A New Understanding on South China Permian Coal-bearing Strata and Coal Accumulation Regularity

The Longtan Formation was originally thought to belong to the Late Permian, but this study reveals that the lower part of this formation belongs to the Middle Permian. The study proposes the corresponding chro-nostratigraphic boundary and new schemes for the correlation of geological sections. Based on these schemes a new understanding on the accumulation regularity of Permian coal measures in South China is reached.     

大洋钻探与地层学——高分辨率磁性生物年代地层格架

深海钻探计划（ＤＳＤＰ）和大洋钻探计划（ＯＤＰ）实施以来促进了地层学的发展。通过对大洋沉积物的研究，利用生物属，种的始，末现面事件建立起了晚中生代－新生代高精度的钙质超微化石，有孔虫，放射虫以及沟鞭藻的化石带，综合利用这些基准面事件，可使地层划分精度达１０万年以内。使用液压活塞取心技术，建立起了完整，连续的中，新生代磁性地层剖面，加之放射性年龄的测定，确定了数百个生物属，种始，末现面的绝对年龄值，     

Triassic stratigraphy,facies and evolution of the Arabian shelf in the northern United Arab Emirates

This study provides a reconstruction of the Late Permian and Triassic depositional history of the Arabian shelf in the northern United Arab Emirates based on facies analysis and foraminiferal biostratigraphy. The presented data show that sedimentation occurred in three major sequences. From the Late Permian to Olenekian carbonates and evaporites were deposited in restricted lagoons and tidal flats. After a hiatus, sedimentation resumed and continued until the Late Ladinian/Carnian, leading to the deposition of a carbonate platform dominated by peritidal dolostones. A period of shelf exposure and erosion, spanning from the Carnian to Norian, was followed by the third major sequence with sedimentation into the Early Jurassic. During this third depositional sequence sedimentation changed from pure carbonate into mixed carbonate–siliciclastic deposits. This transition reflects the global regression of the sea in the Late Triassic (Triasina hantkeni Zone) and the increased erosion of large parts of the Arabian hinterland. A comparison of the evolution of the Arabian shelf in the study area with chronostratigraphic reference schemes for the Arabian Plate reveals remarkable differences in the distribution of Middle and Upper Triassic sequences. These are most likely the result of poor biostratigraphic control on previously studied formations in the region.     

Age and source of terrigenous rocks of the turan group of the bureya terrane of the eastern part of the central Asian foldbelt: Results of geochemical (Sm-Nd) and geochronological (U-Pb LA-ICP-MS) studies

According to Sm-Nd isotopic-geochemical studies, the t _Nd(DM) of the terrigenous rocks of the Turan Group of the Bureya terrane is 1.4–1.5 Ga and their sources are Precambrian rocks and (or) younger effusive rocks, the formation of which is related to the reworking of the Late Precambrian continental crust. The U-Pb LA-ICP-MS geochronological studies indicate dominant Vendian-Cambrian (588–483 Ma) and Late Riphean (865–737 Ma) detrital zircons. Our data point to their accumulation at the beginning of the Paleozoic rather than in the Precambrian as is accepted in modern stratigraphic schemes.     

Biostratigraphy of the Late Middle Pleistocene (Middle Neopleistocene) of the Southern Urals region

A summary of published and unpublished materials on the stratigraphy of the Late Middle Pleistocene (Middle Neopleistocene according to the Russian stratigraphic scheme) of the Southern Urals region is given. Deposits of different origin in the regional stratigraphic units are characterized. The results of mammalian investigations provide the basis for the stratigraphical subdivision. Mollusca and palynology are used for the reconstruction of the palaeoenvironments. The stratigraphical positions of the main Middle Neopleistocene localities and precise definitions of the stratigraphical scheme of the Southern Urals region are discussed. The Southern Urals subdivisions are correlated with the Western European stratigraphical schemes (Holsteinian–Saalian interval).     

