• Volume 85,Issue 1,2011 Table of Contents
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    • Digital Element Earth

      2011(1):1-16.

      Abstract (2724) HTML (0) PDF 12.32 M (192) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:The resources and environmental problems are the two most fundamental issues facing all nations in the world. Everything in and on the Earth – minerals, animals and plants – is made from one, or generally some combination of, chemical elements, which are scientifically listed in the periodic table. Thus it is important to understand the present abundance and spatial distribution of all the elements across the Earth’s surface. Such kinds of data can only be obtained at present and for the foreseeable future by on-earth geochemical mapping at all scales. The 30-year efforts made by Chinese geochemists in carrying out multi-element, multi-media, multi-scale geochemical mapping projects to delineate 39–76 element distribution at home and abroad culminated in a successful case of high-quality geochemical data acquirement. The new idea for a four-level plan for global geochemical mapping was advanced to obtain global data in the foreseeable future and the collection of updated geochemical information. Such information needs to be easily accessible not only by the science community, but also by industry, agriculture, governments, and even individuals, by all who would make an effort to promote sustainable living on our planet. The concept of a Digital Element Earth (DEE) fulfills the aims.

    • Regional Distribution and Prospects of Potash in China

      2011(1):17-50.

      Abstract (2635) HTML (0) PDF 21.39 M (121) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:China was formed by amalgamation of several small continental blocks (cratons), micro, blocks and orogenic belts in different paleoclimatic settings. It may be correlated with other continental blocks but has its own specific characteristics; therefore the tectonic environments of China’s marine and continental saline basins and salt, and potash, forming environment have some specific characteristics: multiple phases of salt formation, difference in salt, forming ages, migration and concentration of salt, forming processes and diversity of component materials, as well as small sizes of marine saline basins and great changes of saline basins in the late stage and occurrence of abundant liquid mineral resources. The nature of the tectonic basement exerted a key controlling effect on the formation of potash basins. The stable tectonic region was favorable for potash concentration in a quasi, stable region, and quasi, and the quasi-stable region was favorable for salt concentration and potash formation in a local stable tectonic region. Most China’s major ancient saline basins occur in “quasi, cratons (continental block)”; especially all the marine saline basins occur in continental blocks with the Precambrian basement. These regions are the key ones for potash search. Most relatively large, scale soluble salt deposits are developed in relatively stable continental nuclei. According to the characteristics of the tectonic domains where China’s salt, forming basins are located, the North China, Yangtze and Tarim, Qaidam salt minerogenetic domains and the northern Qiangtang, western Yunnan salt minerogenetic belt may be distinguished. Their salt and potash prospects will be discussed separately.

    • A New Hadrosauriform Dinosaur from the Early Cretaceous of Gansu Province, China

      2011(1):51-57.

      Abstract (6763) HTML (0) PDF 5.33 M (229) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:A new basal hadrosauriform dinosaur, Xuwulong yueluni gen. et sp. nov., is reported based on an articulated specimen including a complete cranium, almost complete axial skeleton, and complete left pelvic girdle. The specimen is recovered from the Early Cretaceous Yujingzi Basin in the Jiuquan area, Gansu Province of northwestern China. Xuwulong is among the most basal members of hadrosauriform dinosaurs, and distinguished by its unique lower jaw in having a V-shaped rostral end of the dentary in lateral view and a mandibular articular surface which levels with mid-height of the dentary ramus, as well as an enlarged and downturned prepubic process. Including Xuwulong, three basal hadrosauriforms have been discovered from the Early Cretaceous Xinminpu Group in the Mazongshan area, making it an important area to study the origin and early evolution of duck-billed dinosaurs.

    • Systematics, Behavior and Living Environment of Shantungosaurus Giganteus (Dinosauria: Hadrosauridae)

      2011(1):58-65.

      Abstract (2675) HTML (0) PDF 4.91 M (102) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:On the basis of the taphonomy, osteological anatomy and ontogenetic variation, Zhuchengosaurus maximus Zhao et al., 2007 is considered to be synonymic with Shantungosaurus giganteus Hu, 1973 herein. This paper also deals with the life behavior of S. giganteus and the environment in which S. giganteus lived. S. giganteus is considered to be a terrestrial and gregarious herbivorous dinosaur and lived in hills and intervales in warm weather with plentiful rain and flourishing vegetation.

