Petromagnetic features of sediments at the Mesozoic-Cenozoic boundary: Results from the Gams section

The paper continues a cycle of petromagnetic investigations of epicontinental deposits at the Mesozoic-Cenozoic (K/T) boundary and is devoted to the study of the Gams section (Austria). Using thermomagnetic analysis, the following magnetic phases are identified: goethite (T _C = 90–150°C), hemoilmenite (T _C = 200?300°C), metallic nickel (T _C = 350–360°C), magnetite and titanomagnetite (T _C = 550–610°C), Fe-Ni alloy (T _C = 640–660°C), and metallic iron (T _C = 740–770°C). Their concentrations are determined from M(T). In all samples, ensembles of magnetic grains have similar coercivity spectra and are characterized by a high coercivity. An exception is the lower coercivity of the boundary clay layer due to grains of metallic nickel and iron. With rare exceptions, the studied sediments are anisotropic and generally possess a magnetic foliation, which indicates a terrigenous accumulation of magnetic minerals. Many samples of sandy-clayey rocks have an inverse magnetic fabric associated with the presence of acicular goethite. The values of paramagnetic and diamagnetic components in the deposits are calculated. According to the results obtained, the K/T boundary is marked by a sharp increase in the concentration of Fe hydroxides. The distribution of titanomagnetite reflects its dispersal during eruptive activity, which is better expressed in the Maastrichtian and at the base of the layer J. The along-section distribution of metallic iron, most likely of cosmic origin, is rather uniformly chaotic. The presence of nickel, most probably of impact origin, is a particularly local phenomenon as yet. The K/T boundary is not directly related to an impact event.     

Clay mineralogy of the first and second members of the Nenjiang Formation,Songliao Basin: Implications for paleoenvironment in the Late Cretaceous

The first and second members of the Nenjiang Formation (K₂n¹⁺²) in the Songliao Basin, northeast China, are an interval of dark-colored mudstone. Paleoenvironmental studies of these strata are useful for understanding the terrestrial environment under a greenhouse climate and hydrocarbon accumulation in lake basins. In this study, clay mineralogy of the K₂n¹⁺² from four borehole or outcrop sections is investigated to understand terrestrial paleoenvironment during the depositional period in the Late Cretaceous. In the mudstone samples, smectite and illite are the predominant clay minerals, and were derived from weathering of parent rocks in a temperate, sub-humid to sub-arid climate; kaolinite and chlorite are minor clay species. The difference in the clay-mineral assemblages between the eastern and western margins of the basin was primarily controlled by provenance lithology, and the high smectite content in the western basin resulted from alteration of volcanic rocks exposed in the Greater Xing’an Range area. The increasing illite content and ratio of illite/smectite percentages in the upper part of the first member of the Nenjiang Formation indicate paleoenvironmental change. This temporal change in the clay-mineral composition was primarily caused by a regionally cooler and drier paleoclimate, consistent with previous paleoenvironmental reconstructions.     

Flocculation mechanism of the acquisition of remanent magnetization by sedimentary rocks

Coagulation of particles into aggregates during their deposition in a reservoir is numerically simulated with regard for Brownian motion, Van der Waals forces, gravitation, Stokes friction, and magnetostatic interaction, and the effect of this process on the depositional magnetization (DRM) is estimated. Clusters obtained due to random aggregation of smaller clusters have a loose and branching structure. The average fractal dimension of the clusters is d = 1.83 ± 0.23. In the process of coagulation, magnetic particles do not form chains or clusters, as was supposed in a number of preceding works, but become rather uniformly distributed among nonmagnetic particles, which provides an additional argument in favor of the fact that chains of magnetite particles in marine sediments are of biogenic origin rather than a result of mutual attraction of magnetic particles due to magnetostatic interaction. The deposition process is shown to obey a kind of the principle of scale invariance: the number of clusters and their average number of particles do not change if the basin depth H and the surface concentration of initial material c ₀ simultaneously change (provided that temperature and the initial particle size r are constant) in such a way that Hc ₀ = const. Coagulation is the most important factor forming the bottom layer structure and the magnetization of the suspension at a relatively high concentration c ₀ Typical of redeposition conditions, lakes, and shelf seas. Coagulation virtually does not influence oceanic sediments because of the smallness of c ₀.     