Revision of the planktonic foraminiferal biostratigraphy of the Voirons Flysch (Chablais Prealps,Haute-Savoie,France)

The ages obtained from planktonic foraminiferal assemblages retrieved from two exposures in the Gurnigel Flysch and from the re-examination of similar material gathered by previous researchers from the Voirons Flysch reveal only minor discrepancies with previous studies based on nannofossil biostratigraphy. In contrast, major divergences between this work and previous studies on the Voirons Flysch also based on planktonic foraminifera have been identified. They are generally related to distinct approaches in species classification and the use of different zonal schemes. Based on our data, the age of the Voirons Flysch extends from the Early Eocene (planktonic foraminiferal zone P7) to the Middle Eocene (planktonic foraminiferal zone P12). Contrasting with claims made in earlier studies, no specimen of Late Eocene or Early Oligocene age has been observed in the revised material. However, we cannot exclude a younger age (possibly Late Eocene) for the upper portion of this flysch from which we did not revise any sample. Thus, more research and sampling are needed to resolve this question. The palaeogeographic origin of the Voirons-Wägital complex as well as the sedimentation history of these flyschs need now to be re-evaluated in light of this revised biostratigraphic data.     

Palynostratigraphy of two Neogene boreholes from the northwestern portion of the Solimões Basin,Brazil

Palynological studies in large basins yield the most significant results for understanding basinal and continental evolution. We selected the Solimões Basin in the upper reaches of the Amazon River as our study site due to the availability of drill cores in this jungle-covered terrain. The purpose of this paper is contribute to the palynological knowledge and to evaluate the palynostratigraphic schemes of Venezuelan (LM sheme) and Colombia (Jea sheme) applied for large basin situated in the Amazon jungle. Taxonomic studies of the analysed samples indicate a significant presence of Grimsdalea magnaclavata, suggesting both cores represent the Mio-Pleistocene Solimões and Iça Formations. These results are integrated and correlated with previously collected data for the entire basin, Venezuelan and Colombia. The ages attributed to the Miocene intervals of the boreholes studied vary according to the palynostratigraphic scheme. According to the biostratigraphy based on data from Venezuelan (LM sheme), the borehole 1AS-51-AM presents range in Early Miocene–Early Pliocene and from Middle Miocene–Early Pliocene in 1AS-52-AM. When the data from Colombia (Jea sheme) is used, the ages range from the Middle Miocene–Late Miocene in both boreholes. The differences between the results of two biostratigraphic schemes indicate the existence of distinct stratigraphic arrangements recorded in palynoflora of the Brazilian Amazon.     

Biostratigraphy of the Upper Pleistocene (Upper Neopleistocene)–Holocene deposits of the Lemeza River valley of the Southern Urals region (Russia)

Numerous caves and terraces with late Late Pleistocene (Upper Neopleistocene according to the Russian stratigraphic scale)–Holocene deposits are located in the Lemeza River valley in the surroundings of the Atysh waterfall, the native reserve territory of the Bashkortostan Republic. Lemeza River runs in the southern part of the western slope of the Urals and belongs to the Belaya River valley system (Russian Federation). A summary of the biostratigraphical investigations between 1992 and 2007 in this area is given. Deposits of cave and fluvial origin are characterized in the framework of the regional stratigraphy. The results of mammalian investigations and radiocarbon dating provide the basis for the stratigraphical subdivision. Palynology, mollusca, fishes, amphibian and reptiles are used for the reconstruction the palaeoenvironments. The Southern Urals stratigraphic subdivisions are correlated with Western European (Weichselian-Holocene), Eastern European (Russia) (Leningrad–Ostashkov–Shuvalov) and Uralian (Nevyansk–Polar Urals–Gorbunovsky) stratigraphic schemes.     

西藏措勤盆地的上古生界—下中生界：潜在的油气沉积建造

新的地层和古生物学研究结果表明,措勤盆地在晚古生代一早中生代不存在长达75Ma以上的沉积间断．其中,晚二叠世-晚三叠世诺利期都是海相碳酸盐岩地层,晚三叠世瑞替期-早中侏罗世为陆缘碎屑岩地层．两者之间为角度不整合接触．措勤盆地在晚二叠世-晚三叠世诺利期一直处于海相碳酸盐岩盆地中．晚三叠世瑞替期-早中侏罗世仍然是接受巨厚沉积的低洼地区。从宏观的油气勘探的战略评价角度看．措勤盆地在中二叠世栖霞期-晚三叠世诺利期的海相碳酸盐岩地层具有生油层的性质,上三叠统瑞替阶-中下侏罗统具有盖层的性质,两者之间的角度不整合具有储集层的性质。措勤盆地中二叠统-下侏罗统构成一个油气的有利勘探层系．称为古格层系。     

