Depth distribution of calcareous sediments in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic North Atlantic Ocean

The upper Mesozoic and Cenozoic distribution of calcareous, biogenic particles which are produced by planktonic foraminifers and nannoplankton and which are the most important components of pelagic sediments since mid-Mesozoic times, has been reconstructed using data from North Atlantic deep-sea drill sites. Two phases of sedimentation of carbonate-rich sediments are separated by an interval from 100 to 80 m.y. B.P. when CaCO₃ particles were diluted by chiefly terrigenous material. Prior to 100 m.y. B.P. the highest concentrations of calcareous matter were confined to the deepest part of the then 4–4.5 km deep North Atlantic. After 80 m.y. B.P. sediments with high concentrations of calcareous matter have been deposited above 3 km paleodepth, but during the last 25 m.y. also between 4 and 5.5 km paleo-water depth. The latter occurrence is associated with indications of downslope displacement of calcareous material into the abyssal plains of the deepest parts of the North Atlantic.     

Post-depositional remanent magnetisation in Recent tidal-flat sediments

Palaeomagnetic measurements of 1-m cores and a 9-m Delft core of Recent tidal-flat sediments from the Wash, England have shown that these sediments possess a record of the variation of the Earth's magnetic field. The record compares well with the historic-archaeomagnetic record for the period 0–1000 years B.P. but is offset down the core due to the remanence being of post-depositional origin. A period of at least 100 years is suggested for the alignment of particles during acquisition of the post-depositional remanence. Magnetite has been identified as the major carrier of this remanence.     

Mesozoic/cenozoic calcite compensation depth and the global distribution of calcareous sediments

From late Jurassic to early Cenozoic time the calcite compensation depth (CCD) in the world oceans was shallow (above 4000 m). About 40 m.y. ago it dropped to about 4500 m, sharply in the Indian and Pacific oceans and gradually in the Atlantic. In the early Miocene it began to rise again, reaching a very shallow peak 10–15 m.y. ago, then descended to its present deep position. In the Pacific, fluctuations during the last 40 m.y. appear to result mainly from changes in bottom-water structure related to the progressive glaciation of the Antarctic and Arctic regions. Analogous explanations hold for CCD fluctuations during this period in the Indian and Atlantic oceans. The very shallow CCD prior to about 50 m.y., on the other hand, cannot be explained in this manner but must be attributed either to a low input of calcium in the oceans from deeply weathered continents or, more probably, to large changes in the distribution of carbonate deposition between shallow and deep seas.     

蓝藻对太湖底泥反硝化过程的影响和机理分析

通过模拟实验,研究了因自然或人工沉降的太湖蓝藻在厌氧条件下作为碳源对底泥微生物反硝化脱氮的促进作用.通过对底泥总氮、化合态氮素、挥发性脂肪酸(VFAs)、COD、电位和pH等指标的监测,发现藻体中大量的生物可降解碳素在厌氧消解后产生挥发性脂肪酸等一些可供反硝化菌直接利用的小分子物质,2×藻组VFAs含量可达2232.96μl/L,1×藻组可达1263.36μl/L,最高可达42.1%,为对照组(无添加蓝藻)的2.43倍,从而促进了硝态氮和亚硝态氮还原成N2和N₂O的过程,提高氮素的去除率.但底泥中沉降蓝藻需要一定的降解时间,前4天添加冷冻干蓝藻粉的处理组COD降解率较低,电位处于正值,体系中产生硝态氮,随后COD持续降低,添加2×藻组COD最大去除率为42.08%,1×藻组为32.93%,对照组仅为14.46%,表明藻细胞中的碳素已开始被利用.本研究表明沉降蓝藻细胞能够为底泥中的反硝化过程提供可利用碳源,并深入揭示了沉降蓝藻作为碳源促进底泥反硝化过程的机理和对底泥中C、N的影响,为在湖泊治理中降低氮素的内源污染提供了新的科学依据.     

