Carbon isotope composition and its implications of Lower Cretaceous Aptian-Albian shallow water carbonates in the Cuoqin Basin, North Tibet

Since Schlanger and Jenkyns (1976)[1] first ad-vanced the ?oceanic anoxic events ?(OAEs) model to explain the origin of the worldwide distributed Early Cretaceous Aptian-Albian (115—103 MaBP) and Late Cretaceous Cenomanian-Turonian (95—88 MaBP) black shales, the OAEs and responses to them have been one of the 揾ot spots?in geological circles. Up till now, researchers at home and abroad have exten-sively studied the sedimentary and geochemical re-sponses to the two anoxic events, espe…     

Mechanisms of carbon storage and the coupled carbon,nitrogen and sulfur cycles in regional seas in response to global change

正1.Great challenges in scientific frontiers of marine carbon storage in the scenario of global change The marine carbon cycle is influenced by anthropogenic activities,affecting global climate change and casting a significant impact on ecosystems.However,the complex spatiotemporal process of the marine carbon cycle results in the uncertainty in the estimation of marine carbon budget,either     

Grim4-C1, -C2p: combination solutions of the global earth gravity field

On the basis of the GRIM4-S1 satellite-only Earth gravity model, being accomplished in a common effort by DGFI and GRGS, a combination solution, called GRIM4-C1, has been derivcd using 1° × 1° mean gravity anomalies and 1° × 1° Seasat altimeter derived mean geoid undulations. In the meantime improvements could be achieved by incorporating more tracking data (GEOSAT, SPOT2-DORIS) into the solution, resulting in the two new parallel versions, the satellite-only gravity model GRIM4-S2 and the combined solution GRIM4-C2p (preliminary). All GRIM4 Earth gravity models cover the spectral gravitational constituents complete up to degree and order 50.In this report the emphasis is on the discussion of the combined gravity models: combination and estimation techniques, capabilities for application in precise satellite orbit computation and accuracies in long wavelength geoid representation. It is shown that with the new generation of global gravity models general purpose satellite-only models are no longer inferior to combination solutions if applied to satellite orbit restitution.     

The components and carbon isotope of the gases in inclusions in reservoir layers of Upper Paleozoic gas pools in the Ordos Basin,China

The components and carbon isotope of gases in inclusions are one of the most important geochemical indexes for gas pools.The analysis results of the components and carbon isotope of gases from inclusions in reservoir layers of Upper Palaeozoic gas pools in the Ordos Basin show that most inclusions grown in reservoir sandstone are primary inclusions.There is only a little difference about the components and carbon isotope between the well gases and the secondary inclusions gases.This indicated that the epigenetic change of gas pools is little.This difference between the well gases and the secondary inclusions gases is caused by two reasons:(i)The well gases come from several disconnected sand bodies buried in a segment of depth,while the inclusion gases come from a point of depth.(ii)The secondary inclusions trapped the gases generated in the former stage of source rock gas generation,and the well gases are the mixed gases generated in all the stages.It is irresponsible to reconstruct the palaeo-temperature and palaeo-pressure under which the gas pool formed using carbon dioxide inclusions.     

Global synchroneity of a positive carbon isotope excursion at the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary: Validation by calcareous microfossil biostratigraphy of the Yezo Group, Hokkaido, Japan

