Occurrence of highly abundant bacterial hopanoids in Dajiuhu peatland, central China

Based on gas chromatography and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses, an amazing amount of hopanoids was detected in the peat deposits in the Dajiuhu National Wetland Park in central China. The hopanoids identified included hopanes (C₂₇-C₃₁ αβ, C₂₇-C₃₂ ββ, C₂₉ βα), hopenes (hop-22(29)-ene, 22,29,30-trinorhop-17(21)-ene, hop-17(21)-ene, hop-13(18)-ene, etc.), hopanoic acids (C₃₁-C₃₄ ββ, C₃₂-C₃₃ βα, C₃₂ αβ), hopanols (C₃₂ ββ and αβ) and hopanone (22,29,30-trinorhop-21-one). C₃₁ αβ-22R hopane was found to be the dominant hopanoid, more abundant than individual nalkanes derived from higher plants. These hopanoids, exclusive of some hopenes, are proposed to be primarily from bacteria. The dominant C₃₁ αβ-22R hopane in young sediments, without any thermal maturation, might be formed through microbial epimerization under acidic conditions in the peatland as suggested before, or directly from aerobic bacteria. This finding highlights the importance of microbes in the formation of peatland as well as in the reconstruction of paleoenvironments.     

n-alkanol ratios as proxies of paleovegetation and paleoclimate in a peat-lacustrine core in southern China since the last deglaciation

High resolution records of long chain n-alkanol biomarkers were obtained from a peat-lacustrine core from the Dingnan profile in southern China. The n-alkanol distributions are characterized by the predominance of even-over-odd carbon number and maximize at C₂₄ or C₂₆. On the basis of the reported n-alkanol records in the literature and the n-alkane record in our samples, we concluded that the n-alkanol ratio of C₂₆/C₃₀ varying from 1.25 to 6.48, together with the n-alkanol ratio C₂₂/C₂₄ less than unity, is indicative of the presence of a dominant forest paleovegetation. A 2000-year cycling in the variation of the n-alkanol ratio C₂₆/C₃₀ is identifiable in our profile, and probably results from the change in the abundance of the grass relative to trees induced by a cyclic paleoclimate. The n-alkanol ratio C₂₄/C₂₆ appears to be more sensitive to change in precipitation than in temperature, and may be a potential indicator of precipitation/humidity, with increased values being associated with relatively dry conditions. The paleovegetation and the paleoclimate reconstructed on the basis of the n-alkanol records for the recent 18000 cal a BP in general accord with the pollen data and other lipid evidence recorded in the Dingnan region in southern China. In particular, both the n-alkanol records and the pollen data infer the different paleoclimate conditions for the two peat sequences, with a cool and wet climate dominating in the lower peat deposition formed during the latest Pleistocene and a change to a drier and cooler climate occurring in the upper peat sequence in mid-Holocene.     

Study on the geochemical correlation of crude oils of Palaeocene and Jurassic ages from the Potowar Indus Basin in northern Pakistan

This study deals with a detailed geochemical characterization of three crude oils from the Upper Indus Basin, Punjab, Pakistan. The samples were obtained from three productive oil fields of the Datta Formation (Jurassic), Lochhart (Palaeocene) and the Dhak Pass zone (Palaeocene). The GC parameters for and the bulk properties of Datta Formation oils are essentially coincident with those of the oils from the Dhak Pass Formation in the Upper Indus Basin, Pakistan and the oils likely originate from a marine source rock. In contrast, the Lockhart Formation oils show different behaviors and seem to be originated from dirty carbonate rocks although all three crude oils are mature, being of non-biodegraded and somewhat mixed organic matter origin. Low Pr/Ph values and high C₃₅ homohopane index for the Lockhart Formation oils suggest a source of anoxic environment with low Eh while oils from the Datta Formation and Dhak Pass Formation showed different trends, i.e., lower values of C₃₅ homohopane index indicating different depositional environment than oil from the Lockhart Formation. All three crude oils from the Upper Indus Basin are mature for the hopane ratios, i.e., Ts/Ts+Tm, C₃₂22S/(S+R) and C₃₀ αβ/(αβ+βα) and sterane ratios, i.e., C₂₉22S/(S+R) and C₂₉ββ/(ββ+αα) but oils from the Lockhart Formation seem to be less mature than those from the Palaeocene and Datta Formation according to plots like API° vs. homohopane Index, Pr/Ph vs. sterane. The relative composition of 5α(H), 14β(H), 17β(H)-24-ethylecholestanes and the C₂₉20S/20S+20R index, indicate that all three crude oils are equally mature, which makes it unlikely with respect to the above said plots. This difference is may be due to the migratory chromatography which alters the concentrations of sterane and hoapnes and hence gives different results. These oils do not exhibit UCM and have complete n-alkane profiles indicating non-biodegradation.     