附着藻类对太湖沉积物磷释放的影响

附着藻类是清水态浅水湖泊的重要组成部分,为了解附着藻类对湖泊沉积物磷释放的影响,在室内柱状装置中,将尼龙网所培养的附着藻类加盖到太湖沉积物上,即处理组,并设置无附着藻类加盖的对照组,进行为期13d的实验.结果表明:加附着藻类的处理组中的无机磷释放速率显著低于无附着藻类的对照组.与对照组相比,实验期间加附着藻类的处理组释放到水体中的磷,平均减少1.16mg.其中附着藻类吸收了0.81mg磷(70%),而附着藻类通过光合作用改变沉积物表面的氧环境抑制了0.35mg磷的释放(30%).研究表明,底栖附着藻类可以通过吸收磷和抑制沉积物磷释放降低水中营养盐含量.     

Origin and palaeo‐environments of calcareous sediments in the Moshaweng dry valley,southeast Botswana

Quaternary sedimentation in the Moshaweng dry valley of southeastern Botswana is evaluated on the basis of geomorphological evolution and sedimentological analyses. Stratigraphic evidence reveals an upper surface (1095 m) containing abundant sil‐calcrete, an intermediate surface (1085 m) in which sil‐calcrete underlies nodular calcrete and lower (1075 m) surface in which sil‐calcrete and nodular calcrete are interbedded. This subdivision is reflected in the geochemical composition of the sediments which show an overall trend of decreasing SiO₂ content (and increasing CaCO₃ content) with depth from the highest to the lowest surface levels. The calcretes and sil‐calcretes represent modifications of pre‐existing detrital Kalahari Group sand and basal Kalahari pebbles which thinned over a Karoo bedrock high. Modification took place during wet periods when abundant Ca⁺⁺‐rich groundwater flowed along the structurally aligned valley system. With the onset of drier conditions, water table fluctuations led to the precipitation of nodular calcretes in the phreatic layer to a depth of about 20 m. A major geochemical change resulted in the preferential silicification of the nodular calcrete deposits. Conditions for silica mobilization may be related to drying‐induced salinity and in situ geochemical differentiation brought about by pebble dissociation towards the top of the sediment pile. As calcretization and valley formation progressed to lower levels, silica release took place on a diminishing scale. Thermoluminescence dating infers a mid‐Pleistocene age for sil‐calcrete formation suggesting that valley evolution and original calcrete precipitation are much older. Late stage dissolution of CaCO₃ from pre‐existing surface calcretes or sil‐calcretes led to the formation of pedogenic case‐hardened deposits during a time of reduced flow through the Moshaweng system possibly during the upper or late Pleistocene. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于分子标记的藻类鉴定研究进展

藻类鉴定被广泛应用于藻类遗传学、生理学、生态学和应用藻类学,尤其是藻类调查和评估.然而,基于形态学的鉴定往往因为分类特征未出现或不典型、设备限制和人员经验欠缺等原因带来较大误差.随着测序技术的不断发展,分子标记已成为藻类鉴定的一个通用工具.由于藻类类群众多且差异很大,分子标记的选择成为藻类鉴定的关键.本文综述了蓝藻、硅藻、绿藻、甲藻、裸藻、隐藻、金藻、黄藻、红藻和褐藻等主要门类分子标记的选择及应用进展,包括分子标记选择原则、常用标记和相应序列数据库,以及各个分子标记在不同类群应用中的优缺点等.藻类分子鉴定源于编码核糖体RNA的基因（rDNA）,发展于细胞核、线粒体、叶绿体DNA等.然而,当前藻类分子鉴定逐渐细化和完善,单一的核糖体DNA、内转录间隔区（ITS）和保守蛋白编码基因等短序列分子标记已经很难满足藻类鉴定的需求,多标记组合成为一种必然选择.同时,线粒体基因组、叶绿体基因组、核基因组、转录组和宏基因组等提供了更多遗传进化信息,弥补了短序列分子标记在系统分类应用中的不足.对于藻类鉴定,单纯依赖分子标记或形态学都不足以保证鉴定的准确性,采用将分子生物学、形态学、生理生化学等结合的多相学方法,才能准确地完成鉴定工作.此外,藻类分子数据库的建立和完善是未来分子鉴定的重要工作,快速鉴定方法也必将在未来获得广泛的应用和发展.     