    • Description and Phylogenetic Position of Dinosaur Eggshells from the Luanchuan Area of Western Henan Province, China

      2011(1):66-74.

      Abstract (2450) HTML (0) PDF 6.72 M (80) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:Here, we examine 145 dinosaur eggshells from a new fossil locality in the Qiupa Formation (Upper Cretaceous) of the Luanchuan area in western Henan Province, China. The eggshells display elongatoolithid macro- and microstructures, including ridges and nodes on the outer surface, two ultrastructural layers, and an undulatory boundary between the mammillary and continuous layers. A phylogenic analysis shows that the Luanchuan eggshells belong to the ooclade Elongatoolithidae. Within Elongatoolithidae, the thickness ratio of the mammillary layer to the entire eggshell, and the porosity of the Luanchuan eggshells are comparable to the oogenera Macroolithus and Elongatoolithus. There is no direct evidence for the taxonomic identity of the Luanchuan eggshells; however, they were likely laid by oviraptorids based on their phylogenetic position and their similarities with known oviraptorid eggs.

    • New Primitive Fossil Earwig from Daohugou, Inner Mongolia, China (Insecta: Dermaptera: Archidermaptera)

      2011(1):75-80.

      Abstract (2741) HTML (0) PDF 3.79 M (90) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:A new genus and species Palaeodermapteron dicranum gen. et sp. nov. of the subfamily Dermapterinae and family Dermapteridae is described from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou, Inner Mongolia in China. This article documents the earliest record of fossil earwig, extending the earwig existence to the Middle Jurassic. Detailed description and illustration of the specimen along with a brief review of the subfamily Dermapterinae are given. Evolutional trend of earwig morphology and its associated living environment are also discussed.

    • Internal Structure of Cambrian Fossil Embryo Markuelia Revealed in the Light of Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Tomographic Microscopy

      2011(1):81-90.

      Abstract (2377) HTML (0) PDF 6.51 M (69) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:In the light of Synchrotron Radiation X-ray Tomographic Microscopy (SRXTM), the internal structure of Markuelia hunanensis is revealed. In one example, vitrification and peeling show the annuli hidden under the chorion. Sectioning and 3-D reconstruction display an intact digestive tract from the inverted introvert to the terminal anus. The inverted introvert forms a rugby cavum. The following digestive tract is rope-like coiling, parallel to the body axis, about 650 μm in length, and uniform in diameter (~80 μm). An exquisitely preserved pipe-like structure is hidden in the middle of the rope-like structure, diameter 20–40 μm, with a length of ~120 μm. We interpret this pipe-like structure as the possible epidermis of the gut and its surroundings as the possible residue of musculature, similar to that in Priapulans. The two symmetrical rod-shape structures connecting the body wall and digestive tract are interpreted as the possible retractor muscles. After comparing the well preserved Left-form and Right-form Body of Markuelia, we suggest that they may represent a dimorphism. Counted directly, one sample of Markuelia hunanensis possesses 62 annulations and the other 68.

    • Inter-Regional Comparisons on the Quaternary Large Mammalian Faunas between China and Sub-Saharan Africa

      2011(1):91-106.

      Abstract (2248) HTML (0) PDF 11.81 M (68) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:The current and dominant theory about the origin of modern humans is the out-of-Africa hypothesis, which asserts that populations of Homo sapiens left Africa 100,000 years ago and replaced indigenous populations of humans in Eurasia. Many scholars equated the out-of-Africa dispersal of humans with paleoenvironmental changes. However, until now, few have paid special attention to the faunal data and whether or not faunal patterns are supportive of the popular theory. Recent comparative study of the Chinese fauna shows that the communication of faunas between Africa and East Asia could have occurred during the Neogene, but it was very limited during the Pleistocene. In the Chinese Quaternary fauna, only 16% of the genera are also present in the sub-Saharan African fauna. There is also no element among the dominant taxa of the Chinese Quaternary fauna which can be related to the African fauna. There is no reliable proof for the existence of Hippopotamus and Giraffa, as well as Panthera leo, during the Quaternary in China. Two controversial taxa are Acinonyx and Crocuta, about which there is still argument concerning their species identification in Eurasia. It is possible that both of the genera have co-specific taxa in Africa and Eurasia. Although the two genera are confined to Africa today, they did have a long evolutionary history in China. For the Out of Africa hypothesis for Homo sapiens, the implications of the limited faunal interchanges between China and Africa are not completely clear yet.

