The concept of underplating of continental crust by magma is fundamental to tectonics but is difficult to evaluate because there is as yet little documented geological evidence. This project is a field-based study of an exposed zone of probable crustal under- plating in the Ivrea-Verbano zone of the northern Italian Alps. This zone provides an exceptional cross-section of lower continental crustal rocks extensively intruded by mafic igneous rocks. A new 1:25,000 geologic map will be prepared across the Ivrea-Verbano zone, and structural and kinematic studies will be undertaken at the same time. Close collaboration with Italian geologists working in the area will be maintained throughout. The field mapping will form a basis for future detailed petrological, geochemical, and geochronological studies aimed at understanding the physical and chemical evolution of the underplated region. The results of this study will allow development of a general model, for and will considerably improve our understanding of, the origin and evolution of underplated continental crust in tectonically active regions.