Recent progress on signalling molecules of coral-associated microorganisms

Coral reefs have high primary productivity and are one of the most important ecosystems in the ocean. However, the health and stability of coral reefs are constantly threatened by climate change and human activities. The coral holobiont is a complex symbiosis between the coral animal, zooxanthellae, and the associated community of microorganisms including bacteria, archaea, viruses, etc. Coral-associated microorganisms are found to be important for the maintenance of coral health,and they are proposed to contribute to the acclimatization and adaptation of reef-building corals under rapid climate change. The coral-microbe interaction mediated by chemical signalling molecules is an important driving force for shaping the microbial communities. Herein, we summarize our current knowledge of the chemical signalling molecules involved in the interaction of the coral holobiont. Specifically, the cooperation and competition among microbes mediated by N-acyl homoserine lactones(AHLs), the interrelationship between microbes and hosts mediated by dimethylsulfoniopropionate(DMSP) and nitric oxide(NO), and the response of corals and microorganisms to reactive oxygen species(ROS) under environmental stresses are highlighted in this review. We further discuss the potential of manipulating the coral microbiome using signalling molecules to restore and protect coral reefs.     

Recent progress and future directions of ChinaFLUX

The eddy covariance technique has emerged as an important tool to directly measure carbon dioxide, water vapor and heat fluxes between the terrestrial ecosystem and the atmosphere after a long history of fundamental research and technological developments. With the realization of regional networks of flux measurements in North American, European, Asia, Brazil, Australia and Africa, a global-scale network of micrometeorological flux measurement (FLUXNET) was established in 1998. FLUXNET has made great progresses in investigating the environmental mechanisms controlling carbon and water cycles, quantifying spatial-temporal patterns of carbon budget and seeking the "missing carbon sink" in global terrestrial ecosystems in the past ten years. The global-scale flux measurement also built a platform for international communication in the fields of resource, ecology and environment sciences. With the continuous development of flux research, FLUXNET will introduce and explore new techniques to extend the application fields of flux measurement and to answer questions in the fields of bio-geography, eco-hydrology, meteorology, climate change, remote sensing and modeling with eddy covariance flux data. As an important part of FLUXNET, ChinaFLUX has made significant progresses in the past three years on the methodology and technique of eddy covariance flux measurement, on the responses of CO2 and H2O exchange between the terrestrial ecosystem and the atmosphere to environmental change, and on flux modeling development. Results showed that the major forests on the North-South Transect of Eastern China (NSTEC) were all carbon sinks during 2003 to 2005, and the alpine meadows on the Tibet Plateau were also small carbon sinks. However, the reserved natural grassland, Leymus chinensis steppe in Inner Mongolia, was a carbon source. On a regional scale, temperature and precipitation are the primary climatic factors that determined the carbon balance in major terrestrial ecosystems in China. Finally, the current research emphasis and future directions of ChinaFLUX were presented. By combining flux network and terrestrial transect, ChinaFLUX will develop integrated research with multi-scale, multi-process, multi-subject observations, placing emphasis on the mechanism and coupling relationships between water, carbon and nitrogen cycles in terrestrial ecosystems.     

Recent progress and future directions of ChinaFLUX

The eddy covariance technique has emerged as an important tool to directly measure carbon dioxide, water vapor and heat fluxes between the terrestrial ecosystem and the atmosphere after a long history of fundamental research and technological developments. With the realization of regional networks of flux measurements in North American, European, Asia, Brazil, Australia and Africa, a global-scale network of micrometeorological flux measurement (FLUXNET) was established in 1998. FLUXNET has made great progresses in investigating the environmental mechanisms controlling carbon and water cycles, quantifying spatial-temporal patterns of carbon budget and seeking the “missing carbon sink” in global terrestrial ecosystems in the past ten years. The global-scale flux measurement also built a platform for international communication in the fields of resource, ecology and environment sciences. With the continuous development of flux research, FLUXNET will introduce and explore new techniques to extend the application fields of flux measurement and to answer questions in the fields of bio-geography, eco-hydrology, meteorology, climate change, remote sensing and modeling with eddy covariance flux data. As an important part of FLUXNET, ChinaFLUX has made significant progresses in the past three years on the methodology and technique of eddy covariance flux measurement, on the responses of CO₂ and H₂O exchange between the terrestrial ecosystem and the atmosphere to environmental change, and on flux modeling development. Results showed that the major forests on the North-South Transect of Eastern China (NSTEC) were all carbon sinks during 2003 to 2005, and the alpine meadows on the Tibet Plateau were also small carbon sinks. However, the reserved natural grassland, Leymus chinensis steppe in Inner Mongolia, was a carbon source. On a regional scale, temperature and precipitation are the primary climatic factors that determined the carbon balance in major terrestrial ecosystems in China. Finally, the current research emphasis and future directions of ChinaFLUX were presented. By combining flux network and terrestrial transect, ChinaFLUX will develop integrated research with multi-scale, multi-process, multi-subject observations, placing emphasis on the mechanism and coupling relationships between water, carbon and nitrogen cycles in terrestrial ecosystems.     

