北京平原区第四系热物性参数特征及对浅层地热能开采的影响因素分析

【研究目的】 岩土热物性是影响浅层地热能资源评价及利用的重要参数。【研究方法】 在北京平原区各冲洪积扇采集了695件第四系岩土样品进行热物性及土工参数测试,分析了热物性参数特征及其对浅层地热能开采的影响。【研究结果】 北京平原区第四系岩土热导率平均值为1.465~2.022 W/(m·K),热扩散率平均值为0.450×10^-6~0.841×10^-6 m²/s,比热容平均值为2.323~3.080 MJ/(m³·K),热导率（λ）与热扩散率（κ）值存在一定的线性关系,相关方程为λ =1.6973κ + 0.6127。第四纪松散沉积物颗粒越细,热导率值越低;含水率0~5%范围内,热导率随含水率增加迅速增大,含水率5%~20%范围内,热导率增加变缓并趋于稳定,含水率20%~40%范围内,热导率随含水量增大而降低;在天然状态下,热导率随着密度的增加而增大,随着孔隙比的增加而降低;样品温度在0~40 ℃范围内,热导率随温度升高呈先减小后增大的趋势,20 ℃时热导率最低。【结论】 第四系热物性参数随地质条件变化而变化,热物性参数大小会影响浅层地热能储存、采集和扩散能力,热导率、热扩散率及比热容越大,岩土蓄热和导热能力越强。     

中国西北在碳中和进程中的资源优势和地质工作建议

【研究目的】 全球变暖是当今国际社会共同面临的严峻挑战,碳中和与绿色低碳转型作为应对这一挑战的必由之路,已在全球形成共识。地球系统科学为碳中和目标的实现提供了重要的地学解决方案,中国西北地质调查如何在碳中和战略中找到主攻方向和工作方法是亟需解决的问题。【研究方法】 本文综述了地质工作在碳中和进程中的主要工作方法,统计分析了中国西北在碳中和减排和增汇两大基本途径上的资源优势,提出了碳中和背景下中国西北地质调查服务绿色低碳转型发展的建议。【研究结果】 中国西北地区拥有丰富的天然气、地热能等清洁能源,以及与新能源相关的关键矿产等资源优势：天然气地质资源量约为313991×10⁸ m³,占全国的34.78%;地热能分布广泛、类型丰富,其中青海共和盆地静态干热岩资源总量达8974.74×10¹⁸ J;锂、钴、镍和铀矿等清洁能源相关的关键矿产资源均居全国前列,锂矿储量约占全国总储量的60%,钴矿储量约占全国总储量的40%,新疆是中国最大的铀矿生产基地。而且,西北地区生态类型和地表基质层类型丰富,碳库现存量和增汇潜力巨大,同时拥有大量适宜碳捕集、利用与封存（Carbon Capture,Utilization and Storage,CCUS）选址和地质储能的优质空间,是中国通过增汇实现碳中和目标的重要节点。【结论】 中国西北地区可为碳减排、碳增汇路径提供有效资源支撑,西北地质调查工作应立足实际,发挥专业优势,在推进天然气资源调查、攻关地热资源开发技术、加强关键矿产全生命周期研究、试点地表基质层与生态地质综合调查、开展CCUS相关的地下空间调查,以及建设碳中和相关的地球系统科学数据库六个方面持续发力,为实现碳中和目标提供重要的地质解决方案,做出应有的贡献。     

黄河三角洲全新世以来沉积环境的划分及各环境中碳埋藏速率的评价

为了研究黄河三角洲全新世不同古环境中的碳埋藏速率,于2007年在研究区布设了一口30.3 m浅钻,以对其进行了沉积学观测以及含水量、有机碳、总碳和营养成分测试分析.通过地层分析,将其全新世地层划分为8种沉积环境.运用历史地理学和沉积地质学综合分析方法对现代黄河三角洲沉积环境中部分层位进行了精确的年代划分,其他层位也进行了年代推测.同时利用确定的年代计算了不同沉积环境碳的埋藏速率.结果表明:总碳和有机碳与各营养元素都呈很好的线性相关;沉积物的沉积速率是有机碳和总碳埋藏速率的主控因素;虽然沉积物C_org浓度相对较低,但由于其高沉积速率,C_org的平均埋藏速率达到1 331 g/(m2·a),远高于世界其他高C_org浓度的湿地,因此是很好的碳汇地质体.      

