Relationship between pollen assemblages in surface soil and modern vegetation and climate in the western Tianshan Mountains,Xinjiang北大核心CSCD

Based on the pollen spectrum characteristics of 46 surface samples collected in the western Tianshan Mountains of Xinjiang and a plant community quadrat survey, we analyzed the relationship between pollen assemblages and modern climate and vegetation distribution in the region. The results showed the surface pollen assemblages were consistent with the distribution of modern vegetation. Based on the results of cluster analysis, the study area could be divided into three pollen assemblage zones（mountain steppe zone, desert vegetation zone and typical desert zone）. In general, pollen assemblage can roughly reflect the main characteristics of local vegetation, but there are significant differences in the percentage of some pollen types and the coverage of related plants. The pollen of Picea and Pinus in arbor plants, Ephedra in shrub plants, Chenopodiaceae and Artemisia in herb plants were high represented due to the influence of natural wind, water flow and their own pollen yield. While Rosaceae pollen in shrubs and Poaceae in herbs were less representative in a modern plant community with its own dominant species;The Artemisia and Chenopodiaceae（A/C）ratio can distinguish the desert zone from the mountain steppe zone, and could clearly reflect the aridity level. However, when using this indicator to reconstruct the climate environment, it is necessary to combine the characteristics of pollen assemblage and the influence of changes in vegetation composition and other factors to distinguish;Altitude, average annual precipitation, and average annual temperature all affect the distribution of surface pollen in the area. © 2022 The authors.     

Tectonic Uplift of the Yili Basin during the Last Stage of the Late Pleistocene: Evidence from ESR and OSL Dating of Sediments in the Huocheng Area, Xinjiang

The Quaternary sediments in the Yili Basin can serve as archives for studying the Cenozoic basin–mountain relationship. In this study, based on typical natural sections and boreholes, the surficial sediments of the Huocheng area were studied, and their sedimentary ages were obtained using the optically stimulated luminescence(OSL) and electron spin resonance(ESR) dating methods. These dates, combined with changes in the sedimentary facies, provided details of the neotectonic movement in the Yili Basin and adjacent areas. By dating sediments from five sections and three boreholes, we determined that the surficial sediments of the Huocheng area were mainly formed in the Late Pleistocene, with scattered instances of Holocene sediments. The surficial sediments mainly consisted of alluvial fan facies, fluvial facies, lacustrine facies, and desert facies. Based on the activity on the Hongshanzui fault and the northern margin fault of the Wusun Mountains, the Huocheng area was uplifted synchronously with the Tianshan Mountains during the last stage of the Late Pleistocene, causing the desert facies sediments to be superimposed on the former paleo–lake sediments.     

Distribution of Rare—earth Elements in the Shenzhen Bay and Dapeng Bay Modern Sediments

The aim of this paper is to study the REE geochemistry of the Shenzhen Bay (SZB) and Dapeng Bay(DPB) modern sediments, discuss their REE distribution patterns, reveal the REE geochemical difference between the two bays which share the same material source but are deposited in different sedimentary environments, and expound their dynamic changes.It can be concluded that the SZB and DPB sediments are essentially of continental source.Their REE distribution patterns are quite different from those of Pacific pelagic sediments, but are very similar to those of South Chi-na granites.Because of different sedimentary environments prevailing in the SZB and DPB, some REE fractionation would have taken place in the sediments of the two bays.     

