• Volume 83,Issue 3,2009 Table of Contents
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    • New species of Saurichthys (Actinopterygii: Saurichthyidae) from Middle Triassic (Anisian) of Yunnan Province, China

      2009, 83(3):440-450.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Saurichthys dawaziensis sp. nov., from the third member of the Gejiu Formation (Anisian of Middle Triassic) in the vicinity of Luoping, Yunnan Province, is a small to medium- sized saurichthyid fish. It is characterized by the efferent pseudobranchial arteries penetrating on the parasphenoid and the mandible sensory canal with a branch in the angular. The new species is more derived than the Lower Triassic species in having a relatively narrow postorbital region, short preopercular, single ossification of the sclerotic ring, small haemal arches between the pelvic fins and the anal fin without ossified spines, and in the absence of quadratojugal. It is more primitive than the Middle and Upper Triassic Saurichthys in having fringing fulcra and numerous segments in the unpaired fins, and the presence of both prae- and post-zygapophyses in the neural arches. Some anatomic changes related to the vertebral column and unpaired fins of the genus are also discussed.

    • Biodiversity and Sequence of the Middle Triassic Panxian Marine Reptile Fauna, Guizhou Province, China

      2009, 83(3):451-459.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The Middle Triassic Panxian fauna is a physical marker and representative record of the rapid recovery of the Triassic marine ecosystem following the Early Triassic stagnant stage after the end-Permian mass extinction. Ten marine reptile taxa have been found from the 1.82–2.10 m-thick fossiliferous level in the Upper Member of the Guanling Formation, which can be subdivided into three marine reptile beds through the analysis on the stratigraphic distributions of fossil reptiles. The Lower Reptile Bed yields the sauropterygians Placodus inexpectatus Jiang et al., 2008 and Lariosaurus hongguoensis Jiang et al., 2006, the ichthyopterygians Xinminosaurus catactes Jiang et al., 2008 and Phalarodon cf. Phalarodon fraasi Merriam, 1910, associated with Mixosaurus panxianensis Jiang et al., 2006, representing a stage of predominance of durophagous taxa. In this bed, the large complete skeletons may reach up to 2.3 m in length, and lithofacies and chemostratigraphic analyses indicate a relatively deep carbonate platform with an oxic water environment near the bottom, as well as a rising sea level. The Middle Reptile Bed yields the sauropterygian Nothosaurus yangjuanensis Jiang et al., 2006 and the archosaur Qianosuchus mixtus Li et al., 2006, associated with Mixosaurus panxianensis Jiang et al., 2006. The fossils in this bed are characterized by its pincering dentition and large overall body size, with the largest possibly exceeding 3 m in length. This bed might represent a time of deepest basin with relatively anoxic condition near the bottom. The Upper Reptile Bed yields the sauropterygians Wumengosaurus delicatomandibularis Jiang et al., 2008, Keichousaurus sp., the protorosaur Dinocephalosaurus orientalis Li, 2003, and the ichthyopterygian Mixosaurus panxianensis Jiang et al., 2006. In this bed, reptilian taxa characterized by suction feeding appeared, and most are less than 1 m long. This bed corresponds to a period of decreasing water depth.

    • A New Perleidiform (Actinopterygii, Osteichthyes) from the Middle Anisian (Middle Triassic) of Yunnan, South China

      2009, 83(3):460-470.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Two complete specimens from the Pelsonian (Middle Anisian, Middle Triassic) of Luoping, Yunnan Province, South China are referred to a new actinopterygian genus, Luopingichthys gen. nov., and ascribed to the perleidiform family Polzbergidae based especially on a typical synapomorphy of a peculiar premaxillary-maxillary complex, i.e., the fusion between premaxillary and maxillary along the antero-dorsal margin of the maxillary. The new taxon differs from other deep-bodied representatives of the family, Felberia and Stoppania, in its fusiform or deep fusiform body shape; sickle-shaped preopercular with short infraorbital process; lack of modified scales at the base of the anal fin; the short-based dorsal fin; scarcely ornamented scales; and thin anterior teeth. Based on a redescription of the holotype of the taxon Ctenognathichthys hattichi from the Middle Triassic (Ladinian) Prosanto Formation, Canton Graubünden, eastern Switzerland, the only known specimen, which shows the same fusion between premaxillary and maxillary, the systematic position of the species is clarified and the taxon is proposed to be a further representative of the family Polzbergidae, and is transferred to the new genus.