Abstract Isotopic analyses of organic carbon from the mid-Cretaceous sequence in Hokkaido, Japan, revealed a 2‰ positive excursion of δ¹³C values at the biostratigraphically defined Cenomanian/Turonian (C/T) boundary recognized in the Yezo Group. The planktonic foraminiferal Whiteinella archaeocretacea Zone, which is known to bracket the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary elsewhere in the world, was recognized in the Oyubari area of central Hokkaido based on the distribution of commonly occurring planktonic foraminifera. In the Tappu area of northwestern Hokkaido, where diagnostic planktonic foraminifera are rare but calcareous nannoplankton occur commonly, the interval coeval with the W. archaeocretacea Zone can also be established by recognizing the conjoined last appearance levels of Corollithion kennedyi and Axopodorhabdus albianus, both calcareous nannoplankton species. Carbon isotope profiles exhibit a similar pattern with comparable peaks and troughs occurring in the same stratigraphic position in the sequences. A prominent, positive 2‰ shift of δ¹³C values, here called ‘δ¹³C spike’ occurs in the middle of the W. archaeocretacea Zone in the Oyubari area and just above the conjoined last appearances of the two above-mentioned nannoplankton taxa in the Tappu area. The Cenomanian/Turonian boundary can be drawn just above the peak position of the spike in both sections. The Rock Eval analyses and biomarker analyses of organic carbon indicate that organic carbon subjected to our isotope analyses is of terrestrial origin. Therefore, the observed 2%o shift should reflect changes in the isotopic composition of the atmospheric CO₂. A unique layer composed predominantly of sand-grain sized spumellarian Radiolaria is present immediately above the δ¹³C spike both in the Oyubari and Tappu areas, suggesting an increasing availability of both nutrients and silica in surface waters.     

Stable isotope ratios of carbon,nitrogen and oxygen in killer whales (Orcinus orca) stranded on the coast of Hokkaido,Japan

We analyzed δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N and δ¹⁸O in the muscle and liver from killer whales stranded on the coast of Japan. The δ¹⁵N values in the muscle samples from calves were apparently higher than those in their lactating mothers, suggesting that nursing may result in the higher δ¹⁵N values in the muscle samples of calves. The δ¹⁵N value in the muscle samples of male and female whales, except for the calves, were positively correlated with the δ¹³C values and body length, suggesting that the increases in δ¹⁵N were due to the growth of the whales and increase in their trophic level. In contrast, the δ¹⁸O values in the muscle samples of female whales except for the calves were negatively correlated with the δ¹³C and δ¹⁵N values. The δ¹⁸O may be lower in whales occupying higher trophic positions (δ¹⁵N), although it might also be affected by geographic and climatic conditions.     

Sr, Nd isotope geochemistry of volcanic rock series and its geological significance in the middle Okinawa Trough

There exists extensive basic-acidic volcanic rock series in the middle section of the Okinawa Trough. Different types of these volcanic rocks have their own average strontium ratios of 0.704 749, 0.705 062, 0.708 771, 0.704 840 and 0.720 301 with average¹⁴³Nd/¹⁴⁴Nd ratios of 0.512 820, 0.512 673, 0.512 413, 0.512 729 and 0.512 034. These ratios of Sr and Nd isotopes all fall on a theoretic hyperbolic curve of mixing between two end-members of MORB and rhyolitic magma. So we infer that these different kinds of volcanic rocks in the middle Okinawa Trough are the erupted product in different stages of formation and evolution of the trough crust. MORB magma, which had suffered assimilation, mixed with the early-formed crust-derived rhyolitic partial melt mass at different ratios; then, these mixed magma erupted and formed volcanic rock types of the trough. This study indicates that the Okinawa Trough is coming into a stage of submarine spreading from the stage of continental rift.     

Evolution of the Cañadas edifice and its implications for the origin of the Cañadas Caldera (Tenerife, Canary Islands)