    • New Data on the Mineralogy of Chromite from the Nuggihalli Schist Belt, Western Dharwar Craton, Karnataka, India: Petrogenetic Implications

      2011(1):107-115.

      Abstract (2411) HTML (0) PDF 5.09 M (77) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:The occurrence of rhythmic layering of chromite and host serpentinites in the deformed layered igneous complexes has been noticed in the Nuggihalli schist belt (NSB) in the western Dharwar craton, Karnataka, South India. For this study, the chromitite rock samples were collected from Jambur, Tagadur, Bhakatarhalli, Ranganbetta and Byrapur in the NSB. Petrography and ore microscopic studies on chromite show intense cataclasis and alteration to ferritchromite. The ferritchromite compositions are characterized by higher Cr number (Cr/[Cr+Al]) (0.68–0.98) and lower Mg number (Mg/[Mg+Fe]) (0.33–0.82) ratios in ferritchromite compared to that of parent chromite. The formation process for the ferritchromite is thought to be related to the exchange of Mg, Al, Cr, and Fe between the chromite, surrounding silicates (serpentines, chlorites), and fluid during serpentinization.

    • Geochemical Characteristics and Geological Significance of Early Permian Baya’ertuhushuo Gabbro in South Great Xing’an Range

      2011(1):116-129.

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      Abstract:Field geological investigation and geochemical analysis are carried out on Baya’ertuhushuo Gabbro in South Great Xing’an Range. Field investigation reveals that the gabbro is a magmatic intrusion rather than a component of an ophiolite suite as previously thought. Zircon laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (LA-ICP-MS) U-Pb dating indicates the gabbro was formed in 274–275?Ma, just as the widespread volcanic rocks of Dashizhai Formation (P1d), monzogranites and miarolitic alkali-feldspar granites in the study area. The gabbro has SiO2 content between 47.23 wt% and 50.17 wt%, high MgO and FeOT contents of 6.95–11.29 wt% and 7.32–12.24wt%, respectively, and it belongs to low-K tholeiitic series in the SiO2-K2O diagram. The Chondrite-normalized rare earth element (REE) patterns and primitive mantle-normalized spider diagrams of the gabbro are similar to those of Normal Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt (N-MORB) except for the enrichment of large ion lithophile elements (LILE), such as Rb, Ba and K. In trace element tectonic discriminative diagrams, the samples are mainly plotted in the N-MORB field, and Zircon in?situ Lu-Hf isotopic analysis also indicates the gabbro originated from depleted mantle. Through synthetic studies of the geochemical characteristics and petrogenesis of Baya’ertuhushuo gabbro, volcanic rocks of Dashizhai Formation and granitoids in the area, it is suggested that the early Permian magmatism in the Xilinhot-Xiwuqi area formed in the tectonic setting of asthenosphere upwelling, which was caused by breaking-off of the subducted Paleo-Asian Ocean slab.

    • U-Pb Dating of Volcanic Rocks and Granites along the Wuyishan Belt: Constraints on Timing of Late Mesozoic Tectonic Events in Southeast China

      2011(1):130-144.

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      Abstract:Five volcanic rock samples and two granite samples taken from the volcanic basins in western Fujian and southern Jiangxi were dated by using the zircon laser albation-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry U-Pb method. Together with previously dated ages, the dates obtained provide important constraints on the timing of late Mesozoic tectonic events in SE China. The volcanic rock samples yield ages of 183.1±3.5 Ma, ca. 141 Ma to 135.8±1.1 Ma, 100.4±1.5 to 97.6±1.1 Ma, confirming three episodes of late Mesozoic volcanic activities, which peaked at 180±5 Ma, 140±5 Ma and 100±5 Ma, respectively, along the Wuyishan belt. Moreover, based on field investigations of these volcano-sedimentary basins, we have recognized two compressional tectonic events along this belt. The early one was characterized by Upper Triassic to Middle Jurassic NNE-trending folds that were intruded by late Jurassic granites; and the late one caused the Lower Cretaceous volcano-sedimentary layer to be tilted. The dated age 152.9±1.4 Ma of the granitic samples from the Hetian granitic pluton in the Changting Basin and that from the Baishiding granitic pluton, 100.2±1.8 Ma, in the Jianning Basin, give the upper boundaries of these two tectonic events respectively. Hence, the late Mesozoic tectonic evolution of SE China was alternated between extension and compression.

