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Abstract:In recent years, the discoveries of dinosaur footprints have been successively reported from Dianshi Town, Zizhou City, Shaanxi Province. The footprints include the tracks of theropod, ornithopod and sauropod as well. Actually, the dinosaur footprints were found by local inhabitants much earlier in history, but not for science. The slabs bearing the dinosaur footprints were collected for domestic use, such as building stones, millstones, cellar covers, sheepfold fences, windlass holders, etc. This paper is to describe the dinosaur footprints on both sides of three slabs used for cellar covers, sheepfold fences and windlass holders by the local people. 24 dinosaur footprints and 4 trackways have been recognized and all of them belong to theropod. Four kinds of dinosaur footprints are identified, including 1 new ichnogenus and 2 new ichnospecies: (1) Shanbeipus caudatus ichnogen. et ichnosp. nov.; (2) Pengxianpus yulinensis ichnosp. nov.; (3) Eubrontes ichnosp; (4) Kayentapus ichnosp. Dinosaur-footprint-bearing beds were initially identified as the Fuxian Formation of the Lower Jurassic. Multipal dinosaur footprints associated with fragment plant fossils suggest a humid fluvio-lacustrine environment setting in the Ordos Basin during the early period of the Jurassic.

Abstract:In contrast to woody habit with secondary growth, truthful herbaceous habit lacking secondary growth is restricted to angiosperms among seed plants. Although angiosperms might have occurred as early as in the Triassic and herbaceous habit theoretically may have been well adopted by pioneer angiosperms, pre-Cretaceous herbs are missing hitherto, leaving the origin of herbs and evolution of herbaceous angiosperms mysterious. Here we report Juraherba bodae gen. et sp. nov, a whole plant herbaceous angiosperm, from the Middle Jurassic (>164 Ma) at Daohugou Village, Inner Mongolia, China, a fossil Lagerst?tten that is worldwide famous for various fossil finds. The angiospermous affinity of Juraherba is ensured by its enclosed ovules/seeds. The plant is small but complete, with physically connected hairy root, stem, leaves, and fructifications. The Middle Jurassic age recommends Juraherba as the earliest record of herbaceous seed plants, demanding a refresh look at the evolutionary history of angiosperms.

Abstract:The Guole biota contains common shelly fossils and some exceptionally well-preserved soft-bodied fossils. Stratigraphically, it is located in the mudstones and siltstones of the Sandu Formation near Guole Town, Jingxi County, Guangxi, South China. It is the first Furongian (late Cambrian) Burgess Shale-type biota found in the world, thereby filling the gap between middle Cambrian and Lower Ordovician Burgess Shale-type Lagerst?tten. Preliminary studies suggest that the Guole biota includes approximately seven metazoan groups as well as algae. These will provide important new evolutionary and ecological information.

Abstract:The early Cambrian pentamerous microfossil Olivooides/Punctatus in South China, which is characterized by a diagnostic stellate tubular apex, has been well-known for its almost complete development sequence that can be confidently traced from embryos and hatched juveniles, to conical adults. However, its zoological affinity remains highly controversial. Here we describe the internal microanatomic structures of the soft-body inside the peridermal theca of Olivooides multisulcatus Qian, 1977, including interradial pairs of tentacles, adradial and perradial frenula, perradial oral marginal lappets and twins of perradial gastric saccule-like humps as well as a circular velarium with striated coronal muscles. Particularly, one specimen shows bifurcated velarial canals along the bell aperture. Both the components of the soft-body and the external theca (or cyst) are arranged in perfect pentaradial symmetry. These characteristics are more compatible with those of living cubomedusans and co-occurring Cambrian athecate embryonic cubozoans. Concerning the presence of peridermal theca, Olivooides most likely represents an extinct thecate stem-group cubomedusae but devoid of both perradial eyes and specialized pedalia. The well-grown soft body inside the peridermal tube displays a set of mixed features of both polyp and medusa.