Recent surface marine sediments of Cocos Island in Costa Rica

Subtidal sediments of Isla del Coco(Cocos Island),Costa Rica were described in their grain size,sorting,organic matter,and carbonates from 27 dredge samples(3-75 m),collected in April 2010.The organic matter range between 1.37-3.31%and carbonates presented a mean of 74±17%.The sorting was moderately or poorly.The grain size ranged between 0.1-1.1mm.The pattern is that sediment change from inner to mouth of bays.Carbonates and gravel fractions increased offshore and organic matter have high values inner the bays.Input of vegetal debris and mud was from the rivers of this island covered with rain and cloud forest.     

Recent progress in understanding Pc1 pearl formation

We discuss recent progress in understanding mechanisms of formation of Pc1 pearl emissions. This problem remains unsettled in spite of many years of experimental and theoretical studies. Modern satellite observations by e.g. Polar and Cluster still do not reveal the whole picture experimentally since they do not stay long enough in the generation region to give a full account of all the spatio-temporal structure belonging to a single Pc1 event. Ground-based observations have also been extremely helpful, especially in combination with spacecraft data, but still existing experimental information allows one to advocate different scenario of Pc1 nature. On the other hand, a complete self-consistent theory taking into account all factors significant for Pc1 generation remains to be developed. Several mechanisms are discussed with respect to formation of Pc1 pearl spectrum, among them are nonlinear modification of the ionospheric reflection by precipitating energetic protons, modulation of ion-cyclotron instability by long-period (Pc3/4) pulsations, reflection of waves from layers of heavy-ion gyroresonances, and nonlinearities of wave generation process. We show that each of these mechanisms have their attractive features and explains certain part experimental data but any of them, if taken alone, meets some difficulties when compared to observations. We conclude that development of a refined nonlinear theory and further correlated analysis of modern satellite and ground-based data is needed to solve this very intriguing problem.     

Recent progress of seismic research on tall buildings in China Mainland

As a result of rapid economic growth and urbanization in the past two decades,many tall buildings have been constructed in China Mainland,offering researchers and practitioners an excellent opportunity for research and practice in the field of structural engineering. This paper reviews progress by researchers throughout China Mainland on the seismic research of tall buildings,focusing on three major topics that impact the seismic performance of tall buildings. These are:(1) new types of steel-concrete composite structural members such as steel-concrete composite shear walls and columns,(2) earthquake resilient shear wall structures such as shear walls with replaceable structural components,self-centering shear walls and rocking walls,and(3) performance-based seismic design,including seismic performance index,performance level and design method. The paper concludes by presenting future research needs and directions in this field.     

Recent progress of seismic research on tall buildings in China Mainland

To study the seismic behavior of high strength concrete fi lled double-tube(CFDT) columns,each consisting of an external square steel tube and an internal circular steel tube,quasi-static tests on eight CFDT column specimens were conducted.The test variables included the width-to-thickness ratio(β1) and the area ratio(β2) of the square steel tube,the wall thickness of the circular steel tube,and the axial force(or the axial force ratio) applied to the CFDT columns.The test results indicate that for CFDT columns with a square steel tube with β1 of 50.1 and 24.5,local buckling of the specimen was found at a drift ratio of 1/150 and 1/50,respectively.The lateral force-displacement hysteretic loops of all specimens were plump and stable.Reducing the width-to-thickness ratio of the square steel tube,increasing its area ratio,or increasing the wall thickness of the internal circular steel tube,led to an increased fl exural strength and deformation capacity of the specimens.Increasing the design value of the axial force ratio from 0.8 to 1.0 may increase the fl exural strength of the specimens,while it may also decrease the ultimate deformation capacity of the specimen with β1 of 50.1.     