Wavelet analysis of paleomagnetic data: 1. Characteristic average times (5–10 kyr) of variations in the geomagnetic field during and immediately before and after the Early Jaramillo reversal (Western Turkmenistan)

Joint wavelet analysis of complete and downsampled series of paleomagnetic and petromagnetic characteristics of rocks in the Matuyama-Jaramillo transitional zone in the Adzhidere section is used to extract paleomagnetic data whose variations are associated with the geomagnetic field alone and data correlating with variations in petromagnetic parameters. It supposed that this correlation can be caused by an external factor affecting weak variations in the magnetic field and climatic changes reflected in the composition and amount of the ferromagnetic fraction in rocks. Preliminary data are obtained for the characteristic times of field variations at the time of accumulation of rocks in the transitional zone.     

Geological characteristics and mineralization setting of the Zhuxi tungsten (copper) polymetallic deposit in the Eastern Jiangnan Orogen

The Zhuxi ore deposit is a super-large scheelite(copper) polymetallic deposit discovered in recent years. It grew above copper/tungsten-rich Neoproterozoic argilloarenaceous basement rocks and was formed in the contact zone between Yanshanian granites and Carboniferous-Permian limestone. Granites related to this mineralization mainly include equigranular, middle- to coarse-grained granites and granitic porphyries. There are two mineralization types: skarn scheelite(copper) and granite scheelite mineralization. The former is large scale and has a high content of scheelite, whereas the latter is small scale and has a low content of scheelite. In the Taqian-Fuchun Basin, its NW boundary is a thrust fault, and the SE boundary is an angular unconformity with Proterozoic basement. In Carboniferous-Permian rock assemblages, the tungsten and copper contents in the limestone are both very high. The contents of major elements in granitoids do not differ largely between the periphery and the inside of the Zhuxi ore deposit. In both areas, the values of the aluminum saturation index are A/CNK1.1, and the rocks are classified as potassium-rich strongly peraluminous granites. In terms of trace elements, compared to granites on the periphery of the Zhuxi ore deposit, the granites inside the Zhuxi ore deposit have smaller d Eu values, exhibit a significantly more negative Eu anomaly, are richer in Rb, U, Ta, Pb and Hf, and are more depleted in Ba, Ce, Sr, La and Ti, which indicates that they are highly differentiated S-type granites with a high degree of evolution. Under the influence of fluids, mineralization of sulfides is evident within massive rock formations inside the Zhuxi ore deposit, and the mean SO_3 content is 0.2%. Compared to peripheral rocks, the d Eu and total rare earth element(REE) content of granites inside the Zhuxi ore deposit are both lower, indicating a certain evolutionary inheritance relationship between the granites on the periphery and the granites inside the Zhuxi ore deposit. For peripheral and ore district plutons, U-Pb zircon dating shows an age range of 152–148 Ma. In situ Lu-Hf isotope analysis of zircon in the granites reveals that the calculated e_(Hf)(t) values are all negative, and the majority range from -6 to -9. The T_(DM2) values are concentrated in the range of 1.50–1.88 Ga(peak at 1.75 Ga), suggesting that the granitic magmas are derived from partial melting of ancient crust. This paper also discusses the metallogenic conditions and ore-controlling conditions of the ore district from the perspectives of mineral contents, hydrothermal alteration, and ore-controlling structures in the strata and the ore-bearing rocks. It is proposed that the Zhuxi ore deposit went through a multistage evolution, including oblique intrusion of granitic magmas, skarn mineralization, cooling and alteration, and precipitation of metal sulfides. The mineralization pattern can be summarized as "copper in the east and tungsten in the west, copper at shallow-middle depths and tungsten at deep depths, tungsten in the early stage and copper in the late stage".     