Forest or no forest: implications of the vegetation record for climatic stability in Western Beringia during Oxygen Isotope Stage 3

Two conflicting stratigraphic schemes describe the Siberian Karginskii interstade (Oxygen Isotope Stage 3 equivalent) as having: 1) relatively stable climate with environments more similar to the full glaciation; or 2) variable climate with landscapes that more closely approximate contemporary ones. New data from continuous lake cores and a nearly continuous section from western Beringia (WB) suggest that both schemes are valid. Herb-dominated communities, possibly with isolated populations of Larix, characterized northern WB with only a slight shift from relatively warm to cool summers during the mid-interstade. In contrast, herb and shrub tundra, steppe, forest-tundra, and modern Larix forest occurred at various times in areas of southern WB, suggesting greater climatic instability. A thermal optimum is evident in the south during the mid-interstade, with modern vegetation in southeastern WB and Larix forest-tundra in the southwest. Variations in Pinus pumila pollen indicate summer warm/winter dry and summer warm/winter wet conditions in southeastern WB. These fluctuations contrast to other areas of WB, where summers and probably winters were consistently arid. Although the interstade presents a unique interval within the Late Pleistocene, paleodata and paleoclimatic models suggest that changes in marine conditions, including sea level, were likely key drivers in the regional climate history.     

青藏高原北部柴达木块体晚二叠世古地磁结果及其构造意义

通过对柴达木地块天峻县组合玛地区晚二叠世13个采点的系统古地磁测定,揭示了一组高温特征剩磁分量.实验结果表明,采样剖面获得的晚二叠世古地磁结果具有正、反极性,其特征剩磁方向为:Dg=333.7°,Ig=37.3°,Kg=35.4,N=9,α95 =8.8;Ds=333.9°,Is=41.7°,Ks=69.9,α95 =6.2°,相对应的古地磁极位置为:64.0°N,342.4°E,A95=5.9°,古纬度为24.0°N.这一高温分量通过了倒转检验,我们认为这一高温特征剩磁分量很可能代表了研究区晚二叠世时期的原生特征剩磁.通过对比塔里木地块晚石炭-晚二叠世古地磁结果,发现两块体在晚石炭世存在明显的古纬度差(16.6±9.3°),而在晚二叠世其古纬度差(3.5±5.4°)在古地磁误差范围内并没有明显差别,从构造意义上说,说明柴达木地块在晚二叠世已是塔里木地块的一部分,结合地质资料,认为柴达木地块在晚二叠世时古地理位置处于塔里木地块的南缘或西南缘,这表明柴达木/塔里木地块间的古阿尔金断裂的形成时代不可能早于晚石炭世时,很可能形成于晚二叠世以后.     

The evolution of slump-induced destruction of Kukuy Griva slope (Lake Baikal) revealed on the base of the data of seismic and acoustic surveys

As a result of careful interpretation of the data of recent seismo-acoustic surveys, two major seismic complexes were identified in the structure of the upper sedimentary section of the north-western slope of Kukuy Griva (ridge). They are composed of several inner seismo-facies, which are very characteristic and separated with well-expressed regional reflector. Seismic and acoustic data revealed evidences of numerous landslide processes which were different in age and peculiarities of manifestation. For the first time, detailed schemes of seismo-facies distribution are compiled for major seismic complexes at the area. The boundary between seismic complexes is dated as 150 thousands years. It is shown that sliding was more intensive during Late Pleistocene and Holocene, reflecting activation of tectonic movements in this part of Baikal rift system.     