龙感湖沉积物中人类活动导致的营养盐累积通量估算*

通过LL-4孔沉积环境指标研究表明,近100年来龙感湖地区人类活动加强,导致营养元素磷、碳、氮以及铁在沉积物中的浓度均呈增长趋势,特别是1950年以来,随着大量人口的迁入,围湖造田、破坏湖滨湿地等造成水土流失加剧,沉积物质量累积速率加快,同时营养元素累积量急剧增加。根据营养元素与参比元素Al, Fe和Ti之间的关系,以及不同营养元素之间的相互关系,人类活动引起的累积量得以从自然背景上区分出来,结合沉积物质量累积速率计算,人类活动引起的磷、有机碳和氮的累积通量分别在151.0~889.4mg/m²a,4.3~149.0g/m²a和0.5~18.6g/m²a间变化。碎屑物质的累积稀释了沉积物中营养盐的富集浓度,龙感湖草型湖泊的特点,使湖泊沉积环境易于呈氧化环境,生物和地球化学作用,也削弱了人类活动累积营养盐的变化幅度,使沉积中营养盐呈平稳上升的趋势。     

天津东丽湖深部岩溶热储探测与储层参数研究及其开发利用潜力分析

【研究目的】天津市地热资源储量丰富、开发利用程度高,蓟县系雾迷山组三、四段白云岩热储是目前的主力开采层位,随着开发强度不断增大,部分地区开采潜力已达极限。探测深部地热资源、增加可开采资源量,成为保障天津地区地热可持续开发的有效途径之一。【研究方法】本次研究以东丽湖为重点研究区,开展深部热储地球物理探测,实施地热科学钻探CGSD-01井。【研究结果】主要结果包括：（1）CGSD-01井在3715m钻遇雾迷山组二段,上覆雾迷山组三段底部发育一套紫红色泥质白云岩夹浅灰色细晶白云岩,厚度约73m,裂隙不发育,具有隔水-弱透水性质;（2）CGSD-01井成井深度4051.68m,孔底温度105℃,单位涌水量1.53m³/h·m,渗透系数0.40m/d,导水系数48.69m²/d;（3）雾迷山组二段地热水类型为Cl·SO₄·HCO₃-Na型,矿化度1.7g/L,初步推断地热水来源于大气降水,主要发生混合、阳离子交替吸附、碳酸盐岩溶解、硫酸盐还原等作用,且未达到平衡;（4）蓟县系雾迷山组二段单井最大涌水量可达130m³/h,出水温度100℃,单井可满足约30万m2建筑物供暖需求。【结论】在天津地区深部热储第二空间首次探获高产能雾迷山组二段新储层,探明了热储结构和主要参数,显示出良好的资源前景。     

青海省格尔木冲洪积扇地下水资源评价及其开发利用价值

【研究目的】格尔木市地处柴达木盆地南缘，是青藏高原上正在崛起的新兴城市，随着各个工业园区的建设及中国最大的钾肥生产基地的建成，地下水资源的重要作用更加凸显，查明其地下水资源量对工矿企业及钾肥生产基地的运行至关重要。【研究方法】基于资料收集、动态长观、钻孔抽水试验等手段，采用补给量总和法以及排泄量总和法结合数值模拟等方法，评价了区域地下水天然资源量及允许开采量。【研究结果】格尔木河冲洪积扇地下水天然资源量为199.8×10⁴ m³/d，允许开采量为100×10⁴ m³/d。【结论】格尔木地区存在百万吨级的地下水源，6座水源（已建/在建/规划）规划开采量达百万吨时，地下水有充足的补给保证，可持续稳定开采。最终提交了B+C级地下水储量100×10⁴ m³/d的百万吨级地下水源。创新点：基于最新一次的地下水详查工作，完善了区域地下水流模型；在设定模型入境水量场景时，采用“丰枯年组合”的方法，充分考验了含水层的调节能力和连枯年持续供水能力，评价的结果可信度高。     