n-Alkan-2-one distributions in a northeastern China peat core spanning the last 16 kyr

Most research on long chain methyl ketones has focused on their origins and distributions. Their application in paleoclimate studies is less common than that of other n-alkyl lipids. The goal of this research was to explore this potential by studying n-alkan-2-ones from the Hani peat sequence in northeastern China. They were identified using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and showed a distribution ranging from C₁₉ to C₃₁ with a strong odd/even predominance. This type of distribution is considered to derive from Sphagum and microbial oxidation of n-alkanes. Comparison with climate sensitive indicators and macrofossil analysis shows that microbial oxidation of n-alkanes derived from higher plants was enhanced during the warm early Holocene period. This led us to develop three n-alkan-2-one proxies - C₂₇/ΣC_23-31 (C₂₇/HMW-KET), carbon preference index (CPI_H-KET) and average chain length (ACL_(27-31)-KET) - as possible indicators of paleoclimate in the peat-forming environment. These proxies, in combination with C₂₇n-alkane δD values and peat cellulose δ¹⁸O records, might allow examination of paleo-ecosystem behavior during climatic evolution in northeastern China over the past 16,000 yr.     

甘青地区齐家文化时期农业结构的时空变化及其影响因素分析

史前时代东西方交流及其对人类生产方式变化的影响是备受关注的前沿科学问题。甘青地区是东西方文化交流的关键区域,考古研究显示该地区的跨大陆文化互动始于齐家文化时期（4300~3500 a B.P.）。作为铜石并用时代的重要文化类型,齐家文化早期（4300~4000 a B.P.）至晚期（4000~3500 a B.P.）先民生产方式发生了显著改变。然而,已开展的植物考古研究主要集中在甘肃西部和青海东部,甘肃中、东部的研究相对薄弱,齐家文化时期农业结构的时空变化过程及其影响因素尚不清晰。针对上述问题,文章对甘肃中、东部7处齐家文化时期遗址的植物大遗存进行研究,将其与已有研究结果对比,分析了甘青地区齐家文化时期农业结构的时空差异及其影响因素。结果显示,齐家文化早期,甘青地区东、西部的农业结构均以粟（Setaria italica）为主、黍（Panicum miliaceum）为辅,这可能与粟的高产性和水分利用的高效性等有关;齐家文化晚期,西亚起源的小麦（Triticum aestivum）、大麦（Hordeum vulgare）传入甘青地区,西部的农业结构转变为粟黍农业为主、麦类农业为辅,但甘肃东部依然延续前期以粟黍为主的单一农业结构,这可能源于不同地区对气候趋于冷干的响应程度不同。本研究显示甘青地区齐家文化时期农作物种植结构的时空变化受到史前东西方交流和气候变化与局地环境等因素的共同影响,有助于理解史前东西方交流关键时期和区域人地关系演变的过程与机制。

     