Current perspectives on the Permian–Triassic boundary and end-Permian mass extinction: Preface

The end-Permian mass extinction is now robustly dated at 252.6 ± 0.2 Ma (U–Pb) and the Permian–Triassic (P–T) GSSP level is dated by interpolation at 252.5 Ma. An isotopic geochronological timescale for the Late Permian–Early Triassic, based on recent accurate high-precision U–Pb single zircon dating of volcanic ashes, together with calibrated conodont zonation schemes, is presented. The duration of the Early Triassic (Induan + Olenekian stages) is estimated at only 5.5 million years. The duration of the Induan Stage (Griesbachian + Dienerian sub-stages) is estimated at ca. one million years and the early Olenekian (Smithian sub-stage) at 0.7 million years duration. Considering this timescale, the “delayed” recovery following the end-Permian mass extinction may not in fact have been particularly protracted, in the light of the severity of the extinction. Conodonts evolved rapidly in the first 1 million years following the mass extinction leading to recognition of high-resolution conodont zones. Continued episodic global environmental and climatic stress following the extinction is recognized by multiple carbon isotope excursions, further faunal turnover and peculiar sedimentary and biotic facies (e.g. microbialites). The end-Permian mass extinction is interpreted to be synchronous globally and between marine and non-marine environments. The nature of the double-phased Late Permian extinction (at the Guadalupian–Lopingian boundary and the P–T boundary), linked to large igneous provinces, suggests a primary role for superplume activity that involved geomagnetic polarity change and massive volcanism.     

西藏措勤盆地的上古生界-下中生界：潜在的油气沉积建造

新的地层和古生物学研究结果表明,措勤盆地在晚古生代一早中生代不存在长达75Ma以上的沉积间断．其中,晚二叠世-晚三叠世诺利期都是海相碳酸盐岩地层,晚三叠世瑞替期-早中侏罗世为陆缘碎屑岩地层．两者之间为角度不整合接触．措勤盆地在晚二叠世-晚三叠世诺利期一直处于海相碳酸盐岩盆地中．晚三叠世瑞替期-早中侏罗世仍然是接受巨厚沉积的低洼地区。从宏观的油气勘探的战略评价角度看．措勤盆地在中二叠世栖霞期-晚三叠世诺利期的海相碳酸盐岩地层具有生油层的性质,上三叠统瑞替阶-中下侏罗统具有盖层的性质,两者之间的角度不整合具有储集层的性质。措勤盆地中二叠统-下侏罗统构成一个油气的有利勘探层系．称为古格层系。     

藏北南羌塘盆地曲瑞恰乃地区中侏罗世色哇组、 莎巧木组、布曲组的生物地层特征

对藏北南羌塘盆地曲瑞恰乃地区的晚三叠世-侏罗纪地层进行了研究,自下而上划分为晚三叠世日干配错群,晚三叠世～早侏罗世索布查组,早侏罗世曲色组,中侏罗世色哇组、莎巧木组、布曲组、夏里组和晚侏罗世索瓦组。其中,对中侏罗世色哇组、莎巧木组、布曲组生物地层的研究为本文的主要内容,研究成果为该区中侏罗世地层层序的建立和详细对比提供了重要的依据。     

Sr-isotope stratigraphy of the Upper Jurassic of central Portugal (Lusitanian Basin) based on oyster shells

Strontium isotope stratigraphy was performed on oyster shells from the Late Jurassic of the Lusitanian Basin (central Portugal). This represents the first approach to obtain numerical ages for these strata. The new chronostratigraphic data provide a more precise age determination of several units. After a basin-wide hiatus sedimentation in the Late Jurassic is proven in the Cabo Mondego and Cabaços formations to resume as early as the Middle Oxfordian. The Alcobaça formation can be placed in the latest Late Oxfordian to Late Kimmeridgian, while data from the upper part of the Abadia Formation indicate an Early to Late Kimmeridgian age. The Farta Pao formation ranges from the latest Kimmeridgian to the latest Tithonian. The largely synchronous Sobral, Arranhó I, and Arranhó II members are overlain by the late Early to Late Tithonian Freixial Member. The brief, local carbonate incursion of the Arranhó I member marks the Kimmeridgian–Tithonian boundary. Oysters are shown once more to be suitable for strontium isotope studies. Their calcitic shells are often unaffected by diagenesis. In particular for marginal marine Jurassic and Cretaceous strata, where belemnites are usually absent, oysters may serve as a valuable tool for isotope stratigraphy.     