Abstract:Objectives: This article presents a new computational procedure to discover scratches buried in the earth's crust. We also validate this new interdisciplinary analysis method with regional gravity data located in a well-known Dabie orogenic zone for test. Methods: Based on the scratch analysis method evolved with mathematical morphology of surfaces, we present a procedure that extracts information of the crustal scratches from regional gravity data. Because the crustal scratches are positively and highly correlated to crustal deformation bands, it can be used for delineation of the crustal deformation belts. The scratches can be quantitatively characterized by calculation of the ridge coefficient function, whose high value traces delineate the deformation bands hidden in the regional gravity field. In addition, because the degree of crustal deformation is an important indicator of tectonic unit divisions, so the crust can be further divided according to the degree of crustal deformation into some tectonic units by using the ridge coefficient data, providing an objective base map for earth scientists to build tectonic models with quantitative evidence. Results: After the ridge coefficients are calculated, we can further enhance the boundary of high ridge-coefficient blocks, resulting in the so-called ridge-edge coefficient function. The high-value ridge-edge coefficients are well correlated with the edge faults of tectonic units underlay, providing accurate positioning of the base map for compilation of regional tectonic maps. In order to validate this new interdisciplinary analysis method, we select the Dabie orogenic zone as a pilot area for test, where rock outcrops are well exposed on the surface and detailed geological and geophysical surveys have been carried out. Tests show that the deformation bands and the tectonic units, which are conformed by tectonic scientists based on surface observations, are clearly displayed on the ridge and ridge-edge coefficient images obtained in this article. Moreover, these computer-generated images provide more accurate locations and geometric details. Conclusions: This work demonstrates that application of modern mathematical tools can promote the quantitative degree in research of modern geosciences, helping to open a door to develop a new branch of mathematical tectonics.

Abstract:The Jiangshan-Shaoxing tectonic zone was the northeastern boundary between the Yangtze Block and the Cathaysia Block during the Neoproterozoic and was an intracontinental orogenic belt during late of the early Paleozoic. In this tectonic zone, there develops a lot of mylonite underwent strong ductile deformation and schist, gneiss, and amphibolite with medium and high grade metamorphism which was formed during the late of early Paleozoic. The research of geometry and kinematic of ductile deformation in Jiangshan-Shaoxing tectonic zone is very important to reveal the tectonic process of intracontinental orogeny. This paper uses the anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS) to determine the ductile deformation geometry and kinematic of Jiangshan-Shaoxing tectonic zone combing with the field survey. In this study, 190 specimens of 19 locations and 221 specimens of 23 locations from Wangjiazhai section and Lipu-Sizhai section were analyzed. The magnetic foliation over magnetic lineation in both Wangjiazhai and Lipu-Sizhai sections together with the field observations indicated a compressional deformation pattern. 3 and 4 strong ductile deformation zones can be established in the Wangjiazhai section and the Lipu-Sizhai section, respectively. According to the magnetic fabric and petro-fabric studies, the Northeastern Jiangshan-Shaoxing tectonic zone suffered two kinds of deformation patterns during the late early Paleozoic, i.e., the thrusting deformation followed by sinistral shear deformation.

Abstract:Foliation inflexion/intersection axes (FIAs) preserved within porphyroblasts that grew throughout Isan orogenesis reveal significant anticlockwise changes in the direction of bulk horizontal shortening between 1670 and 1500 Ma from NE–SW, N–S, E–W to NW–SE. This implies an anticlockwise shift in relative plate motion with time during the Isan orogeny. Dating monazite grains amongst the axial planar foliations defining three of the four FIAs enabled an age for the periods of relative plate motion that produced these structures to be determined. Averaging the ages from monazite grains defining each FIA set revealed 1649±12 Ma for NE–SW shortening, 1645±7 Ma for N–S shortening, and 1591±10 Ma for that directed E–W. Inclusion trail asymmetries indicate shear senses of top to the SW for NW–SE FIAs and dominantly top to the N for E–W FIAs, reflecting thrusting towards the SW and N. No evidence for tectonism related to early NE–SW bulk horizontal shortening has previously been detected in the Mount Isa Inlier. Amalgamation of the Broken Hill and possibly the Gawler provinces with the Mount Isa province may have taken place during these periods of NE–SW and N–S-directed thrusting as the ages of tectonism are similar. Overlapping dates, tectonic, metamorphic, and metallogenic similarities between eastern Australia (Mount Isa and Broken Hill terranes) and the southwest part of Laurentia imply a most probable connection between both continental masses. Putting Australia in such position with respect to North America during the Late-Paleo-to-Mesoproterozoic time is consistent with the AUSWUS model of the Rodinia supercontinent.