Temperature variation of elastic constants of quartz across the α - β transition

The α − β transition of quartz was successfully observed with using a single sample by means of the rectangular parallelepiped resonance (RPR) method. An oriented rectangular parallelepiped of α-quartz single crystal was prepared and the resonant frequencies of 30–11 vibrational modes were measured from room temperature to 700°C. The softening of quartz crystal was observed as the significant reduction of resonant frequencies near the α–β transition. The present study is the first application of the RPR method to the study of phase transition. The complete set of elastic constants of α- and β-quartz were determined as a function of temperature by the least-squares inversion of the measured frequency data obtained by a single run. This is a merit yielded by the RPR method. It is shown near the α − β transition in both α- and β-quartz that the elastic parameters decrease proportionally to |T−T ₀|⁻ⁿ , where T is temperature and T ₀ is the transition temperature, 573.0°C for α-quartz and 574.3°C for β-quartz. It was also seen that linear incompressibilities K ₁ = (C ₁₁ +C ₁₂ +C ₁₃)/3 and K ₃ = (C ₃₃ +2C ₁₃)/3 decrease rapidly toward the transition, whereas, shear moduli C ₄₄, C _S1 = (C ₁₁ +C ₃₃ -2C ₁₃)/4 and C _S3 = (C ₁₁ -C ₁₂)/2 = C ₆₆ decrease only slightly. The shear modulus C _S3 = C ₆₆ increased slightly in α-quartz. The elastic properties of isotropic aggregate of quartz were calculated, and it is shown that the longitudinal wave velocity significantly decreases at the α − β transition, whereas, the shear wave velocity decreases only slightly.     

Climate change in southern Illinois, USA, based on the age and δC of organic matter in cave sediments

Matrix-supported diamicton and uniform to laminated, silty, fine-grained sediment deposited from about 42,500 to 27,600 cal yr B.P. under slackwater conditions nearly filled two caves in southwestern Illinois. At some point, most of the sediment was flushed from the caves and from about 22,700 to 4000 cal yr B.P., floods deposited a drape of sandy and silty sediment on remnant slackwater successions, cobbly alluvium, and bedrock (especially from 7700 to 4000 cal yr B.P.). Clay mineral analyses of the slackwater cave sediment reveal a provenance of chiefly Petersburg Silt, a smectite- and illite-rich proglacial lacustrine unit present in the overlying Illinois Episode glacial succession. Today, remnants of the ancient subterranean slackwater deposits nearly fill several secondary passages and, in at least two locations, cover a cobble-mantled strath terrace 1.3 to 1.5 m above active stream channels. Slumping and sinkhole formation appear to have been important mechanisms for deposition of the ancient subterranean deposits. Slumping of these surficial deposits and associated vegetation can occur along the flanks of sinkholes (in addition to sinkhole formation) and enter caves; however, the finer organics, some of them comminuted during transport into the caves, become part of the cave alluvium. This finer organic fraction is the modern analog of the humified organic matter disseminated in slackwater sediment dated in this investigation by radiocarbon methods. Twenty-four ¹⁴C ages on humified organic matter provide chronologic control. The δ¹³C values of the organic matter reflect the proportion of C₄-type to C₃-type vegetation growing in and around swallets and sinkholes at the time of redeposition. Drought-tolerant C₄-type vegetation was more prevalent relative to C₃-type vegetation from 42,500 to 31,200 cal yr B.P. compared to conditions from 28,800 cal yr B.P. to the present. The δ¹³C values are consistent with the results from other investigations of speleothems and organic matter from loessial paleosols.     

若尔盖高原全新世气候序列的类脂分子化石记录*

基于可靠的年代标尺,结合青藏高原泥炭沉积剖面的有机碳、孢粉等相关资料,首次在该区利用类脂分子化石指标建立了全新世以来的气候与环境演化序列。结果表明,正构烷烃、脂肪酸和脂肪醇等类脂分子化石指标存有意义的规律性变化。其中,反映低等菌藻生物和高等植物相对变化的轻组分与重组分之比L/H以及平均碳链长度ACL具有很好的古气候意义,即L/H高,ACL低,指示气候偏暖湿;L/H低,ACL高,指示气候偏干冷。各个类脂分子化石指标记录的气候信息在细节上具有一定的差异,可能是不同类脂物分子的地球化学行为和生物组成结构的不同以及对气候因素温湿组合变化响应各异的体现。同时,也较好地揭示了类脂分子化石具有自己的敏感性,在细节上较传统的有机碳指标在记录气候信息上更为敏感。该研究进一步突出了这些泥炭类脂分子化石在第四纪研究中的重要地位和应用潜力。     

古火灾历史重建的研究进展

火是地球系统的重要组成部分,与气候、植被、生物地球化学循环和人类活动密切相关。火对全球气候和生态系统的影响已成为目前全球变化研究的一个热点。火灾发生后会在周围的环境中留下许多燃烧产物,如黑碳、木炭屑、多环芳烃、左旋葡萄糖等,它们广泛存在于海洋、湖泊、河流、土壤和陆地风成沉积物中;还会留下一些火灾痕迹,如树木火疤、土壤磁...     