New basin modelling results from the Polish part of the Central European Basin system: implications for the Late Cretaceous–Early Paleogene structural inversion

Combined subsidence and thermal 1D modelling was performed on six well-sections located in the north-western Mid-Polish Trough/Swell in the eastern part of the Central European Basin system. The modelling allowed constraining quantitatively both the Mesozoic subsidence and the magnitude of the Late Cretaceous–Paleocene inversion and erosion. The latter most probably reached 2,400 m in the Mid-Polish Swell area. The modelled Upper Cretaceous thickness did not exceed 500 m, and probably corresponded to 200–300 m in the swell area as compared with more than 2,000 m in the adjacent non-inverted part of the basin. Such Upper Cretaceous thickness pattern implies early onset of inversion processes, probably in the Late Turonian or Coniacian. Our modelling, coupled with previous results of stratigraphic and seismic studies, demonstrates that the relatively low sedimentation rates in the inverted part of the basin during the Late Cretaceous were the net result of several discrete pulses of non-deposition and/or erosion that were progressively more pronounced towards the trough axis. The last phase of inversion started in the Late Maastrichtian and was responsible for the total amount of erosion, which removed also the reduced Upper Cretaceous deposits. According to our modelling results, a Late Cretaceous heat-flow regime which is similar to the present-day conditions (about 50 mW/m²) was responsible for the observed organic maturity of the Permian-Mesozoic rocks. This conclusion does not affect the possibility of Late Carboniferous–Permian and Late Permian–Early Triassic thermal events.     

Late Carboniferous Monzonite–Granosyenite Magmatism in the Northern Balkhash Region (Central Kazakhstan)

U–Pb dating of the Torangalyk Complex (Northern Balkhash) yielded a Late Carboniferous age of 305 ± 2 Ma. Taking into account the previous data, a new scheme for Late Paleozoic granitic magmatism in this region has been proposed. It includes the Early Carboniferous granite–granodiorite Balkhash Complex, Late Carboniferous monzonite–granosyenite Kokdombak and Torangalyk complexes, and the Late Carboniferous–Early Permian granite–leucogranite Akchatau Complex.     

层孔虫研究进展与展望

层孔虫(stromatoporoid)一词由德国地质学家Goldfuss在1826年创立,因其表面呈纹层状而得名。层孔虫属于海绵动物,是一类营群体生活的海洋底栖固着生物,形态多样,大小从几厘米至数米不等,通常生活在温暖、清澈、盐度正常和光照条件好的浅海中,常与珊瑚、藻类共生而形成生物礁,是重要的造礁生物之一。层孔虫起源于早奥陶世,繁盛于泥盆纪,进入石炭纪基本消失,但在晚三叠世复又出现,并于晚侏罗世得到进一步发展,最终在早白垩世末彻底灭绝。本文在回顾总结了层孔虫研究历史与研究现状,指出层孔虫的研究历史大体经历了零星研究阶段(1826—1950年)、系统研究阶段(1951—1971年)和集成创新阶段(1972年至今),主要介绍了层孔虫的形态与构造、系统分类、起源与演化、生物间的共生关系和层孔虫在古环境重建中的应用,在此基础上提出了目前层孔虫研究中存在的3个主要问题: 缺少明确、完善且统一的生物分类方案;起源的时代存在争议,演化过程中存在奇怪的“间断”现象,早石炭世至晚三叠世的地层中未见相关化石记录;与各种共生生物之间的关系不甚清楚。层孔虫在古生物学的研究中是不可缺少的一个门类,它的各种形态、习性特征在恢复古地理、重建古环境的过程中具有重要意义。     

浙南龙泉地区晚侏罗世火山岩的厘定及成因探讨

浙江晚中生代大规模火山活动始于晚侏罗世还是早白垩世,长期以来存在争议。本文对浙南龙泉地区火山岩进行了锆石U-Pb定年,获得一批高精度的年代学数据,其SHRIMP锆石U-Pb和LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb年龄集中于163～145 Ma,确认浙江晚中生代火山活动始于晚侏罗世。地球化学特征和Sr-Nd同位素特征表明这套晚侏罗世火山岩具有高硅、高钾、低磷、贫铁镁的特征,属于过铝质高钾钙碱性岩石系列。由于晚中生代太平洋板块的俯冲作用,导致了下部地壳物质(基底变质岩)广泛熔融,形成了本区晚侏罗世火山岩浆活动。为了便于表达、对比,笔者建议新建"晚侏罗世黄茅尖群"地层单位。