Sedimentary Facies Architectures of Third-Order Sequences from Early to Middle Triassic in Nanpanjiang Basin

There are complex and regular changes on sedimentary facies from the Early to the Middle Triassic in the Nanpanjiang basin. After the obvious drowned event of carbonate platforms in the transitional period between Permian and Triassic, carbonate platforms have evolved into the ramp type from the rimmed-shelf type. The differentiation of sedimentary facies becomes dearer in space, which are marked by the changes from an attached platform to a turbidity basin and several isolated platforms in the basin. The striking characteristics are the development of oolitic banks on isolated platforms in Nanning and Jingxi and the reef- and bank-limestones in the margin of the attached platform in the Early Triassic. Despite the difference of the time-span and the architectnre of fades succession of third-order sedimentary sequences, the process of the third-order relative sea-level changes reflected by the sedimentary facies succession of the third-order sequences is generally synchronous. Therefore, six third-order sequences could be discerned in the strata from the Early to the Middle Triassic in the Nanpanjiang basin. Using two types of facies changing surfaces and two types of diachronisms in stratigraphic records as the key elements, the sedimentary facies architectures of the third-order sequences that represent sequence stratigraphic frameworks from the Early to the Middle Triassic in the Nanpanjiang basin could be constructed.     

Composition and Evolution of Hydrogen Isotopes of n-Akanes Generated from Anhydrous Pyrolysis of Sediments from Lake Gahai,Gannan, China

To understand the thermal evolution of lacustrine sedimentary n-alkane hydrogen isotopic composition (δD), especially bacterially derived n-alkanes, anhydrous thermal simulation experiments were performed with sediments from Lake Gahai (Gannan, China). We analyzed the original and pyrolysis-generated n-alkanes and their δD values. The results showed that thermal maturity and n-alkane origins significantly affected the distribution of pyrolysis-generated n-alkanes. In immature to post-mature sediments, the bacterial-derived medium-chain n-alkanes generally had depleted δD values. The maximum difference in average δD values between the bacterial-and herbaceous plant-derived medium-chain n-alkanes was 32‰, and the maximum difference in δD values among individual n-alkanes was 59‰. We found that the average δD value of pyrolysis-generated n-alkanes from different latitude was significantly different in immature to highly mature sediments, but similar in post-mature ssediments. The hydrogen isotopes of sedimentary n-alkanes can be used as indicators for paleoclimate/paleo-environment conditions only when sediments are immature to highly mature. During thermal evolution, the δD value of generated individual n-alkanes and the average δD value increased with thermal maturity, indicating that hydrogen isotopes of sedimentary n-alkanes can be used as an index of organic matter maturity. We established mathematical models of average δD values of generated n-alkanes from immature to post-mature sediments using nC21?/nC21+ and average chain lengths. These results improve our understanding of the distribution and δD value of sedimentary n-alkanes derived from herbaceous plants in mid-latitude plateau cold regions.     

A Primary Observation on Palynofacies of the Chuangde Section (Late Jurassic-Cretaceous), Gyangzê, Southern Tibet

A primary study on palynofacies, which concerns the paleoenvironments from the sight of association of sedimentary organic matter preserved in sedimentary rocks, is conducted for a Late Jurassic-Cretaceous succession at Gyangzê, southern Tibet. Two palynofacies are recognized, which are formed in different sedimentary environments. The one in the pelagic is infertile in organic productivity and monotonous in component and is dominated by AOMA, while the other, being closely bound up with the slope, is characterized by abundant black phytoclasts that are possibly of algal origin and contains much AOM. The influence of terrestrial input is clear in the latter, for particles generated from terrestrial plants are common. A number of fossil spores and pollen together with some dinocysts are discovered, but they are normally in a bad condition of preservation. Nevertheless, this convinces us that the late Jurassic-Cretaceous succession in the Gyangzê area has a potential for palynological stratigraphy. We have also proved that the volume of PM can achieve similar results in presenting the productivity of organic matter as the weight of TOC does. This technique is much easier in the laboratory than that we do with TOC.     