    • Equilibrium between Clinopyroxene and Host Rocks: Implication for the Magmatic Source and Evolution of Alkali Basalts of the Taohekou Formation in the Northern Daba Mountains, China

      2011(1):145-163.

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      Abstract:The Taohekou Formation is a volcanic-sedimentary terrane formed in the early Silurian in the northern Daba Mountains, China. The volcanic rocks, with dominant alkali basalts and minor mantle xenoliths, are enriched in clinopyroxene phenocrysts. Geochemical analysis shows that the composition of clinopyroxenes from different lithofacies has a close affinity. There is a liner correlation present in composition of clinopyroxenes (including phenocryst, microcrystal and xenocryst) from coarse porphyritic basalts, pillow or fine porphyritic basalts to amygdaloidal basalts. All the clinopyroxenes, except the clinopyroxenes in mantle xenoliths, show a similar pattern of trace elements and REE, which indicates that they are likely products of successive fractional crystallization from cognate magma. Clinopyroxenes in mantle xenoliths, however, are mantle xenocrysts. The crystallization pressure of clinopyroxenes gradually decreases from mantle xenolith, deep-seated xenocryst, coarse porphritic basalts, pillow or fine porphritic basalts, to amygdaloidal basalts, which are 1.92-4.41 GPa, 1.18-2.36 GPa, 1.13-2.05 GPa, 0.44-0.62 GPa and 0.14-0.28 GPa respectively. Calculation results suggest that the primary magma originated from a mantle region deeper than 68 km and stagnates in intervals of 37-68 km, 15-20 km and 5-9 km during its ascent. The alkali basalts are characterized by increasing concentrations of Si and alkaline with the magmatic evolution. Meanwhile, they are markedly enriched in LREE, and the patterns of trace elements and REE are similar to those of oceanic island basalts.

    • U and Th Contents and Th/U Ratios of Zircon in Felsic and Mafic Magmatic Rocks: Improved Zircon-Melt Distribution Coefficients

      2011(1):164-174.

      Abstract (2747) HTML (0) PDF 8.61 M (108) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:High-precision data on U and Th contents and Th/U ratios of zircon obtained using secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis have been collected from the literature. Zircon in the granitic rocks has median values of 350 ppm U, 140 ppm Th, and Th/U=0.52; the recommended zircon-melt partition coefficients are 81 for DU and 8.2 for DTh. In zircon from mafic and intermediate rocks, the median values are 270 ppm U, 170 ppm Th, and Th/U=0.81, and the recommended zircon-melt partition coefficients are 169 for DU and 59 for DTh. The U and Th contents and Th/U ratios of magmatic zircon are low when zircon crystallizes in equilibrium with the melt. Increasing magma temperature should promote higher Th contents relative to U contents, resulting in higher Th/U ratios for zircon in mafic to intermediate rocks than in granitic rocks. However, when zircon crystallizes in disequilibrium with the melt, U and Th are more easily able to enter the zircon lattice, and their contents and Th/U ratios depend mainly on the degree of disequilibrium. The behavior of U and Th in magmatic zircon can be used as a geochemical indicator to determine the origins and crystallization environments of magmatic zircon.

    • An Isotopic (Sr, Nd and Pb) Tracer Study on the Xiaoxinancha Gold-rich Copper Deposit in Yanbian, China: Implication for the Geodynamic Model of Diagenesis and Metallogenesis

      2011(1):175-188.