Interaction of geometry and mechanical property of trapezoidal sedimentary basins with incident <Emphasis Type="Italic">SH</Emphasis> waves

This paper investigated the effects of basin geometry and material property on the response of 2D trapezoidal sediment-filled basin to incident plane SH waves. Ten basin configurations with different geometries were developed, and then their seismic responses to both Ricker wavelets and seismic records were simulated by using an explicit finite difference scheme. The definition of deep/shallow basin, the precondition for the observation of prominent surface waves and the influential area of edge effects of the shallow basin were discussed quantitatively in this study. The followings were concluded: in the common velocity contrast range (v _s1/v _s2 < 10), the fundamental frequency a basin with W/H > 3.0 can be estimated approximately by 1D theory. The complexity of peak ground acceleration distribution pattern, the width of the most affected section as well as the amplitude of ground motion in the Edge Region increase with incident frequency. Prominent surface waves can only be observed when the incident wavelength is shorter than the critical wavelength λ _c . The interaction between incident wave and basin dynamic property plays a dominant role on the peak ground acceleration amplitude while the interaction between incident wave and geometry plays a more significant role on the peak ground acceleration distribution. For very shallow basin, different areas along the basin width are affected to different extents. Only a limited area close to the basin edge is influenced significantly. It is more feasible to propose spectral aggravation factor for different surface zones respectively than a uniform constant as a tool to calibrate the 1D-based design spectrum so as to take the basin effects into account.     

Nature of spatiotemporal variations in the rigidity of rock masses in seismically active zones of the San Andreas fault (Northern California)

The paper presents results of analysis of spatiotemporal variations in the rigidity of seismically active rock masses obtained from California Integrated Seismic Network data on first arrivals of P waves from local background (M < 5.0) earthquakes. The main goal was to determine sizes of zones of an anomalous response to the nucleation of strong earthquakes and to reveal specific features of dynamic manifestations of anomalies in crustal fault zones. As a result, conclusions are drawn on the nature of the variations, their implications for the development of strong earthquake sources, and their suitability for earthquake prediction.     

Magnetostratigraphy of Upper Permian sediments in the southwestern slope of Pai-Khoi (Khei-Yaga River section): Evidence for the global Permian-Triassic crisis

The study of rock samples from the Upper Permian Khei-Yaga River section revealed an r-n-r-n-r magnetic polarity succession based on the prefolding characteristic component of natural remanent magnetization. With account for stratigraphic and previous magnetostratigraphic data on Lower Triassic rocks from the Khei-Yaga River section, the examined strata of the Pechora Group (Silova Formation) may be compared with magnetic zones R₁P₂u and N₁P₃t in the magnetostratigraphic scale of European Russia. The gap in the paleomagnetic record, which corresponds in the examined section to the interval of the mid-Severodvinian Stage to basal Induan Stage, Zone N₁T included, is estimated to be 10 Ma long. It is assumed that this hiatus represents one of the local signs of the global Permian-Triassic crisis.     

Spatiotemporal variations of internal P-loading and the related mechanisms in the large shallow Lake Chaohu

Spatiotemporal variations of P species and adsorption behavior in water column, interstitial water, and sediments were investigated in the large shallow eutrophic Lake Chaohu. Orthophosphate (Ortho-P) and total phosphorus (TP) concentrations were significantly higher in the western part than in the eastern part of the lake, due to different nutrient inputs from the surrounding rivers. Moreover, particulate phosphorus (PP) concentration was in a similar spatial pattern to Ortho-P and TP concentrations, and also showed significantly positive correlation with the biomass of Microcystis, indicating more uptake and store of phosphorus by Microcystis than by other algae. Increase of pH and intensive utilization of P by phytoplankton were the main factors promoting P (especially Fe-P) release from the sediment to interstitial water during the cyanobacterial blooms in Lake Chaohu. Spatial dynamics in TP concentration, P species and adsorption behavior of the sediment, coupled with the statistical analyses, suggested that the spatial heterogeneity of P contents in the sediment was influenced by various factors, e.g. human activities, soil geochemistry and mineral composition. In spite of similar TP contents in the sediments, increase in proportion of Fe-P concentration in the sediment may result in a high risk of P release.     