塔中地区良里塔格组海平面变化对高频层序和沉积演化的控制

【研究目的】碳酸盐岩地层易受海平面变化影响而发育高频层序,但是反映海平面变化的地化指标的精度不足,导致高频层序对海平面振荡的响应认识不够深入,高频海平面变化对台地边缘礁滩沉积的高频层序和沉积演化的控制尚不明确。【研究方法】论文研究选取塔里木盆地塔中地区某钻井的上奥陶统良里塔格组连续取心资料,通过密集取样开展微相分析和碳、氧同位素测试分析。【研究结果】该井良里塔格组中上部发育7种微相类型,沉积演化分析表明良里塔格组沉积中—晚期,沉积环境由潮坪向生物礁-颗粒滩再到较深水的开阔台地演化。碳、氧同位素测试显示δ¹³C为0.5993‰~1.6228‰（均值1.139‰）,δ¹⁸O值为-8.3608‰~-5.1452‰（均值为-6.790‰）;δ¹³C和δ¹⁸O的振荡变化与微相变化和沉积旋回对应良好。古海洋条件分析表明,良里塔格组沉积时期气候温热,礁、滩体发育层段样品的古温度值最高,代表着高的碳酸盐产率;Z值所反映的古盐度在底部潮坪沉积段最高,在高频旋回的顶部古盐度均明显减小,指示可能存在大气淡水的影响。与塔北地区南缘和巴楚地区的δ¹³C和δ¹⁸O存在一定差异,主要受控于沉积环境和古水深。【结论】良里塔格组中—上部存在至少3个完整的海平面升降变化周期,内部又包括至少2个次级周期;不同级别的海平面振荡主要受古气候变化驱动,并控制了高频层序的发育。海平面先缓慢上升再持续稳定或小规模振荡,是连续厚层的生物碎屑和砂屑颗粒滩沉积发育的有利条件;良里塔格组沉积晚期海平面快速上升,沉积环境向滩间洼地和较深水的开阔台地转变。在高频层序顶部海平面的小规模下降导致的早期岩溶作用是礁滩体储层质量改善的重要因素。     

海南岛北部海域海砂资源潜力评价

海南岛北部浅海海砂资源丰富,以砂砾质沉积为主,集中于琼州海峡东口潮流沙脊区、河口三角洲和沿岸水下岸坡等海域。本文通过对海南岛北部海域的地形地貌、地层、底质类型等方面的调查,分东、西两个区域研究了海砂资源的分布、范围、规模和类型等地质特征,并估算了海砂资源量,结合沉积环境,评价了各区域海砂的资源潜力。研究区海砂分布广泛,但东、西区特征和规模具有较大差异,西区海砂以砂质砾和泥质砂为主,厚度5~10 m;东区海砂以砂、砾质砂和砂质砾为主,厚度10~50 m,规模远超西区。研究区共圈定出9处资源潜力区,资源量为91.4亿m³,其余区域为远景区,其资源量为71.5亿m³。根据地形地貌、水动力和沉积环境等因素,研究区海砂可分为潮流沙脊堆积体系、河口水下三角洲堆积体系、岬湾海岸水下岸坡堆积体系和侵蚀残留体系几种类型。其中位于琼州海峡东口浅滩区的潮流沙脊堆积体系海砂连续分布面积达328 km²,平均厚度超过25 m,资源量83.9亿m³,最具潜力。     

雄安新区D01井岩溶热储下伏太古界中热流测定研究

【研究目的】目前雄安新区范围内的热流数据多测自于新近系沉积盖层及白云岩地层,对岩溶热储下伏太古界的热流测定研究还鲜见报道,主要受限于以往的地热勘查开发层位主要在1800m以浅的蓟县系岩溶热储,揭露岩溶热储下伏太古界的钻孔稀少。2018年以来,在雄安新区牛驼镇地热田实施了D01深部地热参数井,揭穿了高于庄组岩溶热储,并揭露太古界厚度达1723.67m,给该地区岩溶热储下伏太古界的热流测定研究提供了条件。【研究方法】本文基于近稳态钻孔测温及岩心热导率测试,对D01井太古界进行了热流测定及分析。【研究结果】结果表明：D01井太古界呈显著的传导型地温特征,地温梯度为18.3℃/km,相比于新近系地温梯度48.6℃/km偏低。测得25块D01井太古界片麻岩岩心样品的热导率平均值为（2.41±0.40）W/(K·m)。根据钻孔测温数据及热导率测试,计算出D01井太古界2300～2700m深度的热流值为（44.1±7.0）mW/m²。同时,估算了D01井新近系400～800m深度段的热流值为84.6mW/m²,较太古界高出40.5mW/m²。【结论】分析认为D01井新近系较太古界高出热流主要为高孔渗岩溶白云岩层中地下水侧向热对流作用以及牛东断裂地下水垂向热对流作用共同所致。研究结果对前人提出的地下水运移聚热模式及导热断裂聚热模式提供了数据支撑,对雄安新区深部地热资源成因机制和太古界地温场研究具有重要意义。     