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      Abstract:An isotopic study was systemically carried out on the granitic complex, diorite-porphyrite, ores and ore minerals of the 103 Ma Xiaoxinancha gold-rich copper deposit in Jilin province to determine the geodynamic model of diagenesis and metallogenesis. Results show that the initial Nd and Sr isotopic compositions of the granitic complex are in the range of 0.70425–0.70505 for (87Sr/86Sr)i , 0.51243–0.51264 for INd, and –1.31 to +2.64 for εNd(t); those of the diorite-porphyrite are in the range from 0.70438–0.70448 for (87Sr/86Sr)i, 0.51259–0.51261 for INd, and +1.56 to +2.09 for εNd(t). For ores and sulfides, the (87Sr/86Sr)i , INd, and εNd(t) values are in the range from 0.70440–0.70805, 0.51259–0.51279 and +1.72 to +5.56, respectively. The Pb isotopic ratios of the granitic complex range from 18.2992–18.6636 for 206Pb/204Pb, from 15.5343–15.5660 for 207Pb/204Pb, and from 38.1640–38.5657 for 208Pb/204Pb. For diorite-porphyrite, the isotopic ratios of 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb and 208Pb/204Pb are 18.3919, 15.5794 and 38.3566, respectively, whereas those of the ores and ore sulfides vary from 18.2275–18.3770 for 206Pb/204Pb, from 15.5555–15.5934 for 207Pb/204Pb and from 38.1318–38.3131 for 208Pb/204Pb. The results indicate that the mineralization was correlated to the formation and evolution of the granitic complex and the diorite-porphyrite. Combining with the reported data in petrologic characteristics, elemental geochemistry and chronology, conclusions can be drawn that the geodynamic settings of diagenesis and metallogenesis of this deposit were consistent with the subduction of the Izanagi oceanic plate during the Early Cretaceous. The diorite-porphyrite was formed by the emplacement of the adakitic magma triggered by partial melting of the enriched mantle, which originated from the derivative continental lithospheric mantle metasomatized by dehydration fluids from the subducting oceanic crust. The granitic complex was produced by fractional crystallization of the mixture between the adakitic magma and the high-K calc-alkaline acidic magma, which were generated by the remelting of the lower crust in the course of intraplate upwelling of the adakitic magma. The ore-bearing fluid reservoir convened in a late stage of the evolution of the mixed magma chamber.

    • Trace Elements and Rare Earth Elements of Sulfide Minerals in the Tianqiao Pb-Zn Ore Deposit, Guizhou Province, China

      2011(1):189-199.

      Abstract (4586) HTML (0) PDF 7.13 M (110) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:Trace elements and rare earth elements (REE) of the sulfide minerals were determined by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The results indicate that V, Cu, Sn, Ga, Cd, In, and Se are concentrated in sphalerite, Sb, As, Ge, and Tl are concentrated in galena, and almost all trace elements in pyrite are low. The Ga and Cd contents in the light-yellow sphalerites are higher than that in the brown and the black sphalerites. The contents of Ge, Tl, In, and Se in brown sphalerites are higher than that in light-yellow sphalerites and black sphalerites. It shows that REE concentrations are higher in pyrite than in sphalerite, and galena. In sphalerites, the REE concentration decreases from light-yellow sphalerites, brown sphalerites, to black sphalerites. The ratios of Ga/In are more than 10, and Co/Ni are less than 1 in the studied sphalerites and pyrites, respectively, indicating that the genesis of the Tianqiao Pb–Zn ore deposit might belong to sedimentary-reformed genesis associated with hydrothermal genesis. The relationship between LnGa and LnIn in sphalerite, and between LnBi and LnSb in galena, indicates that the Tianqiao Pb–Zn ore deposit might belong to sedimentary-reformed genesis. Based on the chondrite-normalized REE patterns, δEu is a negative anomaly (0.13–0.88), and δCe does not show obvious anomaly (0.88–1.31); all the samples have low total REE concentrations (<3 ppm) and a wide range of light rare earth element/high rare earth element ratios (1.12–12.35). These results indicate that the ore-forming fluids occur under a reducing environment. Comparison REE compositions and parameters of sphalerites, galenas, pyrites, ores, altered dolostone rocks, strata carbonates, and the pyrite from Lower Carboniferous Datang Formation showed that the ore-forming fluids might come from polycomponent systems, that is, different chronostratigraphic units could make an important contribution to the ore-forming fluids. Combined with the tectonic setting and previous isotopic geochemistry evidence, we conclude that the ore-deposit genesis is hydrothermal, sedimentary reformed, with multisources characteristics of ore-forming fluids.

    • Geochemistry of Ore-bearing Lamprophyre from the Cu-Ni Deposit in Dhi Samir, Yemen

      2011(1):200-210.