Dynamics of microelement concentrations in bottom sediments of the marginal filter (Razdol’naya R.–Amur Bay)—Result of biogeochemical processes

Atomic-emission spectroscopy was used to determine the concentrations of Be, Ga, Nb, Ta, Y, Zr, Hf, Sc, Mo, U, and Th in subcolloidal, medium-pelite, coarse-pelite, fine-aleurite, and coarse-aleurite fractions of bottom sediments of Razdol’naya R. marginal filter. The concentrations of examined elements are maximal for the subcolloidal sediment fraction. The average concentration (n = 10) of elements in the soil and fluvial sediments (upstream of the mixing zone) were calculated and taken as background concentrations. The highest concentrations of Y, Be, U was shown to correspond to sediments in the zone of fresh and sea water mixing, which is accompanied by flocculation and sorption on Fe and Mn hydroxides and clay minerals (hydromica in fluvial sediments, and smectite in marine sediments).     

Differentation of magmatic emanation

Chemical properties of magmatic emanation can be estimated roughly by i) volatiles from rocks by heating at various temperatures, ii) volcanic emanations, iii) residual magmatic emanations, iv) calculation from chemical equilibrium between volatile matters and magmas. Magmatic emanation is assumed to consist all of the volatile matters in magmas such asH ₂ O, HCl, HF, SO ₂ H ₂ S, H ₂,CO 2,N ₂ and others (halides, etc.) at about 1200°C, although various kinds of magmatic emanations can be formed at different conditions. Magmatic emanation separated from magmas will change their chemical properties by many factors such as changes of temperature and pressure (displacement of chemical equilibrium), and reactions with other substances and it will differentiate into volcanic gases, volcanic waters, volcanic sublimates, and hydrothermal deposits (hot spring deposits). At temperatures above the critical point of water, separation of solid phase (sublimates), liquid phase, and displacement of chemical equilibrium may take place, and gaseous phase will gradually change their chemical properties as will be seen at many fumaroles. Chloride, hydrogen, andSO ₂ contents will gradually decrease along with lowering temperature. Once aqueous liquid phase appears below the critical point of water, all the soluble materials may dissolve into this hydrothermal solution. Consequently, the gaseous phase at this stage must have usually a little hydrogen chloride as is observed at many fumaroles. Aqueous solutions must be of acidic nature by dissolution of acid forming components, and by hydrolysis (Chloride type). When a self-reduction-oxidation reaction of sulfurous acid takes place, an aqueous solution of sulfate type will be formed. At this stage, solid phases consist of the remained sublimates which are difficultly soluble in aqueous solution, and deposits formed by reaction in the hydrothermal solutions. The gaseous phases below the boiling point of water, have usually a little water, and consist mainly ofCO ₂ type,H ₂ S type,N ₂ type, and mixed type owing to elimination or addition of components by reactions with waters or wall rocks according to their geological conditions. Aqueous solutions which was of acidic nature must be changed into alkaline solutions by reaction with wall rocks for a long time. When the oxidation of sulfur compounds takes place, an aqueous solution of sulfate type will be formed. Hydrogen sulfide type of water will be formed by reaction of sulfides with acid waters or absorption of hydrogen sulfide. Carbonate type of water will be formed whenCO ₂ is absorbed. Solid phases at this stage consist usually of hydrothermal deposits except for that at solfatara or mofette. The course of differentiation of magmatic emanation could take place in more complicated ways than that of magmatic differentiation.     

