Carbonatites, alkaline rocks and the mantle: a special issue dedicated to Keith Bell

This issue of Mineralogy and Petrology on carbonatites, alkaline rocks and the mantle shall intrigue those interested in carbonatite-alkaline complexes and mafic magmatism. The latter association has recently generated much research interest with the investigation of carbonatite/alkaline complexes coeval with volcanism associated with large igneous provinces (LIPs). This volume is published in honour of Prof. Keith Bell, who is recognized as one of the pioneers in using radiogenic isotopes to evaluate the evolution and mantle sources of carbonated and alkaline magmas. The details of his contributions in these areas are summarized by Professor Simonetti in the preface to this volume. While including a few invited papers dealing with the petrography, mineral and rock chemistry, and isotopic compositions of flood basalts, this issue of Mineralogy and Petrology also features research contributions akin to the interests of Prof. Bell.