Classic Rock Tours 2. Exploring a Famous Ophiolite: A Guide to the Bay of Islands Igneous Complex in Gros Morne National Park, Western Newfoundland, Canada

Ophiolites, once misunderstood as parts of vast layered mafic intrusions, are now recognized as crucial remnants of ancient oceanic crust that offer profound insights into global tectonics. Research at the Bay of Islands Igneous Complex in Gros Morne National Park revolutionized understanding of these geological formations by linking them to subduction-influenced environments rather than mid-ocean ridges. This complex, one of the best-preserved and accessible ophiolites globally, provides rare exposures of the Moho (the crust-mantle boundary) and underlying upper mantle rocks, enabling detailed study of oceanic crust formation and continental emplacement mechanisms. The article synthesizes this historical context with four self-guided field excursions, ranging from roadside outcrops to challenging off-trail hikes, allowing visitors to explore classic geological features in a surreal landscape. This work underscores the ongoing significance of ophiolites in unraveling Earth's tectonic history and their role in shaping continental margins.

Kerr, A. (2019). Classic Rock Tours 2. Exploring a Famous Ophiolite: A Guide to the Bay of Islands Igneous Complex in Gros Morne National Park, Western Newfoundland, Canada. Geoscience Canada, 101–136. https://doi.org/10.12789/geocanj.2019.46.149