Large Igneous Provinces: Petrogenesis, Mineralization, and Environmental Impact
A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Mineral Geochemistry and Geochronology".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 April 2026 | Viewed by 929
Special Issue Editors
Interests: igneous petrology; large igneous province; plume–subducted slab interaction; ore deposit
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Interests: igneous petrology; large igneous province; mantle plume
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
Large igneous provinces (LIPs), as Earth’s largest event, play pivotal roles in shaping crustal evolution, driving large-scale mineralization events, and triggering profound environmental perturbations throughout geological history. Their episodic emplacement not only redefines lithospheric architecture but also serves as a critical driver in modulating the Earth’s habitability by altering atmospheric–oceanic redox states, biogeochemical cycles, and biotic evolution. Despite their significance, the complex interplay between LIP magmatism, ore-forming processes, and environmental consequences—particularly their dual role as both disruptors and enablers of planetary habitability—remains inadequately explored through integrative multidisciplinary frameworks.
This Special Issue aims to synthesize cutting-edge research on LIPs by bridging petrogenetic studies, mineralization mechanisms, and environmental impact assessments. Submissions that address critical knowledge gaps in the following areas are preferred:
1) Petrogenesis—What mantle and crustal processes govern the generation, emplacement, and geochemical evolution of large igneous province (LIP) magmas? How do plume–lithosphere interactions and crustal assimilation influence melt composition?
2) Metallogenesis—How do LIP-related magmatic–hydrothermal systems concentrate critical metals (e.g., Cr, Ni, Cu, PGEs, V-Ti-Fe, REE, and diamond)? What tectonic and geochemical thresholds distinguish barren from ore-forming LIP events?
3) Environmental Impact—To what extent do LIP volcanism and degassing drive past climate crises, biogeochemical cycles, and mass extinctions? Can quantitative models reconcile the timing and magnitude of environmental responses with magmatic pulses?
4) Habitability Connections—How have LIPs influenced the Earth’s long-term habitability through volatile fluxes (CO₂, SO₂, halogens), weathering feedbacks, and nutrient cycling? Do LIPs represent geodynamic tipping points that reset planetary conditions, fostering subsequent biological innovation?
Prof. Dr. Zhaochong Zhang
Dr. Zhiguo Cheng
Guest Editors
Manuscript Submission Information
Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.
Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.
Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.
Keywords
- mantle plumes
- volcanic systems
- geodynamics
- ore deposits
- climate change
- mass extinctions
- earth's habitability
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
- Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
- Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
- Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
- External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
- Reprint: MDPI Books provides the opportunity to republish successful Special Issues in book format, both online and in print.
Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.
