External controls on the distribution,fabrics and mineralization of modern microbial mats in a coastal hypersaline lagoon,Cayo Coco (Cuba)

Active, carbonate‐mineralizing microbial mats flourish in a tropical, highly evaporative, marine‐fed lagoonal network to the south of Cayo Coco Island (Cuba). Hypersaline conditions support the development of a complex sedimentary microbial ecosystem with diverse morphologies, a variable intensity of mineralization and a potential for preservation. In this study, the role of intrinsic (i.e. microbial) and extrinsic (i.e. physicochemical) controls on microbial mat development, mineralization and preservation was investigated. The network consists of lagoons, forming in the interdune depressions of a Pleistocene aeolian substratum; they developed due to a progressive increase in sea‐level since the Holocene. The hydrological budget in the Cayo Coco lagoonal network changes from west to east, increasing the salinity. This change progressively excludes grazers and increases the saturation index of carbonate minerals, favouring the development and mineralization of microbial mats in the easternmost lagoons. Detailed mapping of the easternmost lagoon shows four zones with different flooding regimes. The microbial activity in the mats was recorded using light–dark shifts in conjunction with microelectrode O₂ and HS^? profiles. High rates of O₂ production and consumption, in addition to substantial amounts of exopolymeric substances, are indicative of a potentially strong intrinsic control on mineralization. Seasonal, climate‐driven water fluctuations are key for mat development, mineralization, morphology and distribution. Microbial mats show no mineralization in the permanently submersed zone, and moderate mineralization in zones with alternating immersion and exposure. It is suggested that mineralization is also driven by water‐level fluctuations and evaporation. Mineralized mats are laminated and consist of alternating trapping and binding of grains and microbially induced magnesium calcite and dolomite precipitation. The macrofabrics of the mats evolve from early colonizing Flat mats to complex Cerebroid or Terrace structures. The macrofabrics are influenced by the hydrodynamic regime: wind‐driven waves inducing relief terraces in windward areas and flat morphologies on the leeward side of the lagoon. Other external drivers include: (i) storm events that either promote (for example, by bioclasts covering) or prevent (for example, by causing erosion) microbial mat preservation; and (ii) subsurface degassing, through mangrove roots and desiccation cracks covered by Flat mats (i.e. forming Hemispheroids and Cerebroidal structures). These findings provide in‐depth insights into understanding fossil microbialite morphologies that formed in lagoonal settings.     

Cu and Fe associated with humic acids in sediments of a tropical coastal lagoon

The amount of Cu and Fe associated with humic acids was estimated in five sediment cores from a tropical coastal lagoon (Piratininga Lagoon, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil). Core samples were analysed for humic acid contents, total Fe and Cu content. Fe and Cu associated with humic acids were also measured. Results show amounts of humic acids ranging from 0.7 to 21.7% of the dry weight of sediment (average 4.6%, standard deviation 4.4%). Concentrations of Fe and Cu ranged from 0.3 to 6.0% (average 2.2%, S.D. 1.2%) and from <1.0 to 65.0 μg g⁻¹ (average 28.6 μg g⁻¹, S.D. 16.4 μg g⁻¹), respectively. The results of strongly bound metals show that while humic acids are the main carrier for Cu, Fe does not seems to be significantly associated with this organic matter.     

醋酸提取沉积物非碳酸盐来源Mg的实验探究——以西宁盆地中中新世-上新世沉积地层为例

古环境研究中沉积物碳酸盐成分的提取常使用不同浓度的稀醋酸进行。已有的研究表明沉积物的非碳酸盐组分也会对稀醋酸提取组分产生一定影响。查明非碳酸盐组分对稀醋酸溶解Mg的贡献十分重要,可为碳酸盐化学组成定量研究提供必要的约束,也是进一步开展沉积物碳酸盐Mg同位素研究的基础。然而目前对稀醋酸提取非碳酸盐来源Mg的研究尚十分缺乏。本研究选取了5个来自西宁盆地莫家庄剖面中中新世-上新世沉积地层碳酸盐含量各异的沉积物样品开展醋酸溶解非碳酸盐来源Mg的实验研究。实验结果表明,全岩样品的稀醋酸提取组分含有非碳酸盐来源的Ca和Mg,特别是在低碳酸盐含量（< 1%）样品中,非碳酸盐组分的影响十分显著。进一步的多相态连续提取实验表明,交换态和硅酸盐是醋酸提取组分非碳酸盐Mg的主要来源。较高Mg/Ca比值的硅酸盐和交换态端元与低Mg/Ca比值的方解石端元混合,可以解释各样品醋酸提取组分的Mg/Ca比值与Ca、Mg含量成分特征。醋酸提取组分相对较高的Mg/Al比值及其变化表明硅酸盐Mg可能主要来自非晶格位置Mg的溶解（如粘土层间）。醋酸提取组分中的Mg/Al比值显著高于全岩沉积物本身的Mg/Al比值,所以不宜采用固定的全岩沉积物元素比值或者标准物质成分（如上部大陆地壳、标准页岩）来校正在醋酸提取组分中硅酸盐溶解对Mg的贡献。