藻类生长预测模型的比较研究——以洪湖水体为例

根据洪湖2014—2019年水质及藻类监测数据,运用综合营养状态指数法评价了丰、平、枯3个时期的营养状态.在此基础上运用逐步回归分析法确定影响藻类生长的显著因子,并根据不同水量不同营养状态细分9种情形对藻类生长做回归预测分析,同时运用BP神经网络模型对回归预测的结果进行比较验证.结果表明:洪湖丰、平水期以蓝藻门为主,枯水期以硅藻门为主;湖泊的营养状态处于中度富营养与轻度富营养之间.分析各时期藻种生物量与影响因子的相关性,发现丰水期控制因子有水温、COD_Mn和透明度;平水期和枯水期控制因子有水温、总氮、总磷.以2014—2018年数据逐步回归分析得出枯水期+中营养和枯水期+轻度富营养决定系数较低,其余7种时期决定系数均在0.5以上,说明逐步回归并不适用于所有时期.使用2014—2018年的数据进行神经网络训练和验证,2019年的数据进行预测,比较BP神经网络与逐步回归的均方根误差发现全年预测时BP神经网络效果更好;枯水期+中营养和枯水期+轻度富营养逐步回归效果较好,逐步回归的均方根误差仅为1600～4000;丰水期和平水期2种方法预测效果相当.合理地选择预测模型能为湖泊水华做出预警,控制显著变量可以达到防治水华污染的效果.     

Recent progress in estimating uncertainty in geomagnetic field modeling

Abstract

Recent work pertaining to estimating error and accuracies in geomagnetic field modeling is reviewed from a unified viewpoint and illustrated with examples. The formulation of a finite dimensional approximation to the underlying infinite dimensional problem is developed. Central to the formulation is an inner product and norm in the solution space through which a priori information can be brought to bear on the problem. Such information is crucial to estimation of the effects of higher degree fields at the Core-Mantle boundary (CMB) because the behavior of higher degree fields is masked in our measurements by the presence of the field from the Earth's crust. Contributions to the errors in predicting geophysical quantities based on the approximate model are separated into three categories: (1) the usual error from the measurement noise; (2) the error from unmodeled fields, i.e. from sources in the crust, ionosphere, etc.; and (3) the error from truncating to a finite dimensioned solution and prediction space. The combination of the first two is termed low degree error while the third is referred to as truncation error.

The error analysis problem consists of “characterizing” the difference δz = z—z, where z is some quantity depending on the magnetic field and z is the estimate of z resulting from our model. Two approaches are discussed. The method of Confidence Set Inference (CSI) seeks to find an upper bound for |z—?|. Statistical methods, i.e. Bayesian or Stochastic Estimation, seek to estimate E(δz² ), where E is the expectation value. Estimation of both the truncation error and low degree error is discussed for both approaches. Expressions are found for an upper bound for |δz| and for E(δz² ). Of particular interest is the computation of the radial field, B., at the CMB for which error estimates are made as examples of the methods. Estimated accuracies of the Gauss coefficients are given for the various methods. In general, the lowest error estimates result when the greatest amount of a priori information is available and, indeed, the estimates for truncation error are completely dependent upon the nature of the a priori information assumed. For the most conservative approach, the error in computing point values of B_r at the CMB is unbounded and one must be content with, e.g., averages over some large area. The various assumptions about a priori information are reviewed. Work is needed to extend and develop this information. In particular, information regarding the truncated fields is needed to determine if the pessimistic bounds presently available are realistic or if there is a real physical basis for lower error estimates. Characterization of crustal fields for degree greater than 50 is needed as is more rigorous characterization of the external fields.     

