology with trace element data to quantify timing (petrochronology), and integrating zoned geochronology with geospeedometry to constrain metamorphic duration.

Invited speakers include:
Jay Ague (Yale University)
Stacia Gordon (University of Nevada Reno)
Fawna Korhonen (Curtin University/Geological Survey of Western Australia)

This session is sponsored by the GSA Mineralogy, Geochemistry, Petrology, and Volcanology Division and the GSA Structural Geology and Tectonics Division. 

The abstract deadline is August 11.

To submit an abstract, please visit: 

http://community.geosociety.org/gsa2015/science-careers/sessions

Apologies for any cross postings.

Many thanks from the session organizers,

Besim Dragovic, Chris Yakymchuk, Omar Bartoli, and Victor Guevara

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Besim Dragovic
Post-doctoral Associate
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University