A Primary Observation on Palynofacies of the Chuangde Section(Late Jurassic-Cretaceous),Gyangz■,Southern Tibet

A primary study on palynofacies,which concerns the paleoenvironments from the sight of association of sedimentary organic matter preserved in sedimentary rocks,is conducted for a Late Jurassic-Cretaceous succession at Gyangz(?),southern Tibet.Two palynofacies are recognized,which are formed in different sedimentary environments.The one in the pelagic is infertile in organic productivity and monotonous in component and is dominated by AOMA,while the other,being closely bound up with the slope,is characterized by abundant black phytoclasts that are possibly of algal origin and contains much AOM.The influence of terrestrial input is clear in the latter,for particles generated from terrestrial plants are common.A number of fossil spores and pollen together with some dinocysts are discovered,but they are normally in a bad condition of preservation.Nevertheless,this convinces us that the late Jurassic-Cretaceous succession in the Gyangz(?)area has a potential for palynological stratigraphy.We have also proved that the volume of PM can achieve similar results in presenting the productivity of organic matter as the weight of TOC does.This technique is much easier in the laboratory than that we do with TOC.     

Distribution of Rare Earth Elements in Early Permian Reef-Island Ocean Sediments in Eastern Kunlun

Based on the study of stratigraphy and fossils, the Early Permian ocean in eastern Kunlun is recognized as a kind of reef-island ocean, in which there exist many different kinds of sediment, including patch carbonate platform, reef fades, transitional facies and deep basin sediments. It has been found that the total contents of REEs increase gradually from carbonate platform facies to deep basin facies. Meanwhile, sediments of different facies have different REE distribution patterns and different Ce anomalies. Most of the sediments of patch carbonate platform facies or reef facies are characterized by extremely negative Ce anomalies or moderately negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce*=0.33 to 0.55), and medium or thin-bedded limestones of transitional facies by moderately negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce*=0.49 to 0.60). However, sediments of deep basin facies show weak or no negative Ce anomalies (Ce/Ce*=0.69 to 1.47), among which the value of Ce/Ce* in the radiolarian chert is 1.47.     

Study on Modern Plant C－13 in Western China and Its Significance

Organic carbon isotopic composition(δ^13C) is one of the important proxies in paleoenvironment studies.In this paper modern plant δ^13C in the arid areas of China and Tibetan Plateau is studied.It is found that most terrestrial plant species in western China are C3 plants with δ^13C values ranging from -32.6‰ to -23.2‰ and only few species are C4 plants with δ^13C values from -16.8‰ to -13.3‰.The δ^13C is closely related to precipitation (or humidity),i.e., light δ^13C is related to high precipitation(or humid climate),while heavy δ^13C to low precipitation (or dry climate),but there is almost no relation between plant δ^13C and temperature.Submerged plants have δ^13C values ranging from -22.0‰ to -12.7‰,like C4 plants,while merged plants have δ^13C values ranging from -28.1‰ to -24.5‰，like C3 C4 plants,while marged plants have δ^13C values ranging from -28.1‰ to -24.5‰,like C3 plants.It can then be concluded that organic δ^13C variations in terrestrial sediments such as loeas and soil in western China can indicate precipitation changes,but those in lake sediments can reflect organic sources and the productivity of different types of aquatic plants.     

A New Species of Ginkgo with Male Cones and Pollen Grains in situ from the Middle Jurassic of Eastern Xinjiang, China

Well-preserved Ginkgo pollen organs are analyzed from the Middle Jurassic Xishanyao Formation of the Turpan–Hami Basin, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, northwestern China, and are described as a new species, Ginkgo hamiensis Z.X. Wang et B.N. Sun sp. nov. The immature male cones are cylindrical and catkin-like, with two longitudinal stripes on the stalk. The pollen sacs are shaped like a long oval with two pollen sacs fused together for each microsporophyll, and the microsporophyll tip is a triangular cystidium. The pollen grains are oblong or fusiform and monocolpate; both ends are blunt or sharp. By comparison with previously reported fossil records of Ginkgo plants, we determined that the current fossils are different from all other reported species; thus, the present fossil is referred to as a new species of Ginkgo. The reproductive organs of the Ginkgo fossils described herein can provide valuable information for the study of Ginkgo plants. Further, there are two probable evolutionary trends in the Ginkgo pollen cones. One trend is that the number of pollen sacs changed from three or four during the Jurassic and Cretaceous to two at the present day; the other is that the number of pollen sacs has remained two from the Middle Jurassic to the present day. In addition, the pollen cones described herein are similar to the pollen cones of the extant Ginkgo, which strongly indicates that the morphology of Ginkgo plants may have remained highly conserved over millions of years.     