The volcano-stratigraphic and geochronologic data presented in this work show that the Tenerife central zone has been occupied during the last 3 Ma by shield or central composite volcanoes which reached more than 3000 m in height. The last volcanic system, the presently active Teide-Pico Viejo Complex began to form approximately 150 ka ago. The first Cañadas Edifice (CE) volcanic activity took place between about 3.5 Ma and 2.7 Ma. The CE-I is formed mainly by basalts, trachybasalts and trachytes. The remains of this phase outcrop in the Cañadas Wall (CW) sectors of La Angostura (3.5–3.0 Ma and 3.0–2.7 Ma), Boca de Tauce (3.0 Ma), and in the bottom of some external radial ravines (3.5 Ma). The position of its main emission center was located in the central part of the CC. The volcano could have reached 3000 m in height. This edifice underwent a partial destruction by failure and flank collapse, forming debris-avalanches during the 2.6–2.3 Ma period. The debris-avalanche deposits can be seen in the most distal zones in the N flank of the CE-I (Tigaiga Breccia). A new volcanic phase, whose deposits overlie the remains of CE-I and the former debris-avalanche deposits, constituted a new volcanic edifice, the CE-II. The dyke directions analysis and the morphological reconstruction suggest that the CE-II center was situated somewhat westward of the CE-I, reaching some 3200 m in height. The CE-II formations are well exposed on the CW, especially at the El Cedro (2.3–2.00 Ma) sector. They are also frequent in the S flank of the edifice (2.25–1.89 Ma) in Tejina (2.5–1.87 Ma) as well as in the Tigaiga massif to the N (2.23 Ma). During the last periods of activity of CE-II, important explosive eruptions took place forming ignimbrites, pyroclastic flows, and fall deposits of trachytic composition. Their ages vary between 1.5 and 1.6 Ma (Adeje ignimbrites, to the W). In the CW, the Upper Ucanca phonolitic Unit (1.4 Ma) could be the last main episode of the CE-II. Afterwards, the Cañadas III phase began. It is well represented in the CW sectors of Tigaiga (1.1 Ma–0.27 Ma), Las Pilas (1.03 Ma–0.78 Ma), Diego Hernández (0.54 Ma–0.17 Ma) and Guajara (1.1 Ma–0.7 Ma). The materials of this edifice are also found in the SE flank. These materials are trachybasaltic lava-flows and abundant phonolitic lava and pyroclastic flows (0.6 Ma–0.5 Ma) associated with abundant plinian falls. The CE-III was essentially built between 0.9 and 0.2 Ma, a period when the volcanic activity was also intense in the ‘Dorsal Edifice' situated in the easterly wing of Tenerife. The so called ‘valleys' of La Orotava and Güimar, transversals to the ridge axis, also formed during this period. In the central part of Tenerife, the CE-III completed its evolution with an explosive deposit resting on the top of the CE, for which ages from 0.173 to 0.13 Ma have been obtained. The CC age must be younger due to the fact that the present caldera scarp cuts these deposits. On the controversial origin of the CC (central vertical collapse vs. repeated flank failure and lateral collapse of mature volcanic edifices), the data discussed in this paper favor the second hypothesis. Clearly several debris-avalanche type events exist in the history of the volcano but most of the deposits are now under the sea. The caldera wall should represent the proximal scarps of the large slides whose intermediate scarps are covered by the more recent Teide-Pico Viejo volcanoes.     

Re-Os isotope dating of molybdenites in the Huang-shaping Pb-Zn-W-Mo polymetallic deposit, Hunan Province, South China and its geological significance

The large-scale Huangshaping Pb-Zn-W-Mo polymetallic deposit is located in the central Nanling min- eralization zone, South China. Six molybdenite samples from the Huangshaping deposit were selected for Re-Os isotope measurement in order to define the mineralization age of the deposit. It yields a Re-Os isochron age of 154.8±1.9 Ma (2σ ), which is in accordance with the Re-Os model ages of 150.9― 156.9 Ma. This age is about 7 Ma younger than their host granite porphyry, which was dated as 161.6±1.1 Ma by zircon U-Pb method using LA-ICPMS. All these ages demonstrate that the Huang- shaping granite and related Pb-Zn-W-Mo deposit occurred in the middle Yanshanian period, when many other granitoid and related ore deposits emplaced and formed, e.g. the Qitianling granite and Furong tin deposit, the Qianlishan granite and giant Shizhuyuan W-Sn-Mo-Bi deposit and Jinchuantang Sn-Bi deposit in the nearby area. They constitute the main part of the magmatic-metallogenic belt of southern Hunan, and represent the large-scale metallogeny in middle Yanshanian in the area. The lower rhenium content in molybdenite of Huangshaping deposit suggests that the ore-forming material was mainly of crust origin.     

Chlorophyll a and its derivatives in sediments of the Odra estuary as a measure of its eutrophication

Chlorophyll a and its selected derivatives, as well as chlorophylls b and c have been determined in samples of recent (0-10 cm) sediments, collected at 30 stations in the Szczecin Lagoon, Pomeranian Bay and the Bornholm Deep. Samples were retrieved in different seasons between 1992 and 2001, including the time before and after the great flood of July 1997. Regarding the content of chlorophyll a and its derivatives in sediments, the Szczecin Lagoon may be classified as permanently eutrophic and the Pomeranian Bay and Bornholm Deep as mesotrophic. A lack of correlation between chlorophylls b, c and chlorophyll a indicated that intensive blooms of cyanobacteria occur in the Szczecin Lagoon, which is a characteristic of eutrophic zones. The chlorin a results are related to selected parameters characterizing the aquatic environment. The values for nutrients, salinity and temperature in near-bottom waters, as well as granulometry and organic carbon in the sediments verify the above conclusions.     

