Rock-magnetic proxies of climate change from loess -paleosol sediments of the Czech Republic

Summary Rock-magnetic characteristics of late Pleistocene loess-paleosol sequences in the Czech Republic show patterns of variation that reflect climate-related depositional and diagenetic processes which acted on the sedimentary profiles. Mass-normalized magnetic susceptibility is high in interglacial and interstadial paleosols, while uniformly low values are measured in unweathered loess horizons. Normalized ferrimagnetic susceptibility and anhysteretic remanent magnetization show an enhancement of ultrafine (superparamagnetic, SP) and fine (single-domain, SD, and pseudo-single-domain, PSD) grains in chernozem paleosols correlated with δ¹⁸O substages 5c and 5a as well as in the Holocene soil. The parabraunerde paleosol associated with peak interglacial conditions, correlated with δ¹⁸O substage 5e, shows evidence of diagenetic loss of fine grained magnetic minerals, although coarse (multidomain, MD) grains appear to be preserved. Low temperature remanence behavior plus high temperature susceptibility measurements of representative samples from each lithologic unit indicate that magnetite and maghemite are the dominant magnetic minerals within the sediments. Variations in concentration-independent rock-magnetic parameters are therefore primarily a function of grain size variations through the profile. It is anticipated that with additional magnetic and non-magnetic sedimentological and geochemical tests, a quantitative rock-magnetic — paleoclimate model can be developed for the central European loess region.     

Influence of volcanic glass on the magnetic signal of different paleosols in Córdoba,Argentina

This contribution comprises geological and magnetic results obtained in loess and paleosols profiles outcropped in the Pampean plain (Argentina). The sedimentary sequence exposed in Córdoba province is represented by four profiles Corralito I, Corralito II, Monte Ral815o and Lozada, 32°S 64°14'W (Argentina). These profiles were mineralogically described and magnetically analyzed. The sediments that compound the profiles contain volcanic glass between 20 and 90%. The results of two paleosols with different percentage of volcanic glass in the parent material (correlated to Marine Isotope Stage 5, MIS 5) exposed at Corralito I and Lozada, were compared; an important relationship between environmental magnetism signal and volcanic glass content was observed. All the results suggest that there are variations between different paleosols of the same area and age; such variations are attributed to content of volcanic glass in parent material; time of exposure of the parent material to pedogenic processes; and geomorphological place of each profile. At present, it is not possible to quantify certainly the paleo-precipitation index. Only qualitative interpretation can be done taking into account many variables of the geological system.     

Loess in the Czech Republic: Magnetic properties and paleoclimate

Summary We have studied 454 oriented samples from seven loess outcrops in the Czech Republic for comparison and correlation of the magnetic properties with those of the loess profiles in China and Central Asia. Three sections at Sedlec (Prague), Zeměchy and Dolní Věstonice cover the time span of the last glacial-interglacial cycle. Loess from the middle Pleistocene period including pedocomplexes V and VI was studied at Sedlešovice (Znojmo) and Karlštejn. Loess of uncertain — possibly lower to middle Pleistocene age — was sampled at Sedlec near Mikulov. At Červeny Kopec (Red Hill, Brno) we investigated the oldest loess near the Matuyama/Brunhes (M/B) boundary. The characteristic remanence (ChRM) determined after magnetic clearning is of normal polarity throughout all sections except at Červeny Kopec. There, two polarity changes from reversed to normal were found within two sections initially thought to represent two successive stratigraphic intervals. However, the marked similarities between lithological, susceptibility, declination and inclination profiles lead us to suggest that the two polarity changes are in fact one and the same. The two sections are therefore laterally equivalent and both have recorded the M/B field reversal. The susceptibility variations were used to mutually correlate the Czech sections and to construct a composite profile across the present day loess outcrops in the Czech Republic. They also serve as a paleoclimate proxy which can be compared and correlated with the paleoclimatic records observed in the Chinese and Central Asian loess. The origin of the low field susceptibility variations was studied by measuring the frequency dependence of susceptibility which revealed that the enhancement within the pedocomplexes is controlled by the amount of fine-grained ferromagnetic minerals present.     

