Progresses in deciphering structures and compositions of basement rocks

The information provided by the analysis of structures and compositions of metamorphicand igneous rocks is the key for understanding and reconstructing the evolution of the Earth’slithosphere. Indeed, the study of basement rocks has been constantly stimulating an excitingdebate within the geological community. New frontiers have been opened in this field byadopting multidisciplinary approaches, based on multiscale structural analysis and study ofthe chemical and isotopic composition of rocks and minerals.Over the last twenty years, structural analysis, geochemistry, geochronology, andexperimental petrology benefited from fast improvements of analytical techniques. Suchquantitative multidisciplinary approach has contributed to develop new ways of thinkingabout the tectono-metamorphic evolution of basement complexes.This special issue deals with the integration of field and laboratory analytical techniquesthat is indispensable to provide modern interpretations on tectono-metamorphic evolutionof crystalline basement units within mono- and poly-cyclic belts. Indeed part of the papershere collected are dedicated to methodologies and pioneering techniques recently adoptedto furnish successful strategies in the study of igneous and metamorphic rocks and theirconstituting minerals. Other contributions are devoted to illustrate the most recent progressesin the knowledge of the metamorphic and igneous complexes that crop out in the Italianregions, with particular regards to the Alps, Sardinia, and Calabrian-Peloritani Orogen.Most of the following contributions contain topics that were originally presented during theWorkshop “The “art” of deciphering structures and compositions of basement rocks: researchadvancements and investigation strategies in the study of crystalline basements” held at theSGI-SIMP 2014 congress in Milan (Italy) that inspired the compilation of this volume. Thefirst two contributions focus on the regional geology and tectonic evolution of two importantcrystalline complexes of Italy.