The application of lead isotope ratios in the Antarctic macroalga Iridaea cordata as a contaminant monitoring tool

Lead (Pb) isotope ratios were measured in the marine macroalga Iridaea cordata collected from four locations in the Windmill Islands, East Antarctica. Based on the masses of thalli collected, samples analysed in this study were likely to be a mixture of one and two year old thalli. For a sample of thalli of various ages (<12 months to 2 years old) from the same site there was no apparent variation in Pb concentration or Pb isotope ratio with thallus mass/age, indicating that contaminant sources had been constant over the lifetime of the thalli sampled. I.cordata samples close to the Thala Valley waste disposal site (Brown Bay Inner) near the Australian Station, Casey, displayed isotopic signatures (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 35.99; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb 1.066; n = 3; average values shown) trending towards that possessed by major Australian Pb sources (Broken Hill and Mt Isa, ²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 35.60; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb 1.041) suggesting that these samples had been exposed to anthropogenic Pb originating from the Thala Valley waste disposal site. Material collected hundreds of metres from the tip location at Brown Bay Outer had isotopic values (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 36.32; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb 1.088; n = 10) intermediate between Brown Bay Inner and sites further from the contaminant source at Sparkes Bay and Wilkes (²⁰⁸Pb/²⁰⁴Pb 36.46; ²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb 1.094; n = 4) showing that contaminant transport was predominantly restricted to Brown Bay Inner. This study demonstrates that the isotope ratios of Pb in marine macroalgae can provide valuable information as to the origin and extent of heavy metal flux in a marine environment.     

Silicic arc volcanism in Central Luzon, the Philippines: Characterization of its space, time and geochemical relationship

Abstract   The silicic volcanic rocks in Central Luzon show a temporal and spatial relationship with its geochemistry. Volcanic centers dated to approximately 5 Ma are silicic in geochemical composition whereas those between <5–1 Ma expose basaltic to andesitic rocks. Volcanic centers dated <1 Ma are characterized by a wide range of geochemistry encompassing basaltic through andesitic to dacitic signatures. Aside from changes in geochemistry through time, the areas (i.e. fore-arc to back-arc region) where the volcanic centers are formed also vary. The shift in the location of the volcanic centers in Central Luzon is attributed to changes in the dip of subduction of the South China Sea crust along the Manila Trench. Flat subduction resulted from the subduction of the Scarborough Seamount Chain, an oceanic bathymetric high along the Manila Trench west of northern Luzon. However, collision of Luzon with Taiwan in the north and Palawan in the south resulted in steepening of the subduction angle. The silicic volcanic centers in the forearc (Ce/Yb = 20–140) and back-arc (Ce/Yb = 20–60) regions are generally characterized by higher Ce/Yb compared to the basaltic-andesitic volcanic rocks in the main volcanic arc (Ce/Yb = 20) and back-arc (Ce/Yb = 20–30) regions. This across-arc geochemical variation highlights the contributions from the slab, mantle and crust coupled with the effects of geochemical processes that include partial melting, fractionation, magma mixing and mantle–melt interaction.     