Tri- and tetraterpenoid hydrocarbons in the Messel oil shale

The high molecular weight constituents of the branched and cyclic hydrocarbon fraction of the Messel oil shale (Eocene) have been examined by high resolution gas chromatography and combined gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The following compounds are present: perhydrolycopene (1; lycopane), together with one or more unsaturated analogues with the same skeleton; a series of 4-methylsteranes (2c) in higher abundance than their 4-desmethyl analogues; two series of pentacyclic triterpanes, one series (C₂₇-C₃₂) based on the hopane structure (3a-e), and the other (C₂₇-C₃₁) based on the 17α-H hopane structure (3a-d, 17αH); and an intact triterpene hop-17 (21)-ene [3c, Δ 17(21)]. Only two additional triterpanes were detected in minor concentrations, viz. 30-normoretane (3b, 21αH) and a C₃₁ triterpane based on the hopane/lupane-type skeleton. The presence of these compounds suggests a significant microbial contribution to the forming sediment. Comparison of the tri- and tetraterpenoid hydrocarbons with those of the Green River Shale indicates differences in the organisms contributing to the two sediments.     

Thermal expansion of new arsenate minerals,bradaczekite, NaCu<Subscript>4</Subscript>(AsO<Subscript>4</Subscript>)<Subscript>3</Subscript>, and urusovite,Cu(AsAlO<Subscript>5</Subscript>)

Thermal behavior of two new exhalation copper-bearing minerals, bradaczekite and urusovite, from the Great Tolbachik Fissure Eruption (1975–1976, Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia) has been studied by X-ray thermal analysis within the range 20–700°C in air. The following major values of the thermal expansion tensor have been calculated for urusovite: α₁₁ = 10, α₂₂ = α_b = 7, α₃₃ = 4, α_V = 21 × 10⁻⁶°C⁻¹, μ = c∧α₃₃ = 49° and bradaczekite: α_11aver = 23, α₂₂ = 8, α_33aver = 6 × 10⁻⁶°C⁻¹, μ(c∧α₃₃) = 73°. The sharp anisotropy of thermal deformations of these minerals, absences of phase transitions, and stability of the minerals in the selected temperature range corresponding to conditions of their formation and alteration during the posteruption period of the volcanic activity are established.     

Predominance of archaea-derived hydrocarbons in an Early Triassic microbialite

We investigated the distribution of lipids in Lower Triassic sedimentary rocks (252–247 myr) from South China, including a shallow water microbialite in the uppermost section of the outcrop. Archaeal derived hydrocarbons were the major constituents of the microbialite from the latest Early Triassic. Among these, we detected (i) abundant C₄₀ acyclic and monocyclic biphytanes (possibly derived from glycerol dialkyl glycerol tetraether lipids) and their degradation products, C_30–39 pseudohomologues and (ii) a C₂₅ head-to-tail linked (regular) isoprenoid hydrocarbon [possibly derived from dialkyl glycerol diether lipids (DGDs)] and its degradation products, C_21–24 pseudohomologues and abundant pristane and phytane. Through combination of compound-specific stable carbon isotope analysis of isoprenoid hydrocarbons, which had average δ¹³C values of −35‰ to −30‰, and their molecular distribution, it was not possible to unambiguously define the archaeal source for the biphytanes in the microbialite. The δ¹³C values for pristane and phytane were similar to those for head-to-tail linked C_21–25 isoprenoids; potential source organisms for these compounds were halophilic archaea. Except for methane seep microbialites, no other ancient or recent phototrophic microbialites have been reported to contain predominantly archaeal isoprenoid hydrocarbons. Our findings suggest the presence of a new type of microbialite.     