     

Heavy metal contamination of coastal lagoon sediments by anthropogenic activities: the case of Nador (East Morocco)

Nador lagoon sediments (East Morocco) are contaminated by industrial iron mine tailings, urban dumps and untreated wastewaters from surrounding cities. The lagoon is an ecosystem of biological, scientific and socio-economic interests but its balance is threatened by pollution already marked by biodiversity changes and a modification of foraminifera and ostracods shell structures. The aim of the study is to assess the heavy metal contamination level and mobility by identifying the trapping phases. The study includes analyses by ICP-AES and ICP-MS, of, respectively, major (Si, Al, Mg, Ca, Fe, Mn, Ti, Na, K, P) and trace elements (Sr, Ba, V, Ni, Co, Cr, Zn, Cu, As, Pb, Cd) in sediments and suspended matter, heavy metals enrichment factors calculations and sequential extractions. Results show that sediments contain Zn, Cu, Pb, V, Cr, Co, As, Ni with minimum and maximum concentrations, respectively, of 4–1190 μg/g, 4–466 μg/g, 11–297 μg/g, 11–194 μg/g, 9–139 μg/g, 1–120 μg/g, 4–76 μg/g, 2–62 μg/g. High concentrations in Zn are also present in suspended matter. The enrichment factors show contamination in Zn, Pb and As firstly induced by the mining industry and secondly by unauthorized dumps and untreated wastewaters. Cr and Ni are bound to clays, whereas V, Co, Cu and Zn are related to oxides. Thus, the risk in metal mobility is for the latter elements and lies in the oxidation–reduction-changing conditions of sediments.     

Pb-210 and Cs-137 distribution in Burullus lagoon sediments of Nile river delta, Egypt: sedimentation rate after Aswan High Dam

This paper examines the Burullus lagoon deposits of the Nile delta coast and the distribution of Pb-210 and Cs-137. Three vibrocores from the lagoon have revealed densely concentrated shell fragments of brackish water origin in the upper (<ca. 15cm, in general) core sediments. Pb-210 and Cs-137 are in general measurable above this sediment core horizon, but, the rest downcore remains as an irregular distribution pattern, probably incurred due to secondary sediment transport or seawater seepage related processes. The present study of Pb-210 and Cs-137 and associated sediment nature of Burullus lagoon prefers sediments of <15 cm in vibrocores to after Aswan High Dam constructed in 1964, with sedimentation rate of 0.42-0.56 cm/a.     

Arsenic in framboidal pyrite from recent sediments of a shallow water lagoon of the Baltic Sea

Arsenic is a redox‐sensitive element of environmental relevance and often enriched in iron sulphides. Because sediments from the Achterwasser lagoon, a part of the estuarine system of the river Oder, south‐west Baltic Sea, show unexpectedly high pyrite concentrations of up to 7·5 wt% they were used to investigate the influence of authigenic pyrite on the mobility and burial of As in the coastal environment. Micro‐X‐ray‐fluorescence measurements of 106 micrometre‐sized pyrite framboids from the anoxic sediments show highly variable As concentrations ranging from 6 to 1142 μg g^?1. Even within a 1 cm thick layer, the As concentration of different framboids varies greatly and no clear depth trend is visible throughout the 50 cm long sediment core. Pyrite can account for 9 to 55% (average 22%) of the total As budget of the sediments and the degree of trace metalloid pyritization for As ranges from 26 to 61%, indicating that authigenic pyrite formation is an important process in the geochemical cycling of As in coastal sediments. High‐resolution micro‐X‐ray fluorescence mapping of single pyrite grains shows that As is distributed inhomogeneously within larger framboids, suggesting changing pore water composition during pyrite growth. X‐ray absorption near edge structure spectra indicate that As is usually present as As(‐I) substituting S in the pyrite lattice. However, in samples close to the sediment/water interface a considerable part of As is in higher valence states (+III/+V). This can be explained by frequent re‐suspension of the surficial sediments to the oxic water column due to wave action and subsequent re‐deposition, leading to the adsorption of As oxyanions onto pyrite. Although reduced As(‐I) becomes more important in the deeper samples, reflecting decreasing redox potential and a longer time since deposition, the occurrence of oxidized As species (AsIII/AsV) in pyrite in the anoxic part of the sediment suggests formation under dysoxic conditions.     