    • Vestrogothia spinata (Phosphatocopina, Crustacea), Fossils of Orsten-type Preservation from the Upper Cambrian of Western Hunan, South China

      2009, 83(3):471-478.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Fossils of Orsten-type preservation represented by the crustacean Skaracarida and Phosphatocopida were found in western Hunan, South China in 2005, including the important phosphatocopid species Vestrogothia spinata based on exquisitely preserved soft-bodied specimens that allow the first growth stage to be reestablished. The taxonomy of Vestrogothia spinata is revised employing the character of a two-divided limb stem of the mandible. A new foundation for the phylogeny of the Phosphatocopina using mandible characters related to crustacean appendages is postulated. Vestrogothia spinata has only previously been found from Sweden.

    • Archaeopteris halliana from the Late Devonian (Famennian) of Anhui Province, China

      2009, 83(3):479-491.

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      Abstract:Abstract: New materials from the Upper Devonian (Famennian) Wutong Formation of Chizhou District, Anhui Province, South China, allow description of fertile and sterile characters of Archaeopteris halliana. This plant has penultimate axes attached by sterile leaves and paired ultimate branches in the same ontogenetic spiral. Sterile leaves are narrowly cuneate in shape and bear distal margins dissected deeply. These leaves are spirally arranged on sterile ultimate axes. Non-laminated sporophylls occur spirally on the ultimate axes and bifurcate once or twice. Elongate sporangia with longitudinal dehiscence are borne adaxially below or above the dividing points of the sporophylls. Despite the leaf shape resembling that of Archaeopteris macilenta, our plant is assigned to A. halliana because of its non-laminated sporophylls. Fertile characters should be given priority or enough consideration in identifying species of Archaeopteris.

    • Hamatophyton from the Late Devonian of Anhui Province, South China and Evolution of Sphenophyllales

      2009, 83(3):492-503.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Well-preserved specimens of Hamatophyton verticillatum collected from the Upper Devonian (Famennian) Wutong Formation of Chaohu district, Anhui Province, South China, display more complete fertile axes in three orders and multiple divisions. Comparisons indicate that Hamatophyton possibly does not have palmate planate sterile leaves but hook-like linear ones with rare divisions. We propose seven definitive characters of Sphenophyllales: (1) completely whorled lateral organs; (2) sterile leaves; (3) strobili; (4) “sporangiophores” or stalks with reflexed tips bearing sporangia; (5) three- or four-ribbed primary xylem; (6) exarch maturation of primary xylem; and (7) secondary xylem. The Sphenophyllales probably originated from the Iridopteridales based on similarities in whorled lateral organs, ribbed primary xylem and peripheral protoxylem strands. In transition from Iridopteridales to Sphenophyllales, morphological changes involve partially whorled to completely whorled lateral organs, sterile ultimate appendages to leaves, and fertile ultimate appendages to “sporangiophores”/stalks with bracts; anatomical modifications include configuration and maturation of primary xylem, and presence of secondary xylem.

    • Two Zosterophyll Plants from the Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) Xitun Formation of Northeastern Yunnan, China

      2009, 83(3):504-512.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Two zosterophyll plants are described from the Lower Devonian (Lochkovian) Xitun Formation of Qujing, Yunnan, China. Xitunia spinitheca gen. et sp. nov. has stalked sporangia laterally attached on the axis in a helical arrangement. Sporangia are dorsoventrally flattened and composed of two unequal valves; the adaxial valve is round in face view, while the abaxial valve is larger than the former, triangular or wedge-shaped, and radially bears long spiny appendages along the distal margin. Xitunia shows new variation of sporangial morphology within the zosterophylls. Zosterophyllum minorstachyum sp. nov. has K-shaped branchings at the basal parts and small-sized terminal spikes, which consist of round to elliptical sporangia arranged helically. This paper provides new data on the diversity of plant types during Lochkovian when rare vascular plants were reported. As for various species of Zosterophyllum in South China, their apparent evolutionary trend of features from the Late Silurian to Early Devonian (Emsian) is discussed.