Parentage of low‐grade metasediments in the Sanbagawa belt,eastern Shikoku,Southwest Japan,and its geotectonic implications

This study examines the geology of low‐grade (chlorite zone) metamorphic rocks in the Sanbagawa belt and of a Jurassic accretionary complex in the Northern Chichibu belt, eastern Shikoku, Japan. The bulk chemistries of metasandstones and metapelites in the Sanbagawa belt of eastern Shikoku are examined in order to determine their parentage. The Sanbagawa belt can be divided into northern and southern parts based on lithology and geologic structure. Geochemical data indicate that metasediments in the northern and southern parts are the metamorphic equivalents of the KS‐II (Coniacian–Campanian) and KS‐I (late Albian–early Coniacian) units of the Shimanto belt, respectively. The depositional ages of the parent sediments of low‐grade metamorphic rocks found in the Sanbagawa belt and the Jurassic Northern Chichibu belt, indicate a north‐younging polarity. In contrast, sedimentological evidence indicates younging to the south. These observations suggest that a tectonic event has resulted in a change from a northerly to southerly dip direction for schistosity and bedding in the Sanbagawa and Northern Chichibu belts of eastern Shikoku. The younging polarity observed in the Sanbagawa and Northern Chichibu belts, together with previously reported data on vitrinite reflectance and geological structure, indicate that the Northern Chichibu belt was part of the overburden formerly lying on top of the Sanbagawa low‐grade metamorphic rocks.     

P-T-t path of metamorphism for the Julin Group and its geodynamical implications in Yuanmou, Yunnan

The metamorphic complex of the Julin Group occurs in the Yuanmou area of Yunnan Province on the western margin of the Yangtze Platform, and connects with the Kangdian metamorphic complex to the north. Based on the detailed petrographic observations and studies of garnet growth zoning, aP-T-t path has been reconstructed for the staurolite-kyanite zone in the Julin Group. This path is characterized by (1) a counter-clockwise evolutional trend, (2) a quicker increase of temperature than that of pressure in the initial prograde metamorphism, but slower near the peak, then temperature and pressure simultaneously reaching the peak metamorphic conditions, and (3) a slow near-isobaric cooling during the retrograde process. TheP-T-t path for prograde metamorphism is closely related to magmatic accretion in the arc setting. The magmatic accretion model, metamorphism type and tectonic setting may be compared with the global Grenville tectono-metamorphic events, and related to the assembly of the Rodinia at the late Mesoproterozoic-early Neoproterozoic (∼1.0 Ga). The retrogradeP-T-t path shows a slow near-isobaric cooling, indicating sustained heat supplies from the upper mantle and no rapid erosion. This heat source may be originated from the Neoproterozoic (∼0.82 Ga) breakup of the Rodinia.     

Determination of O2(a1 delta g) and O2(b1 sigma+ g) yields in the reaction O + ClO --> Cl + O2: implications for photochemistry in the atmosphere of Venus

A discharge flow apparatus with chemiluminescence detector has been used to study the reaction O + ClO --> Cl + O2, where O2 = O2(a1 delta g) or O2(b1 sigma+ g). The measured quantum yields for producing O2(a1 delta g) and O2(b1 sigma+ g) in the above reaction are less than 2.5 x 10(-2) and equal to (4.4 +/- 1.1) x 10(-4), respectively. The observed O2(a1 delta g) airglow of Venus cannot be explained in the context of standard photochemistry using our experimental results and those reported in recent literature. The possibility of an alternative source of O atoms derived from SO2 photolysis in the mesosphere of Venus is suggested.     

The Niger (I) carbonaceous chondrite and implications for the origin of aggregates and isolated olivine grains in C2 chondrites

The origin of olivine grains in C2 carbonaceous chondrites is a controversial topic: directly condensed material or detrital remnants of preexisting chondrules? This study shows that the Niger C2 meteorite is similar to Murchison but reveals several interesting features in relation to the origin of the olivine. Microprobe analysis of olivine (Si, Fe, Mg, Ca, Mn, Cr), glass and nickel-iron inclusions within the grains, and Fe-S-O phase as well as the relationships between the olivine grains in the aggregates, between the grains and the interstitial phyllosilicate matrix, between the inclusions and their host olivine grains, and the morphology of some aggregates all show that two populations of olivine coexist, probably crystallized from chondrule melts rather than by direct condensation from a solar nebula gas. The characteristics of the nickel-iron inclusions within the olivine suggest a magmatic chondrule-making stage from previously condensed materials.     