Magnetic structure of polluted soil profiles from Eastern Ukraine

Our study concerned magnetic properties of soil profiles taken from polluted regions of Eastern Ukraine around the industrial centres Krivyj Rig, Mariupol and Komsomolsk. Soils represent chernozem and podzoluvisol. The low-field magnetic susceptibility shows enhancement in the topsoil caused by contamination by coarse-grain magnetite connected with industrial pollution. Magnetic mineralogy was determined by means of thermal demagnetisation of SIRM, monitoring of susceptibility changes during warming from ?196°C to room temperature and heating to 700°C, and Mössbauer analysis. Granulometry of magnetic particles was investigated by determination of hysteresis parameters, susceptibility, M _s , SIRM and ARM ratios and frequency dependence of susceptibility. The chemical parameters, namely pH, organic carbon and iron content in different pedogenic and lithogenic minerals, measured for particular horizons determined pedogenic characteristic of soil profiles. Our study showed that differences in magnetic parameters of non-polluted and polluted soil profiles are not limited to the topsoil, but reach deep layers of the parent material. Industrial pollution promotes formation of the so-called “pedogenic” SP and SD particles in these layers.     

The role of dust source area and pedogenesis in three loess-palaeosol sections from North Bulgaria: A mineral magnetic study

Rock magnetic studies of three loess-palaeosol sections from Bulgaria (Harletz and Orsoja in the NW and Durankulak in the NE at the Black Sea coast) have been carried out. Thermomagnetic analyses of magnetic susceptibility point to magnetite as the major ferrimagnetic carrier in the loess and palaeosol units. Maghemite gives a significant contribution to the total magnetic signal in the recent soils (S₀), while in one of the sections-Orsoja-hematite may also be present. The effective magnetic grain sizes deduced from the hysteresis measurements and the ratios M_rs/M_s and B_cr/B_c fall in the pseudo single domain (PSD) range, but the data distributions in a Day diagram for the three different sections are shifted. This is suggested to be caused by different detrital input (e.g. different dust source areas) and varying degrees of pedogenic modification. The calculated background susceptibilities χ_bg differ significantly as well. The lowest value is obtained for the Durankulak section-χ_bg = 9.95 × 10⁻⁸ m³/kg, which is in accordance with the data from other studies of loess-palaeosol profiles from the Black Sea area. The corresponding background susceptibilities for the other two sections studied-Harletz and Orsoja-are significantly higher (33.1 and 17.75 × 10⁻⁸ m³/kg, respectively). Both parent material and pedogenesis are found to be responsible for the observed differences in the magnetic characteristics.     

Influence of Quaternary paleoclimate change on the permeability of the loess–paleosol sequence in the Loess Plateau,northern China

Permeability differences in multi-cycle loess–paleosol aeolian sediments, which are still poorly understood, have the potential to significantly improve our understanding of climatic change during the glacial–interglacial periods of the Quaternary. In this study, the permeability of a well-preserved and continuous loess–paleosol sequence in the South Jingyang Plateau was investigated. Weathering intensity was inferred using a series of climate proxies including grain-size distribution, magnetic susceptibility and mineralogy. The results of laboratory tests showed that the average saturated hydraulic conductivity of loess layers is higher than that of paleosol layers. Also, clear differences between loess and paleosol were found in terms of depth variations of the vertical and horizontal saturated hydraulic conductivities. Differences in loess–paleosol were also found for other proxies for pedogenic weathering [i.e. clay content, sand content, Kd value (ratio of coarse silt to clay), magnetic susceptibility, dolomite content and the ratios of hornblende/illite and hornblende/chlorite]. Our results showed a high permeability of loess layers associated with weak pedogenic weathering during cold/dry paleoclimatic conditions in glacial stages. On the contrary, paleosol layers developed in a warm/humid climate during the interglacial stages experienced strong pedogenic weathering that resulted in lower permeability. Based on these results, we construct a connection between Quaternary climate change theory and the modern hydrological system. This provides a scientific basis for investigating the distribution and pollution of groundwater resources in the local region. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Multiple origins and interpretations of the magnetic susceptibility signal in Chinese wind-blown sediments