黄河三角洲新生湿地土壤对营养成分和碳的扣留

研究碳的扣留和埋藏速率对全球碳收支平衡预算有重要的意义。为了研究碳的年均扣留量,2007年5月,选择黄河三角洲新生湿地的3种植被,由建林乡附近至河口布设8个剖面,在枯水季节进行剖面原位取样以及含水量、有机碳、总碳和营养成分的实验室分析测试。同时利用黄河三角洲分流河道频繁改动过程中沉积间断所形成的古土壤层作为新生湿地的时间标计算沉积物的沉积速率,从而计算出碳的加积速率。结果表明：虽然湿地沉积物碳的浓度非常低,其总碳与有机碳的浓度分别为＜2%和＜1%,其土壤的碳氮比为50～53, 远高于稳定的湿地土壤同名组分值15～25,但由于研究区较高的沉积速率,其碳的加积速率与世界其它地区的盐沼湿地相当,总碳和有机碳的加积速率分是为594～1771g/(m2·a）和58～228g/(m2·a）。且前者受控于沉积物的沉积速率,与各营养成分总量的加积速率显著相关,而后者主要与有机碳浓度以及其它营养成分Mn、Cu、Zn和Fe等呈显著正相关。该湿地土壤的营养成分可作为湿地演化的端元成分。     

山西晋中盆地晚新生代地层划分、沉积环境及其先秦以来气候和湖泊演化

【研究目的】晋中盆地位于汾渭断陷盆地带的中部,新生代最大沉积厚度超过3800 m,建立晋中盆地精确地层年代框架和高分辨率沉积层序对于理解汾渭断陷盆地带的演化、华北地区气候变化具有重要意义。【研究方法】本文对晋中盆地东北部晚新生代标准孔ZK01（钻孔深度870.5 m）岩心开展了年代学和沉积学研究。【研究结果】将ZK01孔揭示的松散沉积物分为6个岩性组。首次通过磁性地层学研究,划分出13个正极性时段和12个负极性时段,建立了ZK01孔地层年代框架。晋中盆地新生代沉积物底部最老年龄约8.1 Ma,将晋中盆地活动的起始时间从前人一般认为的上新世初期,确定为中新世晚期,提前了约3 Ma。区内晚新生代地层划分为新近系中新统灞河阶（N₁⁴）和保德阶（N₁⁵）,上新统高庄阶（N₂¹）和麻则沟阶（N₂²2）,第四系下更新统泥河湾阶（Qp¹）,中、上更新统和全新统。【结论】构造活动与气候变化是盆地沉积环境的主要控制因素,共同导致了上新世早期和早更新世中晚期的两次湖泊大规模发育。全新世时期,早中期即先秦（约2.5 ka以前）,盆地中仍是河湖共存阶段;晚期（2.5 ka以来）,出现湖消河长的局面,直至明、清时期湖泊全部消失,气候变化和人类活动影响是盆地中湖泊最终消失的主要原因。创新点：首次通过磁性地层学将晋中盆地发育时间确定为中新世晚期约8.1 Ma;盆地的湖泊发育早期主要受构造和气候控制,全新世以来气候变化和人类活动造成湖泊最终消亡。     

长江中下游水阳江流域BZK0402孔多重地层划分及其冰后期海平面变化的沉积响应

[研究目的]开展水阳江流域标准孔BZK0402孔多重地层划分,探讨长江支流水阳江流域冰后期海平面变化的沉积响应以及古丹阳湖的成因和形成时代.[研究方法]以岩石地层为基础,在磁性地层和年代地层的双重约束下,对BZK0402孔进行多重地层划分.对比分析BZK0402孔和长江河谷、长江三角洲等邻区钻孔.[研究结果]BZK04...     