New insights on the age of the Mengyejing Formation in the Simao Basin,SE Tethyan domain and its geological implications

Knowledge on the origin and mechanism of the large potash formation in the southeast Tethyan tectonic domain are still under debate,one of which mainly due to the controversial ages of the potash-bearing strata.Here we present a detailed detrital zircon U-Pb geochronologic-magnetostratigraphic study of the potash-bearing Mengyejing(MYJ)Formation(Fm)from the Simao Basin.948 paleomagnetic cores and 4 detrital zircon U-Pb samples were collected from a 932-m thick Jiangcheng section.Thermal demagnetization isolated 857 primary characteristic remnant magnetization(ChRM)directions,indicated by positive reversals and fold tests and petrologic examinations.Seven normal and seven reversed polarity zones were identified and correlated well with chrons C27r to C34n of the geomagnetic polarity timescale(GPTS2012),yielding the first known age sequence of>112 to~63 Ma for the MYJ Fm.The ages for the potash bearing strata in the Simao commenced~20 Ma earlier than those in the adjacent Khorat basins,opposite to the traditional viewpoint that the former would rather correspond to the middle and lower parts of the latter.Given the paleogeographic reconstruction of likely a pan-Simao-Khorat basin during the Cretaceous,~85 Ma would be another important potential period for future potash exploration in the Simao Basin.     

High-resolution seismic tomography of the upper crust in the source region of the April 20, 2013 Lushan earthquake and its seismotectonic implications

Both P- and S-wave arrivals were collected for imaging upper crustal structures in the source region of the April 20, 2013 Lushan earthquake. High-resolution, three- dimensional P and S velocity models were constructed by travel-time tomography. Moreover, more than 3700 after- shocks of the Lushan earthquake were relocated via a grid search method. The P- and S-wave velocity images of the upper crust show largely similar characters, with high and low velocity anomalies, which mark the presence of sig- nificant lateral and vertical heterogeneity at the source region of the Lushan earthquake. The characteristics of the velocity anomalies also reflect the associated surface geo- logical tectonics in this region. The distributions of high velocity anomalies of both P- and S-waves to 18 km depth are consistent with the distributions of relocated after- shocks, suggesting that most of the ruptures were localized inside the high velocity region. In contrast, low P and S velocities were found in the surrounding regions without aftershocks, especially in the region to the northeast of the Lushan earthquake. For the relocated aftershocks of the Lushan earthquake from this study, we found that mostaftershocks were concentrated in a zone of about 40 km long and 20 km wide, and were located in the hanging wall of Dayi-Mingshan fault. The focal depths of aftershocks increase from the southeast to the northwest region in the direction perpendicular to the fault strike, suggesting that the fault ruptured at an approximate dip angle of 45°. The main depths of the aftershocks in the northwest of the main shock are significantly shallower than expected, revealing the different seismogenic conditions in the source region.     

Influences of air CO_2 on hydrochemistry of drip water and implications for paleoclimate study in a stream-developed cave,SW China

Cave air CO_2 is a vital part of the cave environment. Most studies about cave air CO_2 variations are performed in caves with no streams; there are few studies to date regarding the relationship of cave air CO_2 variations and drip water hydrochemistry in underground stream–developed caves. To study the relationship of underground stream, drip water, and cave air CO_2, monthly and daily monitoring of air CO_2 and of underground stream and drip water was performed in Xueyu Cave from 2012 to 2013.The results revealed that there was marked seasonal variation of air CO_2 and stream hydrochemistry in the cave. Daily variations of cave air CO_2, and of stream and drip water hydrochemistry, were notable during continuous monitoring.A dilution effect was observed by analyzing hydrochemical variations in underground stream and drip water after rainfall. High cave air CO_2 along with low p H and low δ~(13)C DIC in stream and drip water indicated that air CO_2 was one of the dominant factors controlling stream and drip water hydrochemistry on a daily scale. On a seasonal scale, stream flows may promote increased cave air CO_2 in summer; in turn, the higher cave air CO_2 could inhibit degassing of drip water and make calcite δ~(13)C more negative. Variation of calcite δ~(13)C(precipitated from drip water) was in reverse of monthly temperature, soil CO_2, and cave air CO_2. Therefore,calcite δ~(13)C in Xueyu Cave could be used to determine monthly changes outside the cave. However, considering the different precipitation rate of sediment in different seasons,it was difficult to use stalagmites to reconstruct environmental change on a seasonal scale.