Abstract:The Hashitu molybdenum deposit is located in the southern part of the Great Hinggan Range, NE China. Molybdenum mineralization is hosted by and genetically associated with monzogranite and porphyritic syenogranite. Sr-Nd-Pb isotopes of the intrusions show that the porphyritic syenogranite has initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70418–0.70952, εNd(t) values of 1.3 to 2.1 (t=143 Ma), 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 19.191–19.573, 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.551–15.572, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 38.826–39.143. The monzogranite has initial 87Sr/86Sr ratios of 0.70293–0.71305, εNd(t) values of 1.1 to 2.0 (t=147 Ma), 206Pb/204Pb ratios of 19.507–20.075, 207Pb/204Pb ratios of 15.564–15.596, and 208Pb/204Pb ratios of 39.012–39.599. The calculated Nd model ages (TDM) for monzogranite and porphyritic syenogranite range from 866 to 1121 Ma and 795 to 1020 Ma, respectively. The granitic rocks in the Hashitu area have the same isotope range as granites in the southern parts of the Great Hinggan Range. The isotope composition indicates that these granites are derived from the partial melting of a juvenile lower crust originating from a depleted mantle with minor contamination by ancient continental crust. The integrating our results with published data and the Late Mesozoic regional tectonic setting of the region suggest that the granites in the Hashitu area formed in an intra-continent extensional setting, and they are related to the thinning of the thickened lithosphere and upwelling of the asthenosphere.

Abstract:The Khanlogh deposit in the Cenozoic Quchan-Sabzevar magmatic belt, NE Iran, is hosted by Oligocene granodioritic rock. The Khanlogh intrusive body is I-type granitoid of the calc-alkaline series. The orebodies are vein, veinlet, massive, and breccia in shape and occur along the fault zones and fractures within the host rock. Ore minerals dominantly comprise magnetite and apatite associated with epidote, clinopyroxene, calcite, quartz, and chlorite. Apatites of the Khanlogh deposit have a high concentration of REE, and show a strong LREE/HREE ratio with a pronounced negative Eu anomaly. Magnetites have a high concentration of REE and show weak to moderate LREE/HREE fractionation. They are comparable to the REE patterns in Kiruna-type iron ores and show an affinity to calc-alkaline magmas. The Khanlogh deposit is similar in the aspects of host rock lithology, alteration, mineralogy, and mineral chemistry to the Kiruna-type deposits. Field observations, hydrothermal alteration halos, style of mineralization, and the geochemical characteristics of apatite, magnetite, and host rock indicate that these magnetite veins have hydrothermal origin similar to Cenozoic Kiruna-type deposits within the Tarom subzone, NW Iran, and are not related to silica-iron oxide immiscibility, as are the major Precambrian magnetite deposits in central Iran.

Abstract:Mafic rocks are widespread on the Liaodong Peninsula and adjacent regions of the North China Craton. The majority of this magmatism was originally thought to have occurred during the Pre-Sinian, although the precise geochronological framework of this magmatism was unclear. Here, we present the results of more than 60 U–Pb analyses of samples performed over the past decade, with the aim of determining the spatial and temporal distribution of mafic magmatism in this area. These data indicate that Paleoproterozoic–Mesoproterozoic mafic rocks are not as widely distributed as previously thought. The combined geochronological data enabled the subdivision of the mafic magmatism into six episodes that occurred during the middle Paleoproterozoic, the late Paleoproterozoic, the Mesoproterozoic, the Late Triassic, the Middle Jurassic, and the Early Cretaceous. The middle Paleoproterozoic (2.1–2.2 Ga) mafic rocks formed in a subduction-related setting and were subsequently metamorphosed during a ca. 1.9 Ga arc–continent collision event. The late Paleoproterozoic (ca. 1.87–1.82 Ga) bimodal igneous rocks mark the end of a Paleoproterozoic tectono-thermal event, whereas Mesoproterozoic mafic dike swarms record global-scale Mesoproterozoic rifting associated with the final breakup of the Columbia supercontinent. The Late Triassic mafic magmatism is part of a Late Triassic magmatic belt that was generated by post-collisional extension. The Middle Jurassic mafic dikes formed in a compressive tectonic setting, and the Early Cretaceous bimodal igneous rocks formed in an extensional setting similar to a back-arc basin. These latter two periods of magmatism were possibly related to subduction of the Paleo-Pacific plate.