    • Temporal Distribution of Diagnostic Biofabrics in the Lower and Middle Ordovician in North China: Clues to the Geobiology of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event

      2009, 83(3):513-523.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The temporal distribution of the diagnostic biofabrics in the Lower and Middle Ordovician in North China distinctly illustrates that the sedimentary systems on the paleoplate have been changed markedly as consequences of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE). The pre-GOBE sedimentary systems deposited in Tremadoc display widespread microbialite and flat-pebble conglomerates, and a less extent of bioturbation. Through the transitional period of early Floian, the sedimentary systems in the rest of the Early and Mid- Ordovician change to GOBE type and are characterized by intensive bioturbation and vanishing flat-pebble conglomerates and subtidal microbial sediments. The irreversible changes in sedimentary systems in North China are linked to the GOBE, which conduced the increase in infaunal tiering, the expansion of infaunal ecospace, and the appearance of new burrowers related to the development of the Paleozoic Evolutionary Fauna during the Ordovician biodiversification. Thus, changes in sedimentary systems during the pivotal period of the GOBE were consequences of a steep diversification of benthic faunas rather than the GOBE’s environmental background.

    • A Middle–Upper Devonian Boundary Section in the Open Platform,Platform Margin Facies of Guilin, South China

      2009, 83(3):524-534.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The Caiziyan Middle and Upper Devonian boundary section is located approximately 30 km northeast of Guilin. It hosts relatively abundant benthic and common–rare pelagic fossils, including brachiopods, corals, tentaculites, and conodonts, which may serve as a better suitable section for pelagic and neritic stratigraphic correlation. In this section, 10 “standard” conodont zones are recognized across the Givetian–Frasnian boundary, including, in descending order, the Lower hassi Zone, punctata Zone, transitans Zone, the Upper falsiovalis Zone, the Lower falsiovalis Zone, disparilis Zone, the Upper hermanni–cristatus Zone, the Lower hermanni–cristatus Zone, the Upper varcus Zone, and the Middle varcus Zone, all of which are defined by the first occurrence of their defining conodont species. The Middle–Upper Devonian (Givetian–Frasnian) boundary is defined by the first occurrence of Ancyrodella pristina in accordance with the Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP), which is assigned at 6.2m above the base of bed 19 in the Caiziyan section.

    • Modern-style Subduction Processes in the Archean: Evidence from the Shangyi Complex in North China Craton

      2009, 83(3):535-543.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Three fragments of the Archean oceanic crust have been found between the Archean granulite belt and the Paleo-Proterozoic Hongqiyingzi group in North China craton, which spread along the Shangyi-Chicheng ancient fault. This paper presents integrated field, petrology, geochemistry and geochronology evidence of the ancient oceanic fragments. The magma crystallizing age of the tonalite in the Shangyi complex is 2512±19?Ma and the geochemical characteristics suggest that the Nb-enriched basalts may be related to crustal contamination and formed in the intra-oceanic arc of the supra subduction zone setting.

    • Rheological Properties of Fractal Deformation in Multilayer Folds

      2009, 83(3):544-549.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The fractal dimensions of folds are related to layer thickness and viscosity of the multilayer. This paper discusses how the thickness, viscosity, and anisotropic degree affect the rheological deformation of fractal folds in multilayers. The number of layers, their thicknesses, viscosities, and anisotropic degree of multilayers cooperate to affect the rheological deformation of folds, which is not controlled by a single rheological factor. A greater anisotropic degree of multilayers is favorable to develop the more complex and disharmonious fractal folds.

    • Evaluating the Provenance of Metasedimentary Rocks of the Jiangxian Group from the Zhongtiao Mountain Using Whole-Rock Geochemistry and Detrital Zircon Hf Isotope

      2009, 83(3):550-561.

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      Abstract:Abstract:In this study, whole-rock geochemical and Nd isotopic data, as well as detrital zircon Hf isotopes of Palaeoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks from the Jiangxian Group are presented to evaluate the characteristics of their provenance and the tectonic history. The major and trace element compositions are comparable to Post-Archean upper continental crust (PA-UCC), but have slight enrichment in the LILE, with the exception of Cs and Sr, and a slight depletion in ferromagnesian elements, HFS elements, such as Nb and Ta, and some major elements, such as CaO and Na2O. The geochemical data reveal that the collected metasedimentary rocks have experienced intermediate source weathering with chemical index of alteration values ranging from 72 to 78, varying degrees of K-metasomatism, and post-depositional loss of Na, as well as negligible sorting, and are derived from the weathering of mostly felsic and non-mafic rocks. The selected Lu–Hf isotopic analysis on detrital zircon points to both the Trans-North China Orogen and Eastern Block of the north China craton as the most likely sources for the metasedimentary rocks of the Jiangxian Group. However, a contribution of detritus from the Western Block of the north China craton can be ruled out. The sediments were probably deposited in a back-arc basin within an active continental margin setting.