Effects of deposit feeder Stichopus japonicus on algal bloom and organic matter contents of bottom sediments of the enclosed sea

Algae growing in an enclosed sea may inhibit eutrophication because they absorb nutrients in the water. However, dead algae often cause anaerobic conditions in the water just above and on sediment after they are deposited on the bottom. We found that Stichopus japonicus inhibited the anaerobic processes coupling water sulfite production in sediment. The present study investigates whether S. japonicus inhibits algal flourish and influences sediment properties such as organic matter contents. Aquarium experiments were carried out at Komatsushima port in Tokushima Prefecture, western Japan. The aquaria used in the experiments were supplied with water directly from the adjacent sea (6 L/min), laid with sand of 10 cm depths, and lighted at 12 h intervals. Six aquaria each containing a sea cucumber from Komatsushima port and six aquaria without any were used in the experiments. Water temperature ranged between 9 and 15 degrees C during December 2000 and April 2001. Salinity ranged between 32 per thousand and 34 per thousand. Algae began to cover the bottom of the aquaria without S. japonicus after 2 weeks, whereas no growth was evident in the aquaria containing sea cucumbers. Chlorophyll a concentration in the surface sediment of the aquaria with S. japonicus (6.1+/-3.6 microg/g, mean S.D.+/-standard deviation) was significantly lower than that without it (60+/-17 microg/g, U-test, p<0.05). Phaeophytin concentration in the surface sediment of the aquaria with S. japonicus (0.9+/-0.09 microg/g) was also significantly lower than that without it (4.5+/-1.0 microg/g, U-test, p<0.05). TOC concentration in the surface sediment of the aquaria with S. japonicus (2.6+/-1.3 microg/g) was slightly lower than that without it (4.0+/-1.2 microg/g). These results showed that algal biomass and organic matter concentration of the bottom were decreased in the presence of S. japonicus. Therefore, S. japonicus inhibits algal bloom and decrease the contents of organic matter deposited on the bottom of enclosed sea areas.     

Recent progress and application on seismic isolation energy dissipation and control for structures in China

China is a country where 100% of the territory is located in a seismic zone. Most of the strong earthquakes are over prediction. Most fatalities are caused by structural collapse. Earthquakes not only cause severe damage to structures, but can also damage non-structural elements on and inside of facilities. This can halt city life, and disrupt hospitals, airports, bridges, power plants, and other infrastructure. Designers need to use new techniques to protect structures and facilities inside. Isolation, energy dissipation and, control systems are more and more widely used in recent years in China. Currently, there are nearly 6,500 structures with isolation and about 3,000 structures with passive energy dissipation or hybrid control in China. The mitigation techniques are applied to structures like residential buildings, large or complex structures, bridges, underwater tunnels, historical or cultural relic sites, and industrial facilities, and are used for retrofitting of existed structures. This paper introduces design rules and some new and innovative devices for seismic isolation, energy dissipation and hybrid control for civil and industrial structures. This paper also discusses the development trends for seismic resistance, seismic isolation, passive and active control techniques for the future in China and in the world.     

P.ecent progress in studies of experimental rock mechanics and tectonophysics in China

This paper reviews the recent progress in the studies of experimental rock mechanics and tectonophysics concern-ing seismology and physics of the Earth‘s interior in China. The progress is presented in the following aspects: a) A lot of results of experiment and numerical simulation enrich our knowledge of the brittle fracturing process under the condition with heterogeneity in material and structure; b) Some new results on frictional behavior of non-homogeneous faults reveal the complexity of faulting behavior; c) Some new results on the brittle-plastic tran-sition and plastic flow are obtained; especially the important progress is obtained on theological properties of rocks in the lower crust and the upper mantle; d) A lot of experimental results are obtained on rock physics at high tem-perature and pressure and have been used in study of material composition and state. These results provide useful information for understanding the physical properties and deformation mechanisms of material of the Earth‘s inte-rior and earthquake physics.     

海啸和海啸预警的研究进展与展望

海啸是重要的海洋灾害之一,经常与地震灾害伴生,可以跨洋传播而不明显损失能量,登岸时波高骤升,对沿岸造成巨大的生命财产损失.21世纪以来,海啸灾害频发,引起世界各国对海啸成因机制及预警研究的重视.海啸数据对解析俯冲带大地震的破裂模型也有重要作用.文章对近年来有关海啸生成、传播、反演和预警的研究进展进行综述,分析现已取得的...