Abstract:The relationship between trace elements in coal and organic functional groups of coal, also some of aromatic structure, was investigated by using curve fitting of infrared spectra. Cluster analysis was also performed according to the degree of affinity of organic groups to the trace elements. The results show that there is a possibility that trace elements, especially LREE, were bound to peripheral organic functional groups of middle rank coal macromolecule. The most possible functional group that binds trace element is the hydroxyl, and to the less degree, the asymmetric -CH3 and >CH2 stretching, -CH3 stretching, etc. The degree of affinity of trace elements to different functional groups varies. The tendency obeys the natural structural changing law of trace elements—the periodic law. The deviation of some trace elements from this regular trend is attributed to the deviation of intrinsic “confusion degree” (conventional molar entropy) of the matter system of coal basin, which is affected by the inner and outer factors during the evolution.

Abstract:The Lishui Sag, in the East China Sea Shelf Basin, is rich in hydrocarbons, with the major hydrocarbon-bearing layers being the Paleocene Mingyuefeng clastic rocks. Analysis of the implicit geologic background information of these Paleocene clastic rocks using petrological and geochemical methods has significant practical importance. These Paleocene sandstones are mainly lithic arenite, lithic arkose and greywacke, composed of K-feldspar, plagioclase, authigenic clays, silica and carbonates. As continental deposits, Yueguifeng clastic rocks have high aluminosilicate and mafic detritus contents, while the Lingfeng and Mingyuefeng Formations are rich in silica due to an oscillating coastal marine depositional environment. The major element contents of these Paleocene sandstones are low and have a concentrated distribution, indicating that the geochemical composition is non-epigenetic, transformed by sedimentary processes and diagenesis. The Yueguifeng detritus comprises recycled sediments, controlled by moderate weathering and erosion, while the Lingfeng and Mingyuefeng detritus is interpreted as primarily first-cycle materials due to low chemical weathering. In the Late Cretaceous to Early Paleocene, the Pacific Plate began subducting under the Eurasian Plate, causing an orogeny by plate collision and magma eruption due to the melting of subducted oceanic crust. This resulted in the dual tectonic settings of “active margin” and “continental island arc” in the East China Sea Shelf Basin. During the Late Paleocene, the Pacific Plate margin migrated eastward along with development of the Philippine Ocean Plate, and the tectonic setting of the Lishui Sag gradually turned into a passive continental margin. Detrital sources included both orogenic continental blocks and continental island arcs, and the parent rocks are primarily felsic volcanic rocks and granites.

Abstract:Sandy debris flow deposits are present in Unit I during Miocene of Gas Field A in the Baiyun Depression of the South China Sea. The paucity of well data and the great variability of the sedimentary microfacies make it difficult to identify and predict the distribution patterns of the main gas reservoir, and have seriously hindered further exploration and development of the gas field. Therefore, making full use of the available seismic data is extremely important for predicting the spatial distribution of sedimentary microfacies when constructing three-dimensional reservoir models. A suitable reservoir modeling strategy or workflow controlled by sedimentary microfacies and seismic data has been developed. Five types of seismic attributes were selected to correlate with the sand percentage, and the root mean square (RMS) amplitude performed the best. The relation between the RMS amplitude and the sand percentage was used to construct a reservoir sand distribution map. Three types of main sedimentary microfacies were identified: debris channels, fan lobes, and natural levees. Using constraints from the sedimentary microfacies boundaries, a sedimentary microfacies model was constructed using the sequential indicator and assigned value simulation methods. Finally, reservoir models of physical properties for sandy debris flow deposits controlled by sedimentary microfacies and seismic inversion data were established. Property cutoff values were adopted because the sedimentary microfacies and the reservoir properties from well-logging interpretation are intrinsically different. Selection of appropriate reservoir property cutoffs is a key step in reservoir modeling when using simulation methods based on sedimentary microfacies control. When the abnormal data are truncated and the reservoir properties probability distribution fits a normal distribution, microfacies-controlled reservoir property models are more reliable than those obtained from the sequence Gauss simulation method. The cutoffs for effective porosity of the debris channel, fan lobe, and natural levee facies were 0.2, 0.09, and 0.12, respectively; the corresponding average effective porosities were 0.24, 0.13, and 0.15. The proposed modeling method makes full use of seismic attributes and seismic inversion data, and also makes the property data of single-well depositional microfacies more conformable to a normal distribution with geological significance. Thus, the method allows use of more reliable input data when we construct a model of a sandy debris flow.