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction of a Late Quaternary lagoon system in southern Brazil (Jaguaruna region,Santa Catarina state) based on multi‐proxy analysis

This paper provides a paleoenvironmental reconstruction of a Late Quaternary lagoon system in the Jaguaruna region of Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. Integrated results of bulk sedimentary organic matter characterization (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and C/N), microfossil (pollen and diatom) and grain‐size analysis from three shallow cores (～2.5 m depth) allowed us to propose an evolving paleogeographic scenario in this coastal region for the last ca. 5500 cal a BP. The lagoonal system in this area was more extensive during the mid‐Holocene than today, with a gradual and continuous lagoon–sea disconnection until the present. We add to the debate regarding relative sea‐level (RSL) variations for the Brazilian coast during the Holocene and discuss the importance of sedimentary dynamics for interpreting changes in coastal ecosystems. The multi‐proxy analysis suggests that changes in coastal ecosystems could be directly related to local sedimentary processes, which are not necessarily linked to RSL fluctuations and/or to climatic variations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Quaternary evolution of the Abu Quir bay,Egypt

The Pleistocene/Holocene history of Abu Quir bay and the adjacent shoreline has been studied using textural, petrological and geotechnical information obtained from 33 boreholes. The sedimentary vertical sequence is as follows reading from bottom to top: Late Pleistocene shelf sand and stiff mud, Late Pleistocene/Holocene transgressive sand, Holocene calcareous shelf mud, Holocene nearshore sand, prodelta mud, delta plain lagoonal and marsh mud, delta front mud and sand and coastal sand of beach and dunes. These units are produced as a response to shoreline fluctuation, resulting from a wide variety of deltaic and shelf environments. The study identifies delta lobes of the former Canopic branch which was located in the western part of the bay.     

Sedimentary response to Late Quaternary sea-level changes in the Romagna coastal plain (northern Italy)

Data from 17 continuously cored boreholes, 40–170 m deep, reveal the subsurface stratigraphy of the Romagna coastal plain. Sedimentological and microfaunal data allow the distinction of eight facies associations of Late Pleistocene–Holocene age, including 18 lithofacies and 16 faunal associations. Ten ¹⁴C dates provide the basis to establish a sequence stratigraphic framework for the succession corresponding to the upper part 35 ky BP of the last glacio-eustatic cycle. The eight facies associations can be grouped into lowstand, transgressive and highstand systems tracts. The upper part of the lowstand systems tract consists of alluvial plain deposits. These accumulated during the Late Pleistocene when the shoreline was ≈250 km south of its present-day position. A pronounced stratigraphic hiatus (between 25 and 8·8 ky BP) is invariably recorded at the upper boundary (transgressive surface) of these Pleistocene, indurated and locally pedogenized alluvial deposits. The succeeding postglacial history is represented by a well developed transgressive–regressive cycle. Transgressive deposits, interpreted to reflect the rapid landward migration of a barrier–lagoon system, include two wedge-shaped, paralic and marine units. These thicken in opposite directions and are separated by a ravinement surface. Above the transgressive deposits, the maximum flooding surface (MFS) marks the change from a transgressive barrier–lagoon complex to a prograding, wave-dominated delta system (early Po delta). The MFS can be traced landwards, where it constitutes the base of lagoonal deposits. An aggradational to progradational stacking pattern of upper delta plain (marsh), lower delta plain (lagoon/bay), and delta front (beach ridge) deposits reflects the progressive increase in the sediment supply/accommodation ratio during the following highstand. The alluvial deposits capping the sequence accumulated by the 13th century AD, in response to an avulsion event that caused abandonment of the former Po delta lobe and the northward migration of the Po River towards its present position.     