Influence of aquatic plants on the hydrogen isotope composition of sedimentary long-chain n-alkanes in the Lake Qinghai region,Qinghai-Tibet Plateau

The hydrogen isotopic composition(δD) of leaf wax long-chain n-alkanes(C27, C29, and C31) from lacustrine sediments has been widely applied to reconstruct terrestrial paleoclimatic and paleohydrological changes. However, few studies have addressed whether the aquatic-derived n-alkanes can affect the δD values of lake sedimentary long-chain n-alkanes, which are usually regarded as a recorder of the terrestrial hydrological signals. Here we systematically investigated δD values of long-chain n-alkanes from modern aquatic plants, both near-shore and off-shore surface sediments, surrounding terrestrial plant litters, as well as river water and lake water in Lake Qinghai and its satellite lakes on the northeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. Our data showed that(i) δD values of long-chain n-alkanes from aquatic plants varied from-184‰ to-132‰ for n-C27, from-183‰ to-138‰ for n-C29, and from-189‰ to-130‰ for n-C31, respectively, with no significant differences among the three n-alkanes homologues;(ii) δD values of long-chain n-alkanes from aquatic plants were generally more positive than those from surrounding terrestrial plants, possibly because that they recorded the D-enrichment of lake water in this semi-arid region;(iii) δD values of long-chain n-alkanes from surface sediments showed significant differences among the three n-alkanes homologues, due to the larger aquatic input of n-C27 to the sedimentary lipid pool than that of n-C31, and(iv) n-C27 δD values of near-shore aquatic plants and near-shore sediments are more negative than those from off-shore as a result of lower δD values of near-shore lake water. Our findings indicate that in this region(i) the offset between sedimentary n-C27 and n-C31 δD values(ΔδDC27-C31) could potentially be used to evaluate if sedimentary long-chain n-alkanes are derived from a single source;(ii) while δD values of n-C27 may be influenced by lake water hydrological changes, sedimentary n-C31 is derived predominantly from terrestrial plants and thus its δD can serve as a relatively reliable indicator for terrestrial paleoclimatic and paleohydrological reconstructions.     

Variations in the fractal dimension of fluctuations of the ionospheric <Emphasis Type="Italic">F</Emphasis>2 layer critical frequency

The 40-year period of observations of short-term variations (with characteristic times of up to 1–2 days) in the critical frequency of the ionospheric F2 layer (foF2) is analyzed. The continuous (with a step of 1 h) series of fluctuations (F) of the foF2 critical frequency (with eliminated daily variations) has been calculated using the hourly variations in foF2 at Moscow stations. The fractal dimension (FRH) of the fluctuations, characterizing short-term variations in foF2, has been determined and analyzed on a 30-day interval, using the Higuchi method. It has been established that FRH estimates substantially change in time. The 11-year cycle, which is in antiphase with the solar cycle, and the total annual and semiannual variations, similar to the variations observed in the normalized critical frequency of the E region and in the electron density of the D region, are clearly defined in these changes. Thus, the parameters of fast variations in the ionospheric F2 layer are affected by the phase of the 11-year solar cycle and by the position of the Earth in the orbit or seasonal variations in the atmosphere.     

Regular Variations of Intensity of the Westward Auroral Electrojet according to the Geomagnetic <Emphasis Type="Italic">AL</Emphasis> Index

Diurnal and seasonal variations of the geomagnetic AL index are studied. It is found in disturbed days that the mode of AL diurnal variation depends on the angle between the Sun–Earth line prolongation in the direction towards the magnetotail and the plane of geomagnetic equator; on quiet days, AL depends on the angle of attack between the geomagnetic axis and the Earth–Sun line. Seasonal AL variations are characterized by annual variations with summer maximum and semiannual variations with equinoctial maxima. It is shown that the semiannual AL variations can be described by a simplified model of plasma convection in the magnetotail based on a plasma electron cooling mechanism.     