In most Chinese loess–paleosol sequences, high magnetic susceptibility values are found in the soil horizons, with low values in the loess layers. The susceptibility signal has been widely used as a proxy climatic indicator. However, both the causes and mechanisms which control susceptibility still remain controversial. Our recent studies challenge some earlier interpretations of the magnetic susceptibility signal in Chinese wind-blown sediments. First, the prevailing hypothesis of pedogenic origin cannot totally account for the susceptibility variations in many sections. Second, in some cases, the principal carrier of the magnetization seems not to be the ultrafine pedogenic minerals, rather coarse lithogenic magnetic minerals derived from local sources can also contribute significantly to the susceptibility signal. Finally, not all the Chinese soils have higher susceptibility values than that of loess or sand layers, opposite relationships do exist. It is concluded that the source and causes of susceptibility may be different from site to site or even at different times at a given site. Any single hypothesis cannot completely account for the susceptibility variations in the Chinese Loess Plateau and its surrounding regions. Besides the previous explanations of carbonate leaching, pedogenic processes and organic decomposition, the contribution of source materials to magnetic susceptibility must also be taken into account.     

Displacement of large-scale open solar magnetic fields from the zone of active longitudes and the heliospheric storm of November 3–10, 2004: 2. “Explosion” of singularity and dynamics of sunspot formation and energy release

A more detailed scenario of one stage (August–November 2004) of the quasibiennial MHD process “Origination ... and dissipation of the four-sector structure of the solar magnetic field” during the decline phase of cycle 23 has been constructed. It has been indicated that the following working hypothesis on the propagation of an MHD disturbance westward (in the direction of solar rotation) and eastward (toward the zone of active longitudes) with the displacement of the large-scale open solar magnetic field (LOSMF) from this zone can be constructed based on LOSMF model representations and data on sunspot formation, flares, active filaments, and coronal ejections as well as on the estimated contribution of sporadic energy release to the flare luminosity and kinetic energy of ejections: (1) The “explosion” of the LOSMF singularity and the formation in the explosion zone of an anemone active region (AR), which produced the satellite sunspot formation that continued west and east of the “anemone,” represented a powerful and energy-intensive source of MHD processes at this stage. (2) This resulted in the origination of two “governing” large-scale MHD processes, which regulated various usual manifestations of solar activity: the fast LOSMF along the neutral line in the solar atmosphere, strongly affecting the zone of active longitudes, and the slow LOSMF in the outer layers of the convection zone. The fronts of these processes were identified by powerful (about 10³¹ erg) coronal ejections. (3) The collision of a wave reflected from the zone of active longitudes with the eastern front of the hydromagnetic impulse of the convection zone resulted in an increase in LOSMF magnetic fluxes, origination of an active sector boundary in the zone of active longitudes, shear-convergent motions, and generation and destabilization of the flare-productive AR 10696 responsible for the heliospheric storm of November 3–10, 2004.     

Preliminary study on the mineral magnetic properties of sediments from Kůlna Cave (Moravian Karst), Czech Republic

Summary Magnetic property variations in marine, lacustrine and loess-paleosol sequences have proved to be useful proxies in climate change studies. However in order to correctly interpret the record of the magnetic property variations it is absolutely necessary to have a good understanding of the cause of the observed variations. Most of the ambiguity in loess-paleosol studies is in distinguishing the role of pedogenesis from other climatic factors. Studying the mineral magnetic properties of the protected cave sediments which have not undergone pedogenesis allows us to determine the degree to which detrital input is climatically driven. These results will help us better understand the variations observed in the surficial loess-paleosol sequences. This study reports mineral magnetic data collected from entrance facies sediments deposited during the early Wurmian glacial stage in the Kůlna Cave. The entrance facies sediments consist of loess-like silts with varying amount of talus. The magnetic susceptibility record from these sediments shows higher values in layers originating in colder climates which is different to that commonly observed in surficial loess deposits. Higher values of magnetic susceptibility in Kůlna sediments are probably due to higher concentrations of ferromagnetic minerals (magnetite and maghemite) and due to an increased proportion of superparamagnetic grains. The magnetic mineralogy and the grainsize distribution (grains larger than superparamagnetic) appear not to change throughout the studied profiles. Higher magnetic susceptibility accompanied by an increase in the superparamagnetic fraction observed in the sediments deposited during colder periods can be explained by an increased input from a pedogenic source when the vegetation cover was reduced and the erosion rate increased.     