    • Cenozoic Exhumation and Thrusting in the Northern Qilian Shan, Northeastern Margin of the Tibetan Plateau: Constraints from Sedimentological and Apatite Fission-Track Data

      2009, 83(3):562-579.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The Qilian Shan lies along the northeastern edge of the Tibetan Plateau. To constrain its deformation history, we conducted integrated research on Mesozoic–Cenozoic stratigraphic sections in the Jiuxi Basin immediately north of the mountain range. Paleocurrent measurements, sandstone compositional data, and facies analysis of Cenozoic stratigraphic sections suggest that the Jiuxi Basin received sediments from the Altyn Tagh Range in the northwest, initially in the Oligocene (~33 Ma), depositing the Huoshaogou Formation in the northern part of the basin. Later, the source area of the Jiuxi Basin changed to the Qilian Shan in the south during Late Oligocene (~27 Ma), which led to the deposition of the Baiyanghe Formation. We suggest that uplift of the northern Qilian Shan induced by thrusting began no later than the Late Oligocene. Fission-track analysis of apatite from the Qilian Shan yields further information about the deformation history of the northern Qilain Shan and the Jiuxi Basin. It shows that a period of rapid cooling, interpreted as exhumation, initiated in the Oligocene. We suggest that this exhumation marked the initial uplift of the Qilian Shan resulting from the India–Asia collision.

    • Guandishan Granitoids of the Paleoproterozoic Lüliang Metamorphic Complex in the Trans-North China Orogen: SHRIMP Zircon Ages, Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

      2009, 83(3):580-602.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The Paleoproterozoic Lüliang Metamorphic Complex (PLMC) is situated in the middle segment of the western margin of the Trans-North China Orogen (TNCO), North China Craton (NCC). As the most important lithological assemblages in the southern part of the PLMC, Guandishan granitoids consist of early gneissic tonalities, granodiorites and gneissic monzogranites, and younger gneissic to massive monzogranites. Petrochemical features reveal that the early gneissic tonalities and granodiorites belong to the medium-K calc-alkaline series; the early gneissic monzogranites are transitional from high-K calc-alkaline to the shoshonite series; the younger gneissic to massive monzogranites belong to the high-k calc-alkaline series, and all rocks are characterized by right-declined REE patterns and negative Nb, Ta, Sr, P, and Ti anomalies in the primitive mantle normalized spidergrams. SHRIMP zircon U–Pb isotopic dating reveals that the early gneissic tonalities and granodiorites formed at ~2.17 Ga, the early gneissic monzogranites at ~2.06 Ga, and the younger gneissic to massive monzogranites at ~1.84 Ga. Sm–Nd isotopic data show that the early gneissic tonalities and granodiorites have εNd(t) values of +0.48 to ?3.19 with Nd-depleted mantle model ages (TDM) of 2.76–2.47 Ga, and early gneissic monzogranites have εNd(t) values of ?0.53 to ?2.51 with TDM of 2.61–2.43 Ga, and the younger gneissic monzogranites have εNd(t) values of ?6.41 to ?2.78 with a TDM of 2.69–2.52 Ga.These geochemical and isotopic data indicate that the early gneissic tonalities, granodiorites, and monzogranites were derived from the partial melting of metamorphosed basaltic and pelitic rocks, respectively, in a continental arc setting. The younger gneissic to massive monzogranites were derived by partial melting of metamorphosed greywackes within the continental crust. Combined with previously regional data, we suggest that the Paleoproterozoic granitoid magmatism in the Guandishan granitoids of the PLMC may provide the best geological signature for the complete spectrum of Paleoproterozoic geodynamic processes in the Trans-North China Orogen from oceanic subduction, through collisional orogenesis, to post-orogenic extension and uplift.