Lacustrine sedimentation in active volcanic settings: the Late Quaternary depositional evolution of Lake Chungará (northern Chile)

Lake Chungará (18°15′S, 69°09′W, 4520 m above sea‐level) is the largest (22·5 km²) and deepest (40 m) lacustrine ecosystem in the Chilean Altiplano and its location in an active volcanic setting, provides an opportunity to evaluate environmental (volcanic vs. climatic) controls on lacustrine sedimentation. The Late Quaternary depositional history of the lake is reconstructed by means of a multiproxy study of 15 Kullenberg cores and seismic data. The chronological framework is supported by 10 ¹⁴C AMS dates and one ²³⁰Th/²³⁴U dates. Lake Chungará was formed prior to 12·8 cal kyr bp as a result of the partial collapse of the Parinacota volcano that impounded the Lauca river. The sedimentary architecture of the lacustrine succession has been controlled by (i) the strong inherited palaeo‐relief and (ii) changes in the accommodation space, caused by lake‐level fluctuations and tectonic subsidence. The first factor determined the location of the depocentre in the NW of the central plain. The second factor caused the area of deposition to extend towards the eastern and southern basin margins with accumulation of high‐stand sediments on the elevated marginal platforms. Synsedimentary normal faulting also increased accommodation and increased the rate of sedimentation in the northern part of the basin. Six sedimentary units were identified and correlated in the basin mainly using tephra keybeds. Unit 1 (Late Pleistocene–Early Holocene) is made up of laminated diatomite with some carbonate‐rich (calcite and aragonite) laminae. Unit 2 (Mid‐Holocene–Recent) is composed of massive to bedded diatomite with abundant tephra (lapilli and ash) layers. Some carbonate‐rich layers (calcite and aragonite) occur. Unit 3 consists of macrophyte‐rich diatomite deposited in nearshore environments. Unit 4 is composed of littoral sediments dominated by alternating charophyte‐rich and other aquatic macrophyte‐rich facies. Littoral carbonate productivity peaked when suitable shallow platforms were available for charophyte colonization. Clastic deposits in the lake are restricted to lake margins (Units 5 and 6). Diatom productivity peaked during a lowstand period (Unit 1 and subunit 2a), and was probably favoured by photic conditions affecting larger areas of the lake bottom. Offshore carbonate precipitation reached its maximum during the Early to Mid‐Holocene (ca 7·8 and 6·4 cal kyr bp ). This may have been favoured by increases in lake solute concentrations resulting from evaporation and calcium input because of the compositional changes in pyroclastic supply. Diatom and pollen data from offshore cores suggest a number of lake‐level fluctuations: a Late Pleistocene deepening episode (ca 12·6 cal kyr BP), four shallowing episodes during the Early to Mid‐Holocene (ca 10·5, 9·8, 7·8 and 6·7 cal kyr BP) and higher lake levels since the Mid‐Holocene (ca 5·7 cal kyr BP) until the present. Explosive activity at Parinacota volcano was very limited between c. >12·8 and 7·8 cal kyr bp . Mafic‐rich explosive eruptions from the Ajata satellite cones increased after ca 5·7 cal kyr bp until the present.     

珠江三角洲晚第四纪环境演化的沉积响应

珠江三角洲是一个复杂的网状河三角洲沉积体系,目前对其第四纪环境演化的历史仍存在多种认识。为进一步查清珠江三角洲地区第四纪环境演化的过程,对位于珠江口西岸的QZK6孔,在沉积结构、构造等研究的基础上,利用AMS14C和光释光(OSL)测年、有机碳同位素、粒度等对第四纪地层的形成年代和沉积特征进行了详细分析。结果显示,该孔39.40~27.38m发育晚更新世风化层、河流等陆相沉积体系,27.38~2.00m发育全新世三角洲沉积体系。其中全新世三角洲沉积又可分为27.38~5.30m由三角洲平原、三角洲前缘和前三角洲组成的退积式三角洲沉积体系,以及5.30~2.00m的河口湾-三角洲前缘进积式三角洲沉积体系。该孔第四纪沉积特征揭示的环境变化,是对末次冰期低海面、早中全新世海面升高及晚全新世下降的响应。     

Processes of late Quaternary turbidity current flow and deposition on the Var deep-sea fan, north-west Mediterranean Sea