Magnetic Characteristics of Different Soil Types from Bulgaria

Magnetic studies of different soil types can provide valuable information about palaeoenvironmental conditions at the time they were formed. Results of investigations of rock-magnetism of genetically different soil types, which developed over varying time intervals (Meadow Chernozem - formed during the last 6000 years BP; Leached Cinnamonic soil - formed since the 3rd-2nd century BC and Pellic Vertisoil - the oldest, formed since the Late Pliocene) are presented. The soil profiles of the Leached Cinnamonic and Pellic Vertisoil are characterized by lower values of magnetic susceptibility, as compared to that of the parent materials. It is shown that using percentage frequency-dependent susceptibility (Xfd%) and viscous remanent magnetization (VRM), pedogenic alteration could be detected even in such circumstances. The variations of the parameters measured along the depth of the studied Meadow Chernozem soil profile are characterized by gradual smooth magnetic enhancement, pointing to the absence of secondary redistribution of pedogenic magnetites. In contrast to this case, the two other profiles (Leached Cinnamonic and Pellic Vertisoil) show magnetically enhanced lower (illuvial) horizons due to processes of acid destruction and re-precipitation of the original pedogenic ferromagnetic minerals down the profiles. These specific magnetic properties are of particular importance in using susceptibility variations as a palaeoclimatic proxy record.     

Geochemical homogeneity of a long-lived,large silicic system; evidence from the Cerro Galán caldera,NW Argentina

By applying a number of analytical techniques across a spectrum of spatial scales (centimeter to micrometer) in juvenile components, we show that the Cerro Galán volcanic system has repeatedly erupted magmas with nearly identical geochemistries over >3.5 Myr. The Cerro Galán system produced nine ignimbrites (∼5.6 to 2 Ma) with a cumulative volume of >1,200 km³ (DRE; dense rock equivalent) of calc-alkaline, high-K rhyodacitic magmas (68–71 wt.% SiO₂). The mineralogy is broadly constant throughout the eruptive sequence, comprising plagioclase, quartz, biotite, Fe–Ti oxides, apatite, and titanite. Early ignimbrite magmas also contained amphibole, while the final eruption, the most voluminous Cerro Galán ignimbrite (CGI; 2.08 ± 0.02 Ma) erupted a magma containing rare amphibole, but significant sanidine. Each ignimbrite contains two main juvenile clast types; dominant “white” pumice and ubiquitous but subordinate “grey” pumice. Fe–Ti oxide and amphibole-plagioclase thermometry coupled with amphibole barometry suggest that the grey pumice originated from potentially hotter and deeper magmas (800–840°C, 3–5 kbar) than the more voluminous white pumice (770–810°C, 1.5–2.5 kbar). The grey pumice is interpreted to represent the parental magmas to the Galán system emplaced into the upper crust from a deeper storage zone. Most inter-ignimbrite variations can be accounted for by differences in modal mineralogy and crystal contents that vary from 40 to 55 vol.% on a vesicle-free basis. Geochemical modeling shows that subtle bulk-rock variations in Ta, Y, Nb, Dy, and Yb between the Galán ignimbrites can be reconciled with differences in amounts of crystal fractionation from the “grey” parent magma. The amount of fractionation is inversely correlated with volume; the CGI (∼630 km³) and Real Grande Ignimbrite (∼390 km³) return higher F values (proportion of liquid remaining) than the older Toconquis Group ignimbrites (<50 km³), implying less crystal fractionation took place during the upper-crustal evolution of these larger volume magmas. We attribute this relationship to variations in magma chamber geometry; the younger, largest volume ignimbrites came from flat sill-like magma chambers, reducing the relative proportion of sidewall crystallization and fractionation compared to the older, smaller-volume ignimbrite eruptions. The grey pumice clasts also show evidence of silicic recharge throughout the history of the Cerro Galán system, and recharge days prior to eruption has previously been suggested based on reversely zoned (OH and Cl) apatite phenocrysts. A rare population of plagioclase phenocrysts with thin An-rich rims in juvenile clasts in many ignimbrites supports the importance of recharge in the evolution and potential triggering of eruptions. This study extends the notion that large volumes of nearly identical silicic magmas can be generated repeatedly, producing prolonged geochemical homogeneity from a long-lived magma source in a subduction zone volcanic setting. At Cerro Galán, we propose that there is a zone between mantle magma input and upper crustal chambers, where magmas are geochemically “buffered”, producing the underlying geochemical and isotopic signatures. This produces the same parental magmas that are delivered repeatedly to the upper crust. A lower-crustal MASH (melting, assimilation, storage, and homogenization) zone is proposed to act as this buffer zone. Subsequent upper crustal magmatic processes serve only to slightly modify the geochemistry of the magmas.     

