Before the 1970's ophiolites were not recognized as important geologic features. Since the inception of plate tectonics, ophiolites have been recognized around the world and subjected to detailed investigation. Ophiolites have been recognized as remnants of oceanic lithosphere obducted onto another lithospheric mass. Not only might they give us a clear cross-section of oceanic lithosphere but they also give a clue to the tectonic setting in which they formed. Through detailed mapping, petrography, and geochemical analyses it has ben determined that ophiolites represent a wide variety of oceanic environments and tectonic settings.
Most studies show an intimate relationship between ophiolites and subduction zone processes.