Global Extreme Geological Systems Review

Abstract

Extreme geological systems provide useful observational anchors for Earth-system analysis.

These include the deepest basins, highest mountain ranges, oldest crustal regions, largest volcanic provinces, and most concentrated resource districts.

This paper reviews major geological extremes as persistent reference systems.

Extreme Classes

• Oceanic depth extremes
• Mountain elevation extremes
• Ancient shield systems
• Large igneous provinces
• Resource concentration districts
• Structural corridor systems
• Basin persistence systems
• Planetary-scale anchors

Review Principle

Extreme systems often preserve observational information that remains visible across immense spatial and temporal scales.