Gibt es eine „kritische Windgeschwindigkeit“ für die Grenzfläche Wasser — Luft?

Zusammenfassung Aus Windprofilmessungen in feststehenden H?hen über den Wellenk?mmen lassen sich keine zuverl?ssigen Schlüsse über die effektive Schubkraft des Windes an der Meeresoberfl?che ziehen. Der Grund liegt im wesentlichen in der verschiedenartigen vertikalen Windgeschwindigkeitsverteilung über Wellenbergen und Wellent?lern und in der Tatsache, da? die Windprofilmessungen im wesentlichen nur das Windprofil über den Bergen widerspiegeln. Der Versuch, die Windprofilmessungen zu „reduzieren“, ist mit zu gro?en Fehlern behaftet, zeigt aber qualitativ eine systematische Erh?hung der aus Windmessungen berechneten Reibungsfaktoren an. Damit kann der Anschlu? an die aus Windstaubeobachtungen ermittelten Reibungsfaktoren gewonnen werden, so da? der vermeintliche „Sprung“ von einer „glatten“ zu einer „rauhen“ Grenzfl?che verschwindet, und eine „kritische Windgeschwindigkeit“, die diesen Sprung angeben soll, gar nicht existiert.

---

On the problem of the “critical wind velocity” at the air — sea boundary surface

Summary From the measurements of wind profiles at fixed heights above the wave crests no reliable conclusions can be drawn with regard to the wind's effective shearing force at the sea surface. This is essentially due to the diversified vertical distribution of the wind speed above the waves' crests and troughs as well as to the fact that when measuring wind profiles above the waves it is mainly the profiles above the wave crests that are obtained. Attempts to “reduce” wind profiles have proved to be subject to considerable errors; however, they show qualitatively a systematic increase of the frictional factors as computed from wind measurements. This links up with the frictional factors ascertained from observations of the wind effect so that the supposed “leap” from a “smooth” to a “rough” boundary surface and the “critical wind speed” corresponding to this leap do not exist at all.

     

The pattern characteristics of the tendency variations of earth resistivity and its relation to earthquakes

ＴｈｅｐａｔｔｅｒｎｃｈａｒａｃｔｅｒｉｓｔｉｃｓｏｆｔｈｅｔｅｎｄｅｎｃｙｖａｒｉａｔｉｏｎｓｏｆｅａｒｔｈｒｅｓｉｓｔｉｖｉｔｙａｎｄｉｔｓｒｅｌａｔｉｏｎｔｏｅａｒｔｈｑｕａｋｅｓＨｅ－ＹｕｎＺＨＡＯ（赵和云）（ＥａｒｔｈｑｕａｋｅＲｅｓｅａｒ...     