Distributions of phospholipid and glycolipid fatty acids in two strains of different functional Erythrobacter sp. isolated from South China Sea

The comparison of the fatty acids between aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (AAPB) and their phylogenetic relatives has been a fascinating but yet enigmatic topic, enhancing our understanding of physiological variations between these evolutionarily related microorganisms. Two strains of marine bacteria, both phylogenetically falling into Erythrobacter sp., were isolated from the South China Sea, and demonstrated, respectively, to be an aerobic anoxygenic phototrophic bacteria (AAPB) (JL475) which is capable of anoxygenic photosynthesis via BChl a, and an obligate heterotroph (JL316) with a lack of BChl a, on the basis of phylogenetic analysis and pure culture cultivation. Phospholipid fatty acids (PLFA) and glycolipid fatty acids (GLFA) of the two strains were extracted and analyzed by gas chromatographymass spectrometry. The PLFA in JL475 AAPB are characterized by C_18:1 C_18:2ω7,13 and C_18:1, with the C_18:2ω7,13 being a specific compound for AAPB and in particular for Erythrobacter longus and some of its phylogenetically closely related relatives. The JL316 strain is characterized in PLFA by the presence of C_18:1, C_16:1 and C_16:0, and in particular C_17:1. GLFA do not show any discrimination between the two strains. Four α,ω-dicarboxylic acids, including 1,8-octanedioic acid, 1,9-nonanedioic acid, 1,10-decanedioic acid and 1,11-undecanedioic acid, are present only in JL316 GLFA, presumably derived from metabolic products. C₁₄-C₁₆ 2-hydroxy fatty acids were found in the two strains, probably assuming a similar function of their LPS in outer membranes.     

Application of carbon isotope analysis to ancient maize agriculture in the Petexbatún region of Guatemala

The ancient Maya subsisted in an environment limited by shallow soils and unpredictable weather patterns until their collapse ∼A.D. 800–900. Ancient subsistence can be a difficult subject, with little physical evidence of agricultural artifacts and structures. This study characterized soil profiles and utilized changes in stable carbon isotope ratios of soil organic matter (SOM) to locate and interpret areas of ancient C₄ plant growth and maize (Zea mays) cultivation among the Maya. The investigation indicated some of the challenges the Maya faced, including shallow and sloped soils in some areas. The C₄ plant signature was found in seasonal wetland soils on the opposite side of the Laguneta Aguateca from the ruins of Aguateca, but not in the perennial wetlands on the immediate side. No C₄ plant signature was detected in the shoulder and backslope soils. Based on these findings, the ancient Maya of Aguateca probably adapted to their environment by farming rich toeslope soils. It is possible that maize was also grown in the seasonal wetlands adjacent to the site. If the steep backslope soils around Aguateca were used in ancient agriculture, the evidence has probably eroded away. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Distribution of n-alkan-2-ones in Qionghai Lake sediments,southwest China,and its potential for late Quaternary paleoclimate reconstruction

Studies on long-chain n-alkan-2-ones from lake sediments remain sparse. In this study, we present an n-alkan-2-one record from Qionghai Lake, southwest China, to assess the paleoclimate significance of variations in their compositions. A homologous series of n-alkan-2-ones ranging from C₂₁ to C₃₅ were identified, with maximum concentrations of the C₂₉ or C₃₁ chain lengths and a strong odd-over-even predominance. This type of n-alkan-2-one is considered to derive mainly from microbial oxidation of the corresponding n-alkanes, and partial inputs from plants. The n-alkan-2-one-derived average chain length (ACL) and carbon preference index (CPI) values changed significantly over the past 28k cal a bp , consistent with the sediment grain size and n-alkane proxies from the same core. Generally, the high CPI_27-33-ket and low ACL_27-33-ket values indicated cold and dry climates such as for the Last Glacial Maximum (23.2–19.7k cal a bp ), Heinrich 1 event (17.6–15.6k cal a bp ) and Younger Dryas (12.8–11.6k cal a bp ), but low CPI_27-33-ket and high ACL_27-33-ket values denoted a warm and humid Holocene Climatic Optimum (7.0–4.3k cal a bp ). Therefore, n-alkan-2-ones have great paleoclimatic potential and can be applied together with other biomarkers to reconstruct a reliable paleoclimate record in lake sediments.     