Factors Controlling Hydrocarbon Accumulation in Jurassic Reservoirs in the Southwest Ordos Basin,NW China

The sedimentary, paleogeomorphological and reservoir characteristics of the Jurassic Yan’an Formation in the southwestern Ordos Basin, northwestern China, were studied by means of casting thin sections, scanning electron microscopy, inclusion analysis and identification of low-amplitude structures. A model for reservoir formation is established, and the controlling effects of sedimentary facies, paleotopography, low-amplitude structures and formation water on oil reservoirs are revealed. There are significant differences in the sedimentary characteristics, structural morphology and paleowater characteristics between the reservoirs above the Yan 10 Member and those in the Yan 9 to Yan 7 Members. The Yan 10 Member contains fluvial sediments, whereas the Yan 9 to Yan 7 members contain delta-plain anastomosing-river deposits. The distribution of high-permeability reservoir is controlled by pre-Jurassic paleogeomorphology and sedimentary facies. Some of these facies exhibit high porosity and high permeability in a lowpermeability background. The main hydrocarbon accumulation period was the late Early Cretaceous, filling was continuous, and the charging strength altered from weak to strong and then from strong to weak. The Yan 10 reservoir is mainly controlled by the paleogeomorphology: hydrocarbons migrated upward at a high speed through the unconformity surface, and accumulated in the favorable traps formed by paleogeomorphic structural units, such as gentle slopes or channel island. Furthermore, groundwater alternation in these areas was relatively stagnant, providing good reservoir preservation conditions. The reservoirs in the Yan 9 and higher members are controlled by the sedimentary facies, lowamplitude structure and paleowater characteristics. Hydrocarbons migrated through the three-dimensional delivery system, influenced by favorable sedimentary facies and high-salinity groundwater, then accumulated in the favorable low-amplitude structural traps that formed during the hydrocarbon production period.     

Moessbauer and XRD characterization of contaminated sediments by coal mining drainage in Neath Canal, South Wales, UK

Sediment cores were collected from the upstream of the Neath Canal in South Wales and characterized for their mineral compositions and iron speciation in order to understand the influence of sedimentary properties on the contaminants of heavy metals. The sediments in the canal have been polluted by ocherous precipitate with heavy metals such as arsenic since a major mine water discharge in spring 1993. The sediment core was obtained just from the discharge point in the canal and distinguished into three layers in the field regarding to their physical properties including visible color, sediment particle composition and dryness. X-ray diffraction （XRD） and M6ssbauer spectroscopy revealed vertical variations of minerals and iron species in depth of the sediment profile. The upper layer, reddish-brown, is wet muddy precipitant and is very fine in particle size, consisting mainly of iron oxide and hydroxide. Arsenic is rich in this layer; probably the sorption on iron oxide surface is the main mechanism. The middle layer, 22.0-27.0 cm, is soft deposit in a yellow color and contains sheet silicate, calcite and goethite. The lower part below 27.0 cm is gray to dark gray in color and contains quartz, pyrite, coal particles that are much more similar to normal aquatic sediment. The upper two layers in brown and yellow colors as newly precipitated mud from AMD contain high concentrations of As, Ni under oxic conditions. The lower part as the old canal sediments under reducing conditions contains high Cu and Zn. Chromium is enriched in the limited part of the low layer, just beneath the boundary between the middle and low parts of the sedimentary column, where the redox conditions shifted from oxic to anoxic. It is clear that the distribution of these heavy metals is closely associated with the redox condition reflected in the iron speciation. Thus different treatments are necessary for each layer of the sediment since different mineral and geochemical properties of the sediment will give different impacts on the heavy metals.     