Abstract:Most vein minerals deposited in fractures of the Jialingjiang Formation from Libixia section, Hechan area include a large amount of saddle dolomite and accompanying celestite, calcite and fluorite. This study analyzed the nature, source, evolution of the fluids by plane-light petrography, fluid-inclusion methods, cathodoluminescence images, and stable isotopic compositions. The homogenization temperatures of two-phase aqueous fluid inclusions in dolomite range between 100 and 270°C. Combined with the δ18O data, it is suggested that the fluid responsible for the precipitation of fracture fillings have δ18O values between 10‰ and 18‰ (relative to SMOW). The saddle dolomite and the accompanying minerals were the result of activity of dense brines at elevated temperatures. Moreover, analysis shows that the fluid was derived from a mixture of marine-derived brine and deeper circulating flow. This fluid was enriched in Sr during diagenesis and formed celestite in fracture and for regional mineralization. Dissolution of saddle dolomite was attributed to the cooling of Mg/Ca-decreased fluids, which may relate to a leaching of gypsum to celestite in surrounding carbonates.

Abstract:Multi-layer sandstone reservoirs occur globally and are currently in international production. The 3D characteristics of these reservoirs are too complicated to be accurately delineated by general structural-facies-reservoir modelling. In view of the special geological features, such as the vertical architecture of sandstone and mudstone interbeds, the lateral stable sedimentation and the strong heterogeneity of reservoir poroperm and fluid distribution, we developed a new three-stage and six-phase procedure for 3D characterization of multi-layer sandstone reservoirs. The procedure comprises two-phase structural modelling, two-phase facies modelling and modelling of two types of reservoir properties. Using this procedure, we established models of the formation structure, sand body structure and microfacies, reservoir facies and properties including porosity, permeability and gas saturation and provided a 3D fine-scale, systematic characterization of the Sebei multi-layer sandstone gas field, China. This new procedure, validated by the Sebei gas field, can be applied to characterize similar multi-layer sandstone reservoirs.

Abstract:Because of the unique geographical location and important ecological effect of the Qinling Mountains, reconstruction of its vegetation and climate needs comprehensive research. We need to consider a multiple-proxy approach to gain more information on recovering the paleovegetation and climate in the Qinling Mountains. Black carbon (BC) is produced by the incomplete combustion of vegetation and fossil fuels, and is a good proxy, recording paleoenvironmental information. However, in the Qinling Mountains, what are the characteristics of the BC, and whether BC stable carbon isotope (δ13СBC) can be used as a new proxy to study ancient vegetation, still need further study. In order to establish a sound basis for studying paleoenvironmental by BC proxy in the Qinling Mountains, we carried out systematic and detailed study on modern process of BC on the northern slope of the mountains. We analyzed stable carbon isotopes and carbon concentration of organic carbon (%SOC, δ13CSOC) and BC (%BC, δ13CBC), and identified the pollen assemblages from systematically sampled surface soil. The results show that the calculated ratio of C4 plants in the vegetation (%C4) based on the δ13CSOC data reflects a similar distribution of C4 plants in the surface vegetation and the pollen assemblage. The δ13CBC values have a strong positive correlation with δ13CSOC values, and their difference (Δ13СSOC-BC) is in the low range. These data indicate that δ13СBC and δ13CSOC have very similar characteristics. Surface soil δ13СBC values can indicate surface vegetation as effectively as δ13CSOC values, and the δ13CBC proxy can be used effectively in paleovegetational research in the northern slope of Qinling Mountains.

Abstract:Groundwater is the most important source of water supply in the Yeniceoba Plain in Central Anatolia, Turkey. An understanding of the geochemical evolution of groundwater is important for the sustainable development of water resources in this region. A hydrogeochemical investigation was conducted in the Plio-Quaternary aquifer system using stable isotopes (δ18O and δD), tritium (3H), major and minor elements (Ca, Na, K, Mg, Cl, SO4, NO3, HCO3 and Br) in order to identify groundwater chemistry patterns and the processes affecting groundwater mineralization in this system. The chemical data reveal that the chemical composition of groundwater in this aquifer system is mainly controlled by rock/water interactions including dissolution of evaporitic minerals, weathering of silicates, precipitation/dissolution of carbonates, ion exchange, and evaporation. Based on the values of Cl/Br ratio (> 300 mg/l) in the Plio-Quaternary groundwater, dissolution of evaporitic minerals in aquifer contributes significantly to the high mineralization. The stable isotope analyses indicate that the groundwater in the system was influenced by evaporation of rainfall during infiltration. Low tritium values (generally <1 tritium units) of groundwater reflect a minor contribution of recent recharge and groundwater residence times of more than three or four decades.