    • Permian High Ba-Sr Granitoids: Geochemistry, Age and Tectonic Implications of Erlangshan Pluton, Urad Zhongqi, Inner Mongolia

      2009, 83(3):603-614.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Erlangshan Pluton from Urad Zhongqi, central Inner Mongolia, is located in the middle segment of the northern margin of the North China Plate. The rocks consist mainly of diorites with gneissic structure. Petrochemical characteristics reveal that the diorites belong to metaluminous, high-potassium calc-alkaline series, with chemical signatures of I-type granites. They are characterized by low SiO2 contents (56.63%–58.53%) and A/CNK (0.90–0.96), high Al2O3 contents (17.30%–17.96%) and Na2O/K2O ratios (1.20–1.70), enrichment in large ion lithophile elements (LILE, e.g., Ba=556–915 ppm, Sr=463–595 ppm), and relative depletion in high field strength elements (HFSE, e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti) in primitive mantle-normalized spidergram, and right-declined rare earth element patterns with slightly negative Eu anomalies (d?Eu=0.72–0.90). They have Sr/Y ratios (20–25) evidently less than Kebu Pluton (49–75) to its east. Sensitive high resolution ion micro-probe U-Pb zircon dating of the diorites has yielded an intrusive age of 270±8?Ma. This leads us to conclude that Erlangshan diorites were formed by mixing between the middle or lower crustal-derived magma and minor mantle-derived mafic magma, followed by fractional crystallization, which was trigged by crustal extension and fault activity in post-collisional setting.

    • High-Pressure Behavior of Copper Carbonate: Data from Malachite

      2009, 83(3):615-617.

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      Abstract:Abstract: In-situ high-pressure energy dispersive X-ray diffraction experiments of malachite have been performed using diamond anvil cell and synchrotron radiation. The highest recorded pressure is up to 17.4 GPa. The experimental results reveal that malachite experienced two phase transitions at 0.7 and 7.8 GPa, and the last one is reversible.

    • Geochemistry of Platinum Group and Rare Earth Elements of the Polymetallic Layer in the Lower Cambrian, Weng’an, Guizhou Province

      2009, 83(3):618-627.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The black shales of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in Weng’an, on the Yangtze platform of south China, contain voluminous polymetallic sulfide deposits. A comprehensive geochemical investigation of trace, rare earth, and platinum group elements (PGE) has been undertaken in order to discuss its ore genesis and correlation with the tectono-depositional setting. The ore-bearing layers enrich molybdenum (Mo), nickel (Ni), vanadium (V), lead (Pb), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba) , uranium (U) , arsenic (As), and rare earth elements (REE) in abundance. High uranium/thorium (U/Th) ratios (U/Th>1) indicated that mineralization was mainly influenced by the hydrothermal process. The dU value was above 1.9, showing a reducing sedimentary condition. The REE patterns showed high enrichment in light rare earth elements (LREE) (heavy rare earth elements (HREE) (LREE/HREE=5–17), slightly negative europium (Eu) and cerium (Ce) anomalies (dEu=0.81–0.93), and positive Ce anomalies (dCe=0.76–1.12). PGE abundance was characterized by the PGE-type distribution patterns, enriching platinum (Pt), palladium (Pd), ruthenium (Ru) and osmium (Os). The Pt/Pd ratio was 0.8, which is close to the ratios of seawater and ultramafic rocks. All of these geochemical features suggest that the mineralization was triggered by hydrothermal activity in an extensional setting in the context of break-up of the Rodinian supercontinent.

    • Determining Pressure with Daughter Minerals in Fluid Inclusion by Raman Spectroscopy: Sphalerite as an Example

      2009, 83(3):628-632.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Raman frequency of some materials, including minerals, molecules and ions, shifts systematically with changing pressure and temperature. This property is often used as a pressure gauge in high pressure experiments with the hydrothermal diamond anvil cell (HDAC). Since the system of fluid inclusion is similar to that of HDAC, it can also be used to determine the internal pressure of fluid inclusions. Sphalerite is a common daughter mineral. In this study, the frequency shift of the 350 cm?1 peak of sphalerite has been studied from 296 to 523 K and from 0.07 to 2.00 GPa using the HDAC. The global slope of the isotherms (?n350/?p)T is 0.0048 in the studied pressure range. No significant variation of the slopes with temperature has been observed. The correlation between the frequency shift of the 350 cm?1 peak of sphalerite and pressure and temperature is constrained as P=208.33(?np)350+3.13T?943.75. This relationship may be used to estimate the internal pressure of the sphalerite-bearing fluid inclusions.

    • Semiconducting Mineralogical Characteristics of Natural Sphalerite Gestating Visible-light Photocatalysis

      2009, 83(3):633-639.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Natural sphalerite as a natural cost-effective photocatalyst was characterized and its visible light photocatalytic activity was investigated in terms of substituting ions, impurity phases and surface defects. The substitutions of metal ions for Zn2+ alter the band structure and result in the visible light response. The coexistence of impurity semiconductors and nanosized particles in natural sphalerite samples help to prolong the lifetime of electron-hole pairs. The cleavage planes and fracture surfaces improve the photocatalytic activity of natural sphalerite by providing more active sites than perfect faces. Both the negative charge defects from the non-isoelectronic substitutions and surface elements with variable chemical valence suppressed the recombination of electron-hole pairs by their possible role of capturing photogenerated holes.