Sedimentary Micro-facies and Macro Heterogeneity of Reservoir Beds in the Third Member of the Qingshankou Formation,Qian'an Area,Songliao Basin

An analysis of drill cores and well logs shows that the main micro-facies of the third member sand bodies of the Qingshankou Formation in Qian'an are subaqueous distributary channel facies, sheet sand facies and subaqueous fan facies(olistostrome).Maps showing the distribution of these micro-facies together with inter-channel bay and prodelta mocro-facies are presented for different time-slices(lower,middle and upper parts of the Qingshankou Formation).These maps reveal the instability and change of sediment transport in the Baokang sedimentary system during the depositional period.Sediment transport was from the west in the early stage,from the south in the middle stage and from the northwest in the late stage.Values of thickness,porosity and permeability of the sand bodies in the third member of the Qingshankou Formation show that they have low to medium porosity and low permeability,and are characterized by serious reservoir heterogeneity.The joints between micro-facies and subaqueous fan micro-facies are characterized by the highest heterogeneity, the sheet sand and distal sand bar subfacies come next,and the heterogeneity of the subaqueous distributary channel sand bodies is relatively weak.     

Sedimentary Micro-facies and Macro Heterogeneity of Reservoir Beds in the Third Member of the Qingshankou Formation, Qian’an Area, Songliao Basin

An analysis of drill cores and well logs shows that the main micro-facies of the third member sand bodies of the Qingshankou Formation in Qian’an are subaqueous distributary channel facies, sheet sand facies and subaqueous fan facies (olistostrome). Maps showing the distribution of these micro-facies together with inter-channel bay and prodelta mocro-facies are presented for different time-slices (lower, middle and upper parts of the Qingshankou Formation). These maps reveal the instability and change of sediment transport in the Baokang sedimentary system during the depositional period. Sediment transport was from the west in the early stage, from the south in the middle stage and from the northwest in the late stage. Values of thickness, porosity and permeability of the sand bodies in the third member of the Qingshankou Formation show that they have low to medium porosity and low permeability, and are characterized by serious reservoir heterogeneity. The joints between micro-facies and subaqueous fan micro-facies are characterized by the highest heterogeneity, the sheet sand and distal sand bar subfacies come next, and the heterogeneity of the subaqueous distributary channel sand bodies is relatively weak.     

Hydrogen isotope of individual n-alkanes from modern sediments and their application to environments

Hydrogen isotopes are commonly fractionated to a much greater extent and as a result display larger variations in δ values, In terms of the hydrogen isotope ratios of individual n-alkanes of 16 samples of modern sediments selected from four different locations in the southern part of Gansu, China, the δD values for most of the n-alkanes varied from -150‰-300‰, Variations in δD also occurred between different ranges of n-alkanes, effects of environmental changes on the hydrogen isotopic compositions of individual n-alkanes have been detected. Besides the δD values of n-alkanes, the δD values of lipids including pristane （Pr）, phytane （Ph） were also examined, by the combination of D/H ratios with molecular fingerprinting, Our results further support the notion that hydrogen isotopes of n-alkanes from modern sediments can act as paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental proxies and provide invaluable new sources of information in the research of paleoenvironment reconstruction.     

Interaction between Downslope and Alongslope Processes on the Margins of Daihai Lake,North China: Implication for Deltaic Sedimentation Models of Lacustrine Rift Basin

Daihai Lake, a modern lacustrine rift basin, located in Inner Mongolia, North China, serves as an important modern analog for understanding deltaic depositional processes in an active rift setting. Two of the deltas (Yuanzigou delta and Bulianghe delta) on the margins of Daihai Lake were surveyed to compare and contrast stacking patterns using aerial photographs, field trenching and sediment sampling. Shallow cores and trench data collected from the margins of Daihai Lake indicate that a variety of depositional processes have been active since Daihai Lake formed. Two 3-D sedimentation models which employ chronostratigraphic correlation technique were generated. The chronostratigraphic sedimentation models predict and represent the architectures and sand-body continuity of sediments. Stratigraphical coincidence of the broad sheeted drifts and channel erosion suggests a coupling between downslope and alongslope processes. Distributary mouth bars are prevalent in the front of deltas on steeper slopes due to the dominance of down-slope flows. On the contrary, the along-slope currents favor the development of distal bar deposits with sheeted sandbodies on gentle depositional slopes. This study provides an insight into the architecture of complex sedimentary facies associated with highlighting key differences between downslope flows and alongslope currents. The distribution of sand within these deltas is of particular interests, with applications in understanding the architecture of hydrocarbon reservoirs formed in lacustrine rift basin.     