Abstract:Abundant landslide deposits were triggered by the Wenchuan earthquake, providing a rich source of material for subsequent debris flows or slope failures under rainfall conditions. A good understanding of the physical and mechanical properties of the landslide deposits is very important to the research on slope failure mechanisms and the initiation of debris flow. Laboratory biaxial compression tests are used to study the material compositions and water content impacts on the mechanical properties of landslide deposits, and a discrete element method (a bond-contact model) is used to study the particle stiffness, bond force, friction coefficient and confining stress impact on the mechanical behaviors and the relationships between the numerical and experimental parameters. The experimental results show that the failure stress of landslide deposits is decreased with increasing content of fine particles and also with increased water content, especially at the initial increasing stage. Cohesion of the saturated landslide deposits is increased, but the friction angle is decreased with the increase in the fine particle content. Shear strength parameters (the cohesion and friction angle) are decreased with the increasing water content at the initial increasing stage, and then, they slowly decrease. There is a critical value of the water content at 5%–7% (in weight) for the failure stress and shear strength parameters of the landslide deposits. Quadratic equations are presented to describe the relation between the bond force and cohesion, and the numerical friction coefficient and the experimental friction angle.

Abstract:The present study focuses on building a workflow for structural interpretation and velocity modeling and implementing to Jurassic-Cretaceous succession (Chiltan Limestone and Massive sand of the Lower Goru Formation). 2D-Migrated seismic sections of the area are used as data set and in order to confirm the presence of hydrocarbons in the study area, P and S-wave seismic velocities are estimated from single-component seismic data. Some specific issues in the use of seismic data for modeling and hydrocarbon evaluation need to deal with including distinguishing the reservoir and cap rocks, and the effects of faults, folds and presence of hydrocarbons on these rocks. This study has carried out the structural interpretation and modeling of the seismic data for the identification of traps. The results demonstrate existence of appropriate structural traps in the form of horst and grabens in the area. 2D and 3D velocity modeling of the horizons indicates the presence of high velocity zones in the eastern half of the study while relatively low velocity zones are encountered in the western half of the area. Two wells were drilled in the study area (i.e. Fateh-01 and Ichhri-01) and both are dry. Immature hydrocarbons migration is considered as a failure reason for Fateh-01 and Ichhri-01 well.

Abstract:Studied waters belong to warm (T=30–50oC), alkaline (pH=8.9–9.3), low mineralized (TDS<235 mg/l) Na–HCO3 or Na–SO4–HCO3 thermal waters with high content of SiO2 (up to 81 mg/l) and F (up to 3.9 mg/l), occur on modern volcano–tectonic rejuvenated areas of Eastern Sikhote–Alin orogenic belt. Low 3He concentration as well as N2/O2 and N2/Ar ratios exclude influence of deep mantle fluid. New rare earth element data constrain our understanding of water–rock interaction occurring in the water source region. Meteoric origin of waters is proved by stable isotope values varying from ?71‰ to ?136.1‰ and from ?10.8‰ to ?18.8‰ for δ2H and δ18O respectively. REE patterns reflect high pH, resultfing from water–rock interaction and oxidative conditions. Calculations of deep aquifer temperature using Na–K and quartz geothermometers show 116.8–131.1°С and 82.2–125.8°С respectively. Presence of deep faults both with abnormal thermal gradient (~45–50 K/km) define unique geochemical shape of thermal waters of Sikhote–Alin, area, where no present volcanic activity is registered.