Magnetostratigraphy and magnetotectonics of lower Triassic continental deposits on the NW slope of the Pai-Khoi Ridge

Collections of Early Triassic rocks sampled from three outcrops on the SW slope of the Pai-Khoi Ridge are studied. The magnetic polarity succession r-n-r is established from the prefolding characteristic component of natural remanence in sedimentary rocks and a basaltic nappe. According to stratigraphic data and isotopic dating of the basaltic nappe, the studied parts of the lower subformation of the Lestanshorskaya Formation correlate with the central part of magnetic zone R ₁ T ₁ of the European Russia magnetostratigraphic time scale. The angles of rotation in the horizontal plane are estimated for the studied Early Triassic Pai-Khoi structures with respect to the East European platform.     

Paleomagnetic results from Late Carboniferous to Early Permian rocks in the northern Qiangtang terrane,Tibet, China,and their tectonic implications

Results of a systematic paleomagnetic study are reported based on Late Carboniferous to Early Permian sedimentary rocks on the north slope of the Tanggula Mountains,in the northern Qiangtang terrane(NQT),Tibet,China.Data revealed that magnetic minerals in limestone samples from the Zarigen Formation(CP^z)are primarily composed of magnetite,while those in sandstone samples from the Nuoribagaribao Formation(Pnr)are dominated by hematite alone,or hematite and magnetite in combination.Progressive thermal,or alternating field,demagnetization allowed us to isolate a stable high temperature component(HTC)in 127 specimens from 16 sites which successfully passed the conglomerate test,consistent with primary remnance.The tilt-corrected mean direction for Late Carboniferous to Early Permian rocks in the northern Qiangtang terrane is D_s=30.2°,I_s=-40.9°,k_s=269.0,a_(95)=2.3°,N=16,which yields a corresponding paleomagnetic pole at 25.7°N,241.5°E(dp/dm=2.8°/1.7°),and a paleolatitude of 23.4°S.Our results,together with previously reported paleomagnetic data,indicate that:(1)the NQT in Tibet,China,was located at a low latitude in the southern hemisphere,and may have belonged to the northern margin of Gondwana during the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian;(2)the Paleo-Tethys Ocean was large during the Late Carboniferous to Early Permian,and(3)the NQT subsequently moved rapidly northwards,perhaps related to the fact that the Paleo-Tethys Ocean was rapidly contracting from the Late Permian to Late Triassic while the Bangong Lake-Nujiang Ocean,the northern branch of the Neo-Tethys Ocean,expanded rapidly during this time.     

The correlation between the characteristics of seismic wave propagation in Western Caucasus and the geological–tectonic features of the region

The relationship between the characteristics of seismic waves in the Western Caucasus and the geological-tectonic structure of the region is studied for identifying the specificity of seismic propagation in the mountainous regions with a complicated geological structure and forecasting the characteristics of the propagation from the geological and tectonic data. The interpretation is presented for the estimates of the Q-factor of the medium (Q(f) ~ 55f^0.9 in the region of Sochi and Q(f) ~ 90f^0.7 in the region of Anapa), seismic wave enhancement in the upper crustal layers (A(f) ~ 1), and peak ground acceleration residuals, which were previously determined from the records of the local earthquakes and show the distributions of local variations in the parameters of seismic wave radiation and propagation. The obtained characteristics are interpreted in the context of the up-to-date information about the tectonic, geological, and deep structure of the epicentral zones in the Western Caucasus and neighboring territory of the Black Sea. The discrepancies revealed in the low-frequency behavior of the Q-factor in the vicinities of Sochi and Anapa is accounted for by the spatial scale and character of tectonic dislocations of the rocks in these regions. The local variations in the parameters of seismic radiation and propagation are probably related to the geological features of the region such as the fault structures, including the thrusts, shatter zones, oblique seismic boundaries, variations in the thickness and consolidation of the sedimentary cover, as well as the peculiarities in the structure and material composition of the basement.     