http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1674987114001583

Detrital zircons from modern sediments display an episodic temporal distribution of U-Pb crystallization ages forming a series of 'peaks' and 'troughs'.The peaks are interpreted to represent either periods of enhanced generation of granitic magma perhaps associated with mantle overturn and superplume events,or preferential preservation of continental crust during global collisional orogenesis.The close association of those peaks with the assembly of supercontinents implies a causal relationship between collisional orogenesis and the presence of zircon age peaks.Here these two end-member models(episodic periodicity of increased magmatism versus selective preservation during collisional orogenesis) are assessed using U-Pb,Hf,and O analysis of detrital zircons from sedimentary successions deposited during the ~ 1.3-1.1Ca accretionary.~1.1-0.9 Ga collisional,and 0.9 Ga extensional collapse phases of the Grenville orogenic cycle in Labrador and Scotland.The pre-collisional,accretionary stage provides a baseline of continental crust present prior to orogenesis and is dominated by Archean and Paleoproterozoic age peaks associated with pre-1300 Ma Laurentian geology.Strata deposited during the Grenville Orogeny display similar Archean and Paleoproterozoic detrital populations along with a series of broad muted peaks from~ 1500 to 1100 Ma.However,post-collisional sedimentary successions display a dominant age peak between 1085 and 985 Ma,similar to that observed in modern North American river sediments.Zircons within the post-orogenic sedimentary successions have progressively lower εHf and higherδ~(18)O values from ~ 1800 to ~ 1200 Ma whereupon they have higher εHf and δ~(18) within the dominant1085-985 Ma age peak.Furthermore,the Lu-Hf isotopic profile of the Grenville-related age peak is consistent with significant assimilation and contamination by older crustal material.The timing of this dominant age peak coincides with the peak of metamorphism and magmatism associated with the Crenville Orogeny,which is a typical collisional orogenic belt.The change from broad muted age peaks in the syn-orogenic strata to a single peak in the post-orogenic sedimentary successions and in the modern river sediments implies a significant shift in provenance following continental collision.This temporal change in provenance highlights that the source(s),from which detrital zircons within syn-orogenic strata were derived,was no longer available during the later stages of the accretionary and collisional stages of the orogenic cycle.This may reflect some combination of tectonic burial,erosion,or possibly recycling into the mantle by tectonic erosion of the source(s).During continental collision,the incorporated continental crust is isolated from crustal recycling processes operative at subduction margins.This tectonic isolation combined with sedimentaiy recycling likely controls the presence of the isotopic signature associated with the Grenville Orogeny in the modern Mississippi and Appalachian river sediments.These results imply that zircon age peaks,which developed in conjunction with supercontinents,are the product of selective crustal preservation resulting from collisional orogenesis.     

Geochemical records of the sediments and their significance in Dongping Lake Area,the lower reach of Yellow River,North China

Dongping Lake area, located in the lower reaches of Yellow River, is an ideal place to study the changes of modern river and lake sedimentary environment. The sediment samples of Dawen River, Yellow River, and Dongping Lake were collected, and the major elements, trace elements and organic matter geochemical composition of the samples were analyzed. Cluster analysis, characteristic element ratio method and graphic method were used to explore the geochemical characteristics of sediments and their environmental implication. The results show that the contents of SiO_2, Na_2O, TiO_2 and Zr in sediments of Dawen River and Yellow River are relatively high, and the contents of iron and manganese oxides, organic matter, CaO, P_2O_5 and Sr in lake sediments are relatively high. That reveals the differences of sedimentary environments between the rivers and the lake. The contents of Sr and Zr in Dawen River are affected by the rapid migration of clastic materials in the upstream carbonate source area during the flood season; the δCe,ΣREE and REE's ratios in the sediments of the Yellow River reflect the influence of the Loess source; and the distribution of elements changes along the flow direction during the flood season. The characteristics of p H, element composition and LREE HREE fractionation of the lake sediments indicate that the sediment source is complex, and the lake environment is affected by the flood season. The study shows that the geochemical content and its variation characteristics of sediments effectively reveal the sedimentary environment, material composition and characteristics of flood season of rivers and the lake in the study area.     

Geochemical Characteristics and Sedimentary Environment of the Salawusu Section

The chemical compositions of and the contents of CaCO3, free Fe2O3 and REE in the sediments of the Salawusu section have been analyzed to investigate the geochemical features of different sedimentary facies and explore their sedimentary enironmetnts during the Late Pleistocene.The con-tents of CaCO3, free Fe2O3 and ∑REE in lacustrine deposits of the middle part of the section are higher than those in the other parts ,except SiO2 which shows an opposite trend.According to the distribution characteristics of the components mentioned above, the section may be divided into four parts which are equivalent to those divided in terms of lithologic characters and sedimentary facies.More remarkable characteristics were observed with respect to the distribution of CaCO3, free Fe2O3,∑REE and SiO2/Al2O3 and FeO/Fe2O3 ratios, which can be adopted as the geochemical indices for paleoclimate division.From the above, four paleoclimate stages have been distinguished for the deposition process.The first stage ,dated at 0.20-0.15Ma, is characterized by a dry and cold climate,the second stage, ranging from 0.15 to 0.07 Ma ,by a warm and slightly dry climate,the third stage ,about 0.07-0.01Ma ,by a cold and humid climate;and prevailing in the last ten thorsand years is the fourth stage,with the climate changing graduall from warm-humid to warm-dry.     

Jurassic-Cretaceous Boundary Strata of the Somanakamura Group in NE Japan and their Correlation with Coeval Terrestrial Deposits in China

Defining the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary is a controversy in stratigraphic study of the world. It has been widely accepted that this boundary can be defined at the bottom of Berriasian in Tethys, with the appearance of the ammonite Berriasella jacobi dating to ca. 145 Ma. However, it is difficult for the widespread terrestrial deposits in China to correlate with the international standard of marine facies. The Somanakamura Group in Japan is represented by a succession of marine-continental transitional strata. It provides a bridge of marine and nonmarine stratigraphic correlation. The ammonite and radiolarian fossils preserved in this group suggest an age from Bajocian to early Valanginian. The J-K boundary was defined in or atop the Tomizawa Formation of the group according to the ammonite data. The present authors study the fossil spores and pollen newly found from the Tomizawa and Koyamada formations. Three assemblages have been recognized. They are Assemblage 1 (Cyathidites-Classopollis) from the upper part of the Tomizawa Formation, Assemblage 2 (Cyathidites-Jiaohepollis) from the lower part of the Koyamada Formation, and Assemblage 3 (Cyathidites-Spheripollenites-Ephedripites) from the middle to upper part of the Koyamada Formation. With the reference of ammonite evidence, the J-K boundary can be defined between Assemblage 1 and Assemblage 2. This palynological J-K boundary can be correlated with that of terrestrial sequence in China. However, local biostratigraphy imply that the continental J-K boundary in China is of 135 or 137 Ma age. It has a considerable discrepancy from the marine standard. Biogeographically, the distribution pattern of spores and pollen in southern China is in accordance with that in the Somanakamura Group, which parallels the Tuchengzi Formation in northeastern China. By the palynological correlation between the Somanakamura Group and the strata in southern China, and then with the sequence in northeastern China, it is suggested that the continental J-K boundary is located in the Tuchengzi Formation.