      Abstract (2460) HTML (0) PDF 6.42 M (29) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:Magmatic Cu-Ni sulfide deposits are generally associated with mafic-ultramafic rocks and it has not been reported that lamprophyre is one of the surrounding rocks of Cu-Ni sulfide deposits. The Dhi Samir deposit in Yemen, however, is a rare example of Cu-Ni deposits which are hosted in lamprophyre dikes. In this paper, comprehensive research is made on petrology, petrochemistry and isotope geochemistry for Cu-Ni-bearing rocks in the Dhi Samir area and the results show that dark rocks related to Cu-Ni orebodies are sodium-weak potassium and belong to calc-alkaline series lamprophyre, especially camptonite, characterized by enriched alkali, iron and titanium. In these rocks large-ion-lithophile elements are obviously concentrated, while high field strength elements slightly depleted, showing clear negative anomalies of Ta and Nb, and weak deficiency of Ti. The SREE is very high (225.67-290.05 ppm) and the REE partition curves are flat and right-inclined, featuring a LREE-enriched pattern with low negative Eu anomalies. Study of magmatic source areas indicates that the rocks have low (87Sr/86Sr) and high εNd(t), and the magmas were probably derived from the enriched mantle I (EM-I) end-member. Based on the LA-ICPMS on zircon U-Pb isotope dating, the lamprophyre in the Dhi Samir mining area has an age of 602±2.6 Ma, indicating that the rock was formed in the late Proterozoic and in an intraplate setting due to magmatism of an extensional environment in the post-Pan-Africa orogeny.

    • A Kinematic Thermal Model for Descending Slabs with Velocity Boundary Layers: A Case Study for the Tonga Subducting Slab

      2011(1):211-222.

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      Abstract:For the purpose of investigating the influence of metastable olivine (MO) phase transformations on both deep seismicity and stagnation of slabs, we constructed a 2-dimensional finite element thermal model for a 120 Ma-old 50o dipping oceanic lithosphere descending at 10 cm/yr with velocity boundary layers, which would mitigate the interference of constant velocity field for the slab. The resulting temperatures show that most of intermediate and deep earthquakes occurring within the Tonga slab are occurring inside the 800oC and 1200oC isotherm, respectively. The elevation of olivine transformation near ~410 km and respective persistence of metastable olivine and spinel within the transition zone and beneath 660 km would thus result in bimodal positive, zonal, negative density anomalies, respectively. These results together with the resulting pressure anomalies may reflect the stress pattern of the Tonga slab: (i) slab pull force exerts above a depth of ~230 km; (ii) MO existence changes the buoyancy force within the transition zone and facilitates slab stagnation at a depth of 660 km; (iii) as the subducting materials accumulated over 660 km, deepest earthquakes occur due to MO transformation; (iv) a flattened ‘slab’ may penetrate into the lower mantle due to the density increment of Sp transformation.

    • Laboratory Simulation of Vertical Hydrocarbon Microseepage

      2011(1):223-232.

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      Abstract:Based on a conceptual model of hydrocarbon microseepage, a macro-sized experimental equipment used the matched mixtures of cement and quartz sand as simulated caprock and its overlying strata is first set up to simulate the processes of hydrocarbon microseepage and its near-surface expressions. The results of the simulation experiments suggest that simulated caprock and its overlying strata have a certain sealed capability; hydrocarbon microseepage is dominated by the pressure of point gas source, and temperature plays only a subordinate role; on the path of hydrocarbon microseepage, the distribution of hydrocarbon concentration is fan-shaped; differential adsorption of alkanes by the simulated caprock and its overlying strata results in the occurrence of a chromatographic effect. Different migrating patterns within simulated caprock are shown by the ratio of i-butane to n-butane. The concentration of hydrocarbon in the surface soil has good correspondence with the pressure of point gas source. These simulation results are significant to further study of the mechanism of anomalies recovered in surface geochemistry exploration.

    • Formation Mechanism of the Changxing Formation Gas Reservoir in the Yuanba Gas Field, Sichuan Basin, China

      2011(1):233-242.

      Abstract (2707) HTML (0) PDF 6.18 M (83) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:In a very gentle platform-margin paleogeographic environment, platform-margin reef flat facies carbonate reservoir rocks were developed in the Changxing Formation of Yuanba field. Later weak structural evolution and diagenetic evolution caused the Changxing Formation to form lithologic traps, with good reservoirs such as dissolved bioclastic dolostone and dissolved pore dolostone. The Changxing Formation gas reservoir is a pseudo-layered porous lithologic gas reservoir under pressure depletion drive, with high H2S and moderate CO2 contents. This paper predictes that the conducting system for the Changxing Formation gas reservoir is possibly composed of the pores and microfractures in the Changxing Formation reservoir, the top erosional surface of the Changxing Formation, as well as the micropores and microfractures in the underlying formations. The Changxing Formation reservoir has experienced 3 hydrocarbon charging stages. This paper suggests that diffusion is the major formation mechanism for this gas reservoir. In the Middle and Late Yanshanian, the Yuanba area entered the major gas charging stage. The gas migrated mainly through diffusion and with the assistance of seepage flow in small faults and microfractures from the source rocks and the other oil-bearing strata to the Changxing Formation carbonate reservoir rocks, forming lithologic gas pools. In the Himalayan Epoch, the lithologic traps were uplifted as a whole without strong modification or overlapping, and were favorable for gas preservation.

    • Gravity Flow on Slope and Abyssal Systems in the Qiongdongnan Basin, Northern South China Sea

      2011(1):243-253.

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      Abstract:The study of new seismic data permits the identification of sediment gravity flows in terms of internal architecture and the distribution on shelf and abyssal setting in the Qiongdongnan Basin (QDNB). Six gravity flow types are recognized: (1) turbidite channels with a truncational basal and concordant overburden relationship along the shelf edge and slope, comprising laterally-shifting and vertically-aggrading channel complexes; (2) slides with a spoon-shaped morphology slip steps on the shelf-break and generated from the deformation of poorly-consolidated and high water content sediments; (3) slumps are limited on the shelf slope, triggered either by an anomalous slope gradient or by fault activity; (4) turbidite sheet complexes (TSC) were ascribed to the basin-floor fan and slope fan origin, occasionally feeding the deep marine deposits by turbidity currents; (5) sediment waves occurring in the lower slope-basin floor, and covering an area of approximately 400?km2, were generated beneath currents flowing across the sea bed; and (6) the central canyon in the deep water area represents an exceptive type of gravity flow composed of an association of debris flow, turbidite channels, and TSC. It presents planar multisegment and vertical multiphase characteristics. Turbidite associated with good petrophysical property in the canyon could be treated as a potential exploration target in the QDNB.

    • X-ray Diffraction of Dust Particles in Spring Beijing

      2011(1):254-262.

      Abstract (2025) HTML (0) PDF 6.43 M (67) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:X-ray diffractometry was utilized to study the mineralogical characteristics of the inhalable particles (PM10) sampled during two dust storms in Beijing city on March 18th and May 21st, 2008. We confirm, for the first time, that there stably exists ammonium chloride in the atmosphere when temperature is low. The total sulfates particles were affected by relative humidity. Both species and concentration of sulfates decreased first and then grew back by the end of each dust storm. Koninckite, a phosphate mineral never reported as particulate aerosol before, was identified. Meanwhile, our result shows that a chemical modification on dust minerals occurs during long range transportation. PM10 samples collected during the period of dust storms were dominated by crustal minerals such as quartz, illite/ smectite, illite, chlorite, feldspar and calcite, and were notably higher in concentration than that in normal periods of time. The amounts of total sulfates, calcite and feldspar altered in each dust storm. It is derived from 24-hour isentropic backward trajectories that two dust events in spring 2008 originated in different sources.

    • Fractions and Bioavailability of Soil Inorganic Phosphorus in the Loess Plateau of China under Different Vegetations

      2011(1):263-270.

      Abstract (2272) HTML (0) PDF 6.32 M (63) Comment (0) Favorites

      Abstract:Plants play an important role in soil phosphorus nutrition. However, the effect of plants on phosphorus nutrition in soils of the Loess Plateau of China is not well understood. This study was conducted to reveal the relationships between plants and phosphorus’ fractions and availability in the Loess Plateau of China. Twenty-two plant communities were surveyed and soil samples under different plant canopies were collected for the determination of soil properties and inorganic phosphorus fractionation. The results showed that Leguminosae and Lilaceae reduced pH and increased organic matter, cation exchange capacity, total and Olsen phosphorus in soils under their canopies, while Labiatae and Rosaceae increased pH and decreased organic matter, cation exchange capacity, total and Olsen phosphorus in soils under their canopies. The contents of Ca2P, Ca8P, Al-P and Fe-P were highly related with soil Olsen phosphorus. They were all higher in soils under Leguminosae and Lilaceae and lower in soils under Labiatae and Rosaceae. The results of this study indicate that Leguminosae and Lilaceae improved phosphorus nutrition in soils, yet Labiatae and Rosaceae impeded the improvement of phosphorus nutrition in soils under their canopies, which will be of more help to instruct vegetation restoration in the region and provide information for soil development.

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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