    • Discovery of a Miocene Mafic Dyke from the Western Hills of Beijing and its Geological Implications

      2009, 83(3):640-647.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The present study is the first report of a Miocene mafic dyke from the Dahuichang, in the Western Hills of Beijing. The dyke cuts the fossil-dated Changxindian Formation of Eocene sequences and yields K-Ar ages of 14–15?Ma. The dyke is fine-grained diabase and has 49.84%–50.81% SiO2 and 3.56–3.97% Na2O+K2O, high TiO2 (1.65%–1.93%) and MgO (7.36%–9.85%), and low K2O (<1.22%) contents, with Na2O>K2O and slightly varied magnesium numbers (Mg#=55.54–62.74). In trace elements geochemistry, the dyke is very similar to the Miocene basalts from Jining and Hanuoba. The enrichment of light rare earth elements ([La/Yb]N=5.03–6.12) and large ion lithophile elements (LILEs?), no negative Eu anomalies, relatively high Cr (265–326 ppm) and Ni (155–262 ppm), and almost constant V concentrations (194–213 ppm) reveal that the composition close to the primary basaltic magma from ?an enriched-mantle source, with little crustal contamination and fractional crystallization. The basaltic magma was possibly derived from the upwelling asthenosphere mantle beneath eastern China during the Miocene lithospheric thinning.

    • Age and Provenance of Loess deposits on the Northern Flank of Tianshan Mountain

      2009, 83(3):648-654.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The distribution, optically stimulated luminescence dating and granulometric properties suggest that the loess on the northern flank of Tian Shan should be divided into two types. One which is like mantle and is named type A, is located on the windward slopes and dated to about 54.5±5.73?Ka. The other, called type B, lies flatly on the terraces of the rivers or low hills and penetrated 30.8±2.05?Ka ago. Here we study the origin and the age of two types of loess, and a model of loess formation is proposed. The dust was entrained from the Gobi Desert located to the north of Tian Shan by the monsoon from Mongolia, obstructed by the high mountains and deposited on the windward slopes of the mountains. The rivers and flows then transported the aeolian loess to low terraces and piedmont alluvial plains.

    • Application of 3-D Geoscience Modeling Technology for the Estimation of Solid Mineral Reserves

      2009, 83(3):655-660.

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      Abstract:Abstract: Applying new approaches, methods, and technologies for the estimation of reserves can effectively improve the efficiency and accuracy of assessments of solid mineral resources. After analyzing the development of 3-D geoscience modeling technology (3-D GMT), this paper discusses the application of 3-D GMT for the estimation of solid mineral reserves, emphatically introducing its workflow and two key technologies, 3-D orebody surface modeling, and property modeling. Moreover, the paper analyzes the limitations of traditional methods, such as the section method and geological block method, and points out the advantages of 3-D GMT: building more accurate 3-D orebody models, expressing the internal inhomogeneous attributes of an orebody, reducing the potential for errors in the estimation of reserves, and implementing dynamic estimations of reserves.

    • Deformation Field around the Stress Induced Crack Area in Sandstone by the Digital Speckle Correlation Method

      2009, 83(3):661-672.

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      Abstract:Abstract: The deformation field around sub-cracks was calculated using the digital speckle correlation method. First, the uni-axial compression tests on sandstone samples containing a pre-fabricated fracture were made. Photomicrographs showing the characteristics of the sub-crack development were taken using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). From these photomicrographs, the real-time images showing the initiation, growth and coalescence of sub-cracks and micro-cracks in the sandstone specimens were obtained and the effects of loading level as well as grain boundaries on the development of cracks were analyzed. Second, the intensity images of the sandstone specimen surface were captured from the observations of the SEM corresponding to different loading levels. Then correlation computation was carried out for the sequential pairs of intensity images to evaluate the displacement components, as well as the strain field. The results show that the deformation varies in different areas separated by sub-cracks during rock damage processes.

Chief Editor:HOU Zengqian

Governing Body:China Association for Science and Technology

Organizer:Geological Society of China

start publication :1922

ISSN:ISSN 1000-9515

CN:CN 11-2001/P

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