Carbon isotope thermometry in marbles of the Adirondack Mountains, New York

Abstract Carbon isotope thermometry has been applied to coexisting calcite and graphite in marbles from throughout the Adirondack Mountains, New York. Eighty-nine calcite-graphite pairs from the amphibolite grade NW Adirondacks change systematically in temperature north-westwards from 680 to 640 to 670° C over a 30-km distance, reflecting transitions from amphibolite facies towards granulite facies to the north-west and to the south-east. Temperature contours based on calcite-graphite thermometry in the NW Adirondacks parallel mineral isograds, with the orthopyroxene isograd falling above 675° C, and indicate that regional metamorphic temperatures were up to 75° C higher than temperatures inferred from isotherms based on cation and solvus thermometry (Bohlen et al. 1985). Fifty-five calcite-graphite pairs from granulite grade marbles of the Central Adirondacks give regional metamorphic temperatures of 670–780° C, in general agreement with cation and solvus thermometry. Data for amphibolite and granulite grade marbles show a 12%oo range in δ¹³C_cal and δ¹³C_gr. A strong correlation between carbon isotopic composition and the abundance of graphite (C_gr/C_rock) indicates that the large spread in isotopic compositions results largely from exchange between calcite and graphite during closed system metamorphism. The trends seen in δ¹³C _vs. C_gr/C_rock and δ¹³C_cal vs. δ¹³C_gr could not have been preserved if significant amounts of CO₂-rich fluid had pervasively infiltrated the Adirondacks at any time. The close fit between natural data and calculated trends of δ¹³C vs. C_gr/C_rock indicates a biogenic origin for Adirondack graphites, even though low δ¹³C values are not preserved in marble. Delamination of 17 graphite flakes perpendicular to the c-axis reveals isotopic zonation, with higher δ¹³C cores. These isotopic gradients are consistent with new graphite growth or recrystallization during a period of decreasing temperature, and could not have been produced by exchange with calcite on cooling due to the sluggish rate of diffusion in graphite. Samples located >2km from anorthosite show a decrease of 0.5-0.8%oo in the outer 100 μ of the grains, while samples at distances over 8 km show smaller core-to-rim decreases of c.0.2%oo. Correlation between the degree of zonation and distance to anorthosite suggests that the isotopic profiles reflect partial overprinting of higher temperature contact metamorphism by later granulite facies metamorphism. Core graphite compositions indicate contact metamorphic temperatures were 860–890° C within 1 km of the Marcy anorthosite massif. If samples with a significant contact metamorphic effect (Δ(_cal-gr) <3.2%oo) are not included, then the remaining 38 granulite facies samples define the relation Δ¹³C(_cal-gr) = 3.56 ± 10⁶T^-2 (K).     

Organic geochemical evaluation of organic acids to assess anthropogenic soil deposits of Central Amazon,Brazil

Terra Preta de Índio (TPI) and Terra Mulata (TM) are anthropogenic soils from the Amazon region and are rich in stable organic matter (OM). The formation and incorporation of OM in these soils has recently been under investigation. Organic geochemical analysis is an appropriated tool for the assessment of the sources of OM. Therefore, we have used the distribution of different acid classes preserved in the free and bound soil fractions of 12 samples from two contrasting anthropogenic soils (TPI, TM) and an adjacent soil, in order to infer the sources of OM and the magnitude of non-cultural influence on the formation of anthropogenic soils. The major acids in both fractions (i.e. free and bound) were n-saturated, branched and unsaturated alkanoic acids, hydroxyalkanoic acids, bile acids and lignin/suberin derived aromatic acids. In general, the acids in the free and bound fractions appeared to be complementary and together provided valuable information about OM incorporation into anthropogenic soils. Different incorporation of ω-hydroxyalkanoic acids (C₂₂, C₂₄ and C₂₈) and 9(10),16-dihydroxyhexadecanoic acid, and presence/absence of bile acid showed a distinct genesis for the soils. The influence of modern vegetation was revealed by bound ω-hydroxyalkanoic acid (C₂₂, C₂₄ and C₂₈) distributions only in the topsoil profiles of TPI and TM, indicating that organic geochemical analysis is a useful approach in the investigation of ancient human deposits in tropical archaeological soils.     