Properties of wave velocity for two types of granitoids at high pressure and temperature and their geological meaning

The wave velocity for two types of granitoids was measured using the analytic method of full-wave vibration at high pressure and high temperature. The laws of velocity changes for them differ with the pressure boost and temperature rise, and the velocity change of S-type is more violent than that of I-type. The “softening point” of compressional wave velocity (V μ) is also revealed during the measurement for two types of granitoids imitating the pressure and temperature at a certain depth. But the depth of “softening”, V_p after “softening” and the percentage of V_p’s drop around the “sofrening point” for two types of granitoids are obviously different. The depth of “softening” is 15 km approximately and V_p after “softening” is 5.62 km/s for S-type granitoid. But for I-type granitoid the depth of “softening” is 26 km approximately and V_p after “softening” is 6. 08 km/s. Through careful analysis of rock slices after the experiment, it was found that the “softening” of elastic-wave velocity is caused by the partial melting of granite. Combined with the results of geophysical prospecting, these results suggest that the low-velocity layers developing in the interior of Earth crust are related to thc partial melting of different types of granitoids. The formation of the low-velocity layer in the upper-middle Earth crust is closely related to the development of S-type granitoid, but that in the lower Earth crust is closely related to the development of I-type granitoid.     

Magnetic properties of sediments from the Pearl River Delta,South China: Paleoenvironmental implications

Magnetic parameters and their environmental implications of sediments in a core (PD) from the Pearl River Delta, South China, indicate that ferrimagnetic minerals with low coercivity, such as magnetite, dominate the magnetic properties although small amounts of Fe-sulphides occur. The fraction of Fe-sulphides increases and becomes the dominant minerals determining the magnetic characteristics in grey-black organic-rich clay horizons, indicating an anoxic, sulphate-reducing swamp environment resulting from a marine regression. In the "Huaban clay" , hard magnetic minerals, such as hematite and goethite, largely control the magnetic properties of the sediments and imply a long period of exposure and weathering. Where magnetite is the main magnetic mineral, its fraction and grain size determine properties such as magnetic susceptibility (κ ) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM). Ratios of SIRM/κ and χarm/SIRM reflect changes in sea level with high SIRM/κ and χarm/SIRM correlating with a smaller magnetic mineral grain size and rising sea level. Based on downcore variations of these environmental magnetic parameters along with sediment characteristics and microfauna, the sedimentary environment of the Pearl River Delta area can be divided into two main cycles of transgression and regression during the late Pleistocene and Holocene with more sub-cycles of sea level fluctuation during each transgression.     

Characteristics of climate change in the “significant impact zone” affected by aerosols over eastern China in warm seasons

Through analysis of the distribution pattern and changing characteristics of atmospheric aerosols over the East Asia region during warm seasons in recent 20 a and beyond as well as their possible interactive relationship with a variety of meteorological elements, it is found that the high-value zone of aerosol optical depth derived from the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer (TOMS), its significant negative correlation zones in terms of sunshine duration (SD) and surface air temperature (SAT) and its significant positive correlation zones with low-level cloud amount (LCC) are co-located in the South China region during warm periods. Based on this finding, the region is referred to as a “significant impact zone” (SI zone) affected by aerosols. Then, a comparative analysis is made on variation differences of observed SAT, SD and LCC, etc. in different regions. It is also found that the LCC is increased and the SD is decreased within the “SI zone” over eastern China during the warm season. These characteristics are more evident than those beyond the zone, while the warming trend within the zone is evidently weaker than that outside it. Studies show that since recent 20 a, under the influence of aerosols, the LCC tend to increase substantially with a clear decrease of SD and an unnoticeable warming trend within the “SI zone”. Comparing with the climate change beyond the zone, the difference is significant. Therefore, the effects of atmospheric aerosols on climate is possibly one of the contributions to the difference of climate change existed between the southern and northern parts of the Eastern China during a warm season. Supported by the International Sci-Tech Cooperative Project under the auspices of the Ministry of Science and Technology of the People’s Republic of China (No. 2004DFA06100)     