High-resolution seismic boomer profiles, with a vertical resolution of less than 1 m, together with piston cores and previous side-scan sonar data, are used to describe late Quaternary sedimentation on the Var deep-sea fan. Chronological control is provided by foram biostratigraphy and radiocarbon dating in cores, and is extended over the fan by seismic correlation. Regional erosional events correspond to the oxygen isotopic stage 2 and 6 glacial maxima. Cores and seismic data define a widespread surface sand layer that is correlated with prodelta failure in 1979 and subsequent submarine cable breaks. Numerical modelling constrains the character of this 1979 turbidity current. It originated from a relatively small slide on the upper prodelta that put sufficient material in suspension to form an accelerating turbidity current which eroded sand from the Var Canyon. The turbidity current was only 30 m thick on the Upper Valley, but experienced significant flow expansion in the Middle Valley to thicknesses of more than 120 m, where it spilled over the eastern Var Sedimentary Ridge at a velocity of about 2·5 m s^?1. Other Holocene turbidity currents (with a recurrence interval of 1000 years) were somewhat muddier and thicker, but also deposited sand on the levees of the Middle Valley, and are inferred to have had a similar slide-related origin. Late Pleistocene turbidity currents deposited thick mud beds on the Var Sedimentary Ridge. The presence of sediment waves and the mean cross-flow slope inferred from levee asymmetry indicates that some of these flows were many hundreds of metres thick and flowed at velocities of about 0·35 m s^?1. This contrast with Holocene turbidites suggests that a slide origin is unlikely. Estimated times for deposition of thick mud beds on the levees are many days to weeks. The Late Pleistocene flows may therefore result from hyperpycnal flow of glacial outwash in the Var River. The variation in the Late Pleistocene to Holocene turbidite sedimentation is controlled more by variations in sediment supply than by sea-level change.     

Formation of modern dolomite in hypersaline pans of the Western Cape,South Africa

Authigenic calcite and dolomite and biogenic aragonite occur in Holocene pan sediments in a Mediterranean‐type climate on the western coastal plain of South Africa. Sediment was analysed from a Late Pleistocene coastal pan at Yzerfontein and four Holocene inland pans ranging from brackish to hypersaline. The pans are between 0·08 and 0·14 km² in size. The δ¹⁸O_PDB values of carbonate minerals in the pan sediments range from ?2·41 to 5·56‰ and indicate precipitation from evaporative waters. Covariance of total organic content and percentage carbonate minerals, and the δ¹³C_PDB values of pan carbonate minerals (?8·85 to ?1·54‰) suggest that organic matter degradation is a significant source of carbonate ions. The precipitation of the carbonate minerals, especially dolomite, appears to be mediated by sulphate‐reducing bacteria in the black sulphidic mud zone found in the brine‐type hypersaline pans. The knobbly, sub‐spherical texture of the carbonate minerals suggests that the precipitation of the carbonate minerals, particularly dolomite, is related to microbial processes. The ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratios of pan carbonate minerals (0·7108 to 0·7116) are slightly higher than modern sea water and indicate a predominantly sea water (marine aerosol) source for calcium (Ca²⁺) ions with relatively minor amounts of Ca²⁺ derived from the chemical weathering of bedrock.     

Biogeochemical cycling in an organic-rich coastal marine basin 4. An organic carbon budget for sediments dominated by sulfate reduction and methanogenesis

In situ carbon flux measurements and calculated burial rates are utilized to construct an organic carbon budget for the upper meter of sediment at a single station in Cape Lookout Bight, a small marine basin located on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, U.S.A. (34°37′N, 76°33′W). Of 149 ± 20 mole · m^?2 · yr^?1 of total organic carbon deposited, 35.6 ± 5.2 mole · m^?2 · yr^?1 is recycled to overlying waters, 84 ± 18% as ∑CO₂ and 16 ± 8% as CH₄. Approximately 68 ± 20% of the upward carbon flux is supported by sulfate reduction while 32 ± 16% takes place as the result of underlying methanogenesis. Measured ∑CO₂ and CH₄ sediment-water fluxes range seasonally from 1900–6300 and 50–2500 μmole · m^?2 · hr^?1 respectively.The mean residence time of metabolizable organic carbon in the upper 80 cm of sediment is approximately four months with greater than 98% of the calculated total remineralization taking place within three years. In spite of large upward fluxes of methane, larger molecules derived from metabolizable sedimentary organic carbon appear to be the dominant reductants for dissolved sulfate.