The <Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>-alkanol paleoclimate records in two peat deposits: a comparative study of the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and Northeast China

A number of studies have revealed that the climate in the eastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and Northeast China is sensitive to postglacial changes. Unfortunately, the link of the past climate evolution between the two regions is not well understood. In this study, two cores are analyzed to determine this link directly. The high-resolution n-alkanol distribution patterns from two typical peat sequences covering the past 16,000 cal years in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and Northeast China, respectively, are closely examined by gas chromatograph–mass spectrometry analysis. In combination with other palaeoclimatic proxies, it is proposed that the n-alkanol average chain length and (C₂₂ + C₂₄)/(C₂₆ + C₂₈) ratio could reflect past climate changes in the two peat sequences. The n-alkanol proxies reveal several climatic intervals in the period from the last deglaciation through the Holocene. A comparison of n-alkanol records between the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau and Northeast China indicates that the start and end of the warm Holocene Optimum differed at the two locations. The spatially asynchronous pattern of climatic change is possibly a result of different responses to change in solar radiation. The evolution of the Holocene paleoclimate is more consistent with changes in Northern Hemisphere solar radiation in Northeast China than on the Tibetan Plateau. The Holocene Optimum began and terminated earlier in Northeast China than in the northeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau. Thus, the two n-alkanol proxies provide valuable insights into the regional Holocene climate and local environmental conditions.     

Hydrocarbons in 60 northeast Gulf of Mexico shelf sediments: a preliminary survey

Hydrocarbon results from gas chromatography of 60 recent sediment and 10 benthic algae samples delineate two distinct shelf environments in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico.Sediments off Florida (shell hashes and sands) have moderate amounts of lipids/total sediment (average 113ppm ± 80%) but low hydrocarbon levels (average 3.06 ppm ± 41%). Aliphatic hydrocarbons are dominated by a series of branched or cyclic, unsaturated C₂₅ isomers. The major n-alkane is n-C₁₇. The n-alkane and isoprenoid patterns are consistent with a marine hydrocarbon source.Sediments closer to the Mississippi River (silts and clays) contain large amounts of lipids (average 232 ppm ± 53%) and hydrocarbons (average 11.7 ppm ± 55%) to total sediment. Aliphatic hydrocarbons are mainly odd carbon number high molecular weight n-alkanes, indicating a terrigenous hydrocarbon source. Isoprenoids are present in greater abundance than in sediments off Florida (n-C₁₇/ pristane and n-C₁₈/phytane ratios ~2to 3). Relatively large amounts of n-C₁₆, together with an even distribution of n-alkanes in the range C₁₄–C₂₀ and a substantial unresolved envelope all point to a fossil fuel input to the Mississippi samples.Samples off the Alabama coast show intermediate characteristics.     

Structural thermal behavior of paragonite and its dehydroxylate: a high-temperature single-crystal study

 The lattice constants of paragonite-2M₁, NaAl₂(AlSi₃)O₁₀(OH)₂, were determined to 800 °C by the single-crystal diffraction method. Mean thermal expansion coefficients, in the range 25–600 °C, were: α_a = 1.51(8) × 10⁻⁵, α_b = 1.94(6) × 10⁻⁵, α_c = 2.15(7) ×  10⁻⁵ °C⁻¹, and α_V = 5.9(2) × 10⁻⁵ °C⁻¹. At T higher than 600 °C, cell parameters showed a change in expansion rate due to a dehydroxylation process. The structural refinements of natural paragonite, carried out at 25, 210, 450 and 600 °C, before dehydroxylation, showed that the larger thermal expansion along the c parameter was mainly due to interlayer thickness dilatation. In the 25–600 °C range, Si,Al tetrahedra remained quite unchanged, whereas the other polyhedra expanded linearly with expansion rate proportional to their volume. The polyhedron around the interlayer cation Na became more regular with temperature. Tetrahedral rotation angle α changed from 16.2 to 12.9°. The structure of the new phase, nominally NaAl₂ (AlSi₃)O₁₁, obtained as a consequence of dehydroxylation, had a cell volume 4.2% larger than that of paragonite. It was refined at room temperature and its expansion coefficients determined in the range 25–800 °C. The most significant structural difference from paragonite was the presence of Al in fivefold coordination, according to a distorted trigonal bipyramid. Results confirm the structural effects of the dehydration mechanism of micas and dioctahedral 2:1 layer silicates. By combining thermal expansion and compressibility data, the following approximate equation of state in the PTV space was obtained for paragonite: V/V ₀ = 1 + 5.9(2) × 10⁻⁵ T(°C) − 0.00153(4) P(kbar). Received: 12 July 1999 / Revised, accepted: 7 December 1999