浅议中国黄土磁化率的物理意义

中国的陆相黄土地层连续地记录了第四纪以来的古气候变化。基于中国黄土磁化率曲线与深海氧同位素记录具有可比性这一事实，磁化率作为一种气候替代性指标在黄土研究中得到广泛的应用。但是，磁化率的物理意义仍不清楚。本文作者对陕西榆林蔡家沟剖面末次间冰期以来的风成沉积作了研究，指出黄土、古土壤的磁化率差异不仅与前人提出的碳酸盐淋失、空隙度变化、“就地”新生成磁性矿物等作用有关，而且还可能与有机质有重要关系。有机     

Two pedogenic models for paleoclimatic records of magnetic susceptibility from Chinese and Siberian loess

The magnetic susceptibility (MS) of Chinese loess showing a general proportional relationship to pedogenic grade has been widely recognized and used for reconstruction of paleoclimate by Quaternary scientists. The in-situ pedogenic enhancement of ferrimagnetic content is normally believed to be the main reason for the increase of susceptibility in soil units. However, this pattern of high magnetic susceptibility in palaeosols, and low values in loess, are not replicated in some loess deposits. Siberian loess deposits display a completely opposite susceptibility behavior: high values in loess and low values in palaeosols. This inverse relationship has been explained by the idea that magnetic susceptibility is reflecting the magnitude of an aeolian ferrimagnetic component of consistent mineralogy, the grain size of which is related to average wind velocity. Our magnetic study of Siberian samples in this paper suggests that there are notable differences in magnetic properties between Siberian loess and developed palaeosols, not only in magnetic grain-size and concentration but also in magnetic mineralogy. This evidence is difficult to explain fully through variation in wind strength alone, but implies that the low magnetic susceptibility values in the Siberian paleosol units are a reflection, at least in part, of the alteration of the ferrimagnetic content by post-depositional processes. The Loess Plateau is a very arid area where potential evaporation is always higher than precipitation; pedogenesis occurs under dry oxidising conditions. The Siberian Kurtak region is located on the edge of the tundra where it is always wet and saturation during interglacials will lead to a reducing pedogenic environment. Ferrimagnetic minerals under this condition will be destroyed, resulting in lower magnetic susceptibility. Therefore, great care should be taken when using susceptibility values for paleoclimatic reconstruction.     

Climate warming and its impact on natural regional boundaries in China in the 1980s

The global climate warming accelerated in the 1980s has become a focus in the world. Based on the month by month and year by year temperature data from 160 representative stations throughout the country during 1951-1999, this paper analyses annual and four seasons' temperature variations of China since the 1980s. It was found out that the non-equalibrium response with relative great regional and seasonal differences is represented in the country's climate warming. In regional changes a trend of "warm in the north and cold in the south" occurs whereas in seasonal changes, the characters of "warm in winter and cool in summer" present. Significant verification of the temperature variations conducted in terms of mathematical statistics reveals that a confidence level of over 95% has been basically reached in areas north of the Yangtze River. Meanwhile, according to data of diurnal mean temperature steadily passing through accumulated temperature ≥10℃ from 335 stations since 1951 or since the founding of the stations in the early 1950s to 1999, comparative analysis of the data of the last 19 years with that of the first 30 years was conducted and the accumulated temperature ≥10℃ and the variation range of the persistent number of days ≥10℃ were obtained. It was concluded that a general northward shift of central subtropics, north subtropics, warm temperate zone, mesothermal zone and frigid temperate zone of eastern China was observed. The northward shift of north subtropics and warm temperate zone was obvious but changes of south subtropics and marginal tropics were insignificant. In western China, in addition to southwestern Yunnan, the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and western Inner Mongolia where the temperature zones of each either shifted northward or trended to move upward, not much changes were found in other areas or they shifted southward slightly and declined.