Abstract:The chemical and isotopic characteristics of the water and suspended particulate materials (SPM) in the Yellow River were investigated on the samples collected from 29 hydrological monitoring stations in the mainstem and several major tributaries during 2004 to 2007. The δD and δ18O values of the Yellow River water vary in large ranges from ?32‰ to ?91‰ and from ?3.1‰ to ?12.5‰, respectively. The characters of H and O isotope variations indicate that the major sources of the Yellow River water are meteoric water and snow melting water, and water cycle in the Yellow River basin is affected strongly by evaporation process and human activity. The average SPM content (9.635 g/L) of the Yellow River is the highest among the world large rivers. Compared with the Yangtze River, the Yellow River SPM has much lower clay content and significantly higher contents of clastic silicates and carbonates. In comparison to the upper crust rocks, the Yellow River SPM contains less SiO2, CaO, K2O and Na2O, but more TFe2O3, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd. The abnormal high Cd contents found in some sample may be related to local industrial activity. The REE contents and distribution pattern of the Yellow River SPM are very close to the average value of the global shale. The average δ30SiSPM in the Yellow River (?0.11‰) is slightly higher than the average value (?0.22‰) of the Yangtze River SPM. The major factors controlling the δ30SiSPM of the Yellow River are the soil supply, the isotopic composition of the soil and the climate conditions. The TDS in the Yellow River are the highest among those of world large rivers. Fair correlations are observed among Cl?, Na+, K+, and Mg2+ contents of the Yellow River water, indicating the effect of evaporation. The Ca2+ and Sr2+ concentrations show good correlation to the SO42? concentration rather than HCO3? concentration, reflecting its origin from evaporates. The NO3? contents are affected by farmland fertilization. The Cu, Zn and Cd contents in dissolved load of the Yellow River water are all higher than those of average world large rivers, reflecting the effect of human activity. The dissolved load in the Yellow River water generally shows a REE distribution pattern parallel to those for the Yangtze River and the Xijiang River. The δ30Si values of the dissolved silicon vary in a range from 0.4‰ to 2.9‰, averaging 1.34‰. The major processes controlling the DSi and δ30SiDiss of the Yellow River water are the weathering process of silicate rocks, growth of phytolith in plants, evaporation, dissolution of phytolith in soil, growth of fresh water diatom, adsorption and desorption of aqueous monosilicic acid on iron oxide and human activities. The average δ30SiDiss value of the Yellow River is significantly lower than that of the Nile River, Yangtze River and Siberia rivers, but higher than those of other rivers, reflecting their differences in chemical weathering and biological activity. The δ34SSO4 values of the Yellow River water range from ?3.8‰ to 14.1‰, averaging 7.97‰. There is some correlation between SO42? content and δ34SSO4. The factors controlling the δ34SSO4 of the Yellow River water are the SO4 in the meteoric water, the SO4 from gypsum or anhydrite in evaporite rocks, oxidation and dissolution of sulfides in the mineral deposits, magmatic rocks and sedimentary rocks, the sulfate reduction and precipitation process and the sulfate from fertilizer. The 87Sr/86Sr ratios of all samples range from 0.71041 to 0.71237, averaging 0.71128. The variations in the 87Sr/86Sr ratio and Sr concentration of river water are primarily caused by mixing of waters of various origins with different 87Sr/86Sr ratios and Sr contents resulting from water-rock interaction with different rock types.

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Abstract:Various early Paleozoic (Cambrian Series 3–Middle Ordovician) reefs are found in the Taebaek Group, eastern Korea, located in the eastern margin of the Sino-Korean Block. They occur in every carbonate-dominant lithostratigraphic unit of the group, but their morphology and composition differ markedly. The Daegi Formation (middle Cambrian: Cambrian Series 3) contains siliceous sponge-Epiphyton reefs formed in a shallow subtidal environment, which is one of the earliest metazoan-bearing microbial reefs after the archaeocyath extinction. The Hwajeol Formation (upper Cambrian: Furongian) encloses sporadic dendrolites consisting of Angulocellularia, which developed in a relatively deep subtidal environment, representing a rare deeper water example. The onset of the Ordovician radiation resulted in the formation of microbialite–Archaeoscyphia–calathiid patch reefs in shallow subtidal deposits of the Lower Ordovician Dumugol Formation. Subsequent late Early Ordovician relative sea-level fall established extensive peritidal environments, forming microbial mats and stromatolites of the Lower–Middle Ordovician Makgol Formation. Ensuing Ordovician radiation resulted in one of the earliest metazoan skeletal reefs of the Middle Ordovician Duwibong Formation, constructed by stromatoporoid Cystostroma and bryozoan Nicholsonella, and developed around shallow shoals. These reefs reflect ongoing evolution and sea-level change during the early Paleozoic, and exemplify a rare glimpse of peri-Gondwanan records of reef evolution, which warrant detailed investigations and comparison with their counterparts in other regions.

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