呼伦湖地区扎赉诺尔晚第四纪湖泊沉积物的磁化率变化及其影响因素

呼伦湖盆地扎赉诺尔晚第四纪湖泊沉积物为砂,泥质碎屑沉,地东露天矿剖面沉积物样品进行了低,高频磁化率测量,粒度分析,磁性矿物成分鉴定和Al2O3 ,Fe2O3含量分析,分析表明,磁铁矿是沉积物磁化率的主要贡献者,全铁含量控制了磁化率值的变化,磁化率与沉积物粒度呈负相关,进一步讨论认为,磁性矿物主要为粉砂－粘土级碎屑,集中分布在细粒沉积物中,因此造成其率较高,砂质沉积物中频率磁化率较高,其原因可能是其中的磁性颗粒比粉砂一粘土级沉积物中的磁性颗粒更细一些。     

Carbon isotope composition and comparison of Lower Triassic marine carbonate rocks from Southern Longmenxia section in Guang’an,Sichuan Basin

The Early Triassic was a period of ecological restoration for the earth's system after the end-Permian mass extinction.Geochemical records linked to the variations in marine ecosystems during this period have attracted the interest of geologists for many years.Based on petrographic analysis of samples and evaluations of their reliability as proxies for original seawater,this study investigated the carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of 350 carbonate rock samples from the Lower Triassic(and adjacent strata)in the southern Longmenxia section of Guang'an,eastern Sichuan Basin.The results indicate that the Triassic carbonate rocks from the southern Longmenxia section favorably preserved the original seawater'sδ~(13)C signal.Furthermore,carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions are found to be poorly correlated,with a determination coefficient as low as 0.0205 and only 44 rock samples show results of Mn/Sr2 and/orδ~(18)0-6.5‰.The complete carbon isotopic curve for the Lower Triassic is established using the data from the remaining 306 samples with Mn/Sr2 and/orδ~(18)O-6.5‰.This curve presents favorable comparability on a global scale,specifically in theδ~(13)C minima near the Permian-Triassic boundary,at the top of the Jia1 and within the the Jia3,as well as in theδ~(13)C maxima at the tops of the Ye1 and Ye4,at the base of the Jia2 and at the top of the Ye3.The peaks and troughs corresponding to these maxima and minima all reflect global signals.By comparing these results to previous research on coeval carbon isotopic curves established within the chronostratigraphic framework,the ages of these critical evolution points are determined.The results show that the Ye1 roughly corresponds to the Griesbachian substage;the Ye2 through Ye4 correspond to the Dienerian substage;Jial corresponds to the Smithian substage;from the Jia2 to the lower part of the Jia4 correspond to the Spathian substage;and the middle and upper parts of the Jia4 belongs to the Aegean Substage of the Middle Triassic.Around the boundary between the Jial and Jia2(which represents the Smithian-Spathian boundary(SSB)),the value ofδ~(13)C increases rapidly from-0.911‰to 3.679‰.The span during which the seawater's carbon isotope experiences this drastic change may be less than36 kyr.The oxygen isotope,which is more sensitive to sedimentary environmental changes,exhibits changes prior to the carbon isotope near the SSB,indicating a significant increase in the salinity of the seawater before a sharp rise in the carbon isotope;this event leads to the formation of evaporites and dolomites.     

Mechanism of formation of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Q</Emphasis>-disturbances in the <Emphasis Type="Italic">F</Emphasis><Subscript>2</Subscript> region of the equatorial ionosphere

Using model simulations, the morphological picture (revealed earlier) of the disturbances in the F ₂ region of the equatorial ionosphere under quiet geomagnetic conditions (Q-disturbances) is interpreted. It is shown that the observed variations in the velocity of the vertical E × B plasma drift, related to the zonal E _y component of the electric field, are responsible for the formation of Q-disturbances. The plasma recombination at altitudes of the lower part of the F ₂ region and the dependence of the rate of this process on heliogeophysical conditions compose the mechanism of Q-disturbance formation at night. The daytime positive Q-disturbances are caused exclusively by a decrease in the upward E × B drift, and this type of disturbances could be related to the known phenomenon of counter electrojet. Possible causes of formation of the daytime negative Q-disturbances are discussed.