Distribution and partitioning of major and trace elements in pyrite-bearing sediments of a Mediterranean coastal lagoon

The formation of iron sulphide minerals exerts significant control on the behaviour of trace elements in sediments. In this study, three short sediment cores, retrieved from the remote Antinioti lagoon (N. Kerkyra Island, NW Greece), are investigated concerning the solid phase composition, distribution, and partitioning of major (Al, Fe) and trace elements (Cd, Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn). According to ²¹⁰Pb, the sediments sampled correspond to depositions of the last 120 years. The high amounts of organic carbon (4.1–27.5%) result in the formation of Fe sulphides, predominantly pyrite, already at the surface sediment layers. Pyrite morphologies include monocrystals, polyframboids, and complex FeS–FeS₂ aggregates. According to synchrotron-generated micro X-ray fluorescence and X-ray absorption near-edge structure spectra, authigenically formed, Mn-containing, Fe(III) oxyhydroxides (goethite type) co-exist with pyrite in the sediments studied. Microscopic techniques evidence the formation of galena, sphalerite and CuS, whereas sequential extractions show that carbonates are important hosts for Mn, Cd, and Zn. However, significant percentages of non-lattice held elements are bound to Fe/Mn oxyhydroxides that resist reductive dissolution (on average 60% of Pb, 46% of Cd, 43% of Zn and 9% of Cu). The partitioning pattern changes drastically in the deeper part of the core that is influenced by freshwater inputs. In these sediments, the post-depositional pyritization mechanism, illustrated by overgrowths of Fe monosulphides on pre-existing pyrite grains, results in relatively high degree of pyritization that reaches 49% for Cd, 66% for Cu, 32% for Zn and 7% for Pb.     

Distribution and possible sources of organochlorine residues in sediments of a large urban estuary,Port Jackson,Sydney

Sydney Harbour is surrounded by a large capital city of about four million people and its highly urbanised (86%) catchment supports a substantial industrial base and an extensive transport infrastructure. Large commercial and naval ports occupy the waterway and the harbour is an important recreational area. Surficial sediment in Sydney Harbour contains high concentrations of PCBs, HCB, total chlordane, total DDT, aldrin, dieldrin, heptachlor and heptachlor‐epoxide, but low concentrations of lindane. PCBs, total chlordane, and to a lesser extent dieldrin, are most elevated in sediment in creeks on the southern shores of the harbour suggesting sources within older, highly urbanised/industrialised catchments of western‐central Sydney. There are high concentrations of total DDT and HCB in sediments of the upper harbour and Homebush Bay suggesting that chemical industries on the shores of the estuary in this area are sources of these contaminants. Although no sediment quality guidelines apply in Australia, empirically derived biological effects criteria suggest that sediment over extensive areas of Sydney Harbour may have an adverse impact on biota. Especially of concern are sediments containing high concentrations of chlordane and DDT.     

Late Neogene rift valley fill sediments preserved in caves of the Dead Sea Fault Escarpment (Israel): palaeogeographic and morphotectonic implications

Evaporitic‐lagoonal marl and dolomite laminar fill sediments are preserved in relict dry caves of the Dead Sea Fault Escarpment (Israel) which has been tectonically active since the Late Neogene. The hosting caves are located within Turonian massive carbonate bedrock and at higher altitudes than previously documented fill sediments of the Dead Sea depression. Based on the relative altitudes of the cave sediments, the ‘reversed stratigraphy’ of the Dead Sea depression fill sediments, possible partial correlation of the cave sediments with other fill sedimentary units of the depression, and sedimentary, geochemical and mineralogical characteristics, it is concluded that: (i) the cave sediments are among the oldest of the depression fill; and (ii) the deposition of the cave sediments took place in hypersaline dolomite‐precipitating water bodies of Late Neogene age, during the initial morphotectonic stages of the depression formation. Variable and relatively low Sr/Ca and δ³⁴S ratios of the cave sediments (assuming precipitation from sea water) suggest variable fresh water input into the depositional brine. The present altitudes of the cave sediments reflect Late Neogene levels of water bodies in the depression, modified by vertical post‐Late Neogene tectonic movements within the still active fault escarpment. According to these altitudes, a 50 to 250 m uplift of the western margins of the depression since the Late Miocene to Early Pliocene is inferred.     

Organic fades in Recent sediments of carbonate platforms: Southwestern Puerto Rico and Northern Belize

Our organic facies model of a platform environment is based on the analysis of (1) total organic carbon, (2) visual protokerogen types and hydrogen indices of the sediments, (3) sediment mineralogy and grain size, and (4) reef patterns, water circulation, and relief of the adjacent land.TOC values are lowest on reefs and outer platforms (0.2%); intermediate in sediments fringing carbonate islands (0.5–2.0%), on sea-grass meadows (0.5–0.7%), and in forereef lagoons (0.1–0.7%); highest in inner platform lagoons (0.5–5.0%) and mangrove swamps (2.7–3.5%). Paniculate organic matter comprises structured terrestrial, marine, and amorphous types. On average, terrestrial material accounts for 28% of OM in Puerto Rico and 12% in Belize. The mean hydrogen index of the sediment is 355 (mg hydrocarbons/g TOC) in Puerto Rico and 719 in Belize.This study indicates that TOC values are mainly related to platform subenvironment, while OM types are controlled by distance from the shoreline. Organic facies dominated by structural terrestrial OM occur closer to the shore, whereas toward the shelf margin marine and amorphous OM contents increase.     

A first approach to study the mobility and behavior of lead in hypersaline salt marsh sediments: Diffusive and advective fluxes,geochemical partitioning and Pb isotopes

A geochemical study of interstitial water and solid phase sediment using bulk concentration and geochemical partitioning was undertaken in vertical sediment profiles to trace diagenetic processes of lead (Pb) in hypersaline salt marsh sediments. In addition, we measured the stable isotopic composition of Pb in order to distinguish its input sources. Concentrations of Pb increased from low or background values in the bottommost layer (< 60 cm depth), followed by fluctuations in the middle layer (20–60 cm) and peak values in the subsurface layer (3–5 cm). Pb associated to reactive fractions (e.g. OM, Fe–Mn oxyhydroxides and carbonates) accounted for 60% of that initially deposited. Stable Pb isotope data (²⁰⁶Pb/²⁰⁷Pb and ²⁰⁷Pb/²⁰⁸Pb) suggested that most of the Pb in the upper sediments (1.204 ± 0.002 and 2.469 ± 0.007) is still derived from the leaded gasoline combustion (1.201 ± 0.006 and 2.475 ± 0.005). Profile of dissolved Pb was related to those for ammonium, phosphates and dissolve Fe and Mn, which reveals the influence of the diagenetic reactions on the Pb behavior. OM, Fe–Mn oxyhydroxides and the sulfide minerals play a significant role for mobilizing and trapping the Pb. Metal mobilization was calculated considering an advective–diffusive system. The advective process constitutes the dominant mechanism of Pb mobilization. A low diffusive outflux with respect to the Pb mobilization rate suggested that most of the released Pb is retained in the sediments. Authigenic oxides precipitated at the oxic–suboxic layers (0–4 cm depth) and authigenic sulfide minerals formed Pb in the anoxic layers (7–20 cm depth) constituting the main scavengers for Pb that is diagenetically released. This retention has significant environmental implications because it reduces the availability and toxicity of Pb to biota, including humans.     

Sedimentation, distribution and diagenesis of organic matter in a recent carbonate environment, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

In the modern hypersaline carbonate lagoon and sabkha sedimentary environments of Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), three types of organic matter originate respectively from microbial mat, Avicennia mangrove, and Halodule lagoonal seagrass. The study of recent sedimentary processes and cross sections through the sabkha sediments lead to the definition of organo-sedimentary facies based on geochemical and sedimentological criteria. This permits the construction of an organo-sedimentary sequence which expresses the Holocene sedimentary record involving a transgressive and a regressive sequence. The various organic facies occur in both sequences.Heterogeneity within the individual organic facies reflects several factors, including sedimentation dynamics, mineral matrix, oxidation and reduction, and selective organic and mineral diagenesis. These parameters are discussed in terms of depositional environment and location within the organo-sedimentary sequence. Changes in distribution, quantity, and preservation potential of the buried organic matter are discussed in terms of sea level changes and sedimentary accretion rates.     

Geochemical fractionation of heavy metals in Chilka Lake (east coast of India)—a tropical coastal lagoon

Chilka lake, the largest coastal lagoon of Asia is one of the most dynamic ecosystems along the Indian coast. Historically the lagoon has undergone a considerable reduction in surface area due, in part, to input from natural processes but mostly due to human activities. The purpose of this investigation is to document the heavy metals' affinity for specific geochemical phases in the recently deposited sediments in the lagoon. Thirty-three samples were collected and analyzed for different geochemical phases of Fe, Mn, Cu, Cr, Ni, Pb, and Zn utilizing a sequential extraction scheme. In the nonlithogenous fraction, the exchangeable fraction was not geochemically significant, having <2% of the total metal concentration for all the elements. However, the carbonate fraction contained the following percentages of the total concentration: <1% Fe, 13% Mn, 6% Cu, 4% Cr, 8% Ni, 13% Pb, and 12% Zn, suggesting the detrital origin of the sediments. Reducible and organic matter-bound fractions were the significant phases in the nonlithogenous fraction, containing 9% Fe, 16% Mn, 15% Cu, 16% Cr, 16% Ni, 14% Pb, and 14% Zn in the former and 4% Fe, 3% Mn, 17% Cu, 3% Cr, 14% Ni, 15% Pb, and 14% Zn in the latter. The phenomenon has been attributed to the scavenging affinity of Fe-Mn oxides and affinity for sorption into organic matter of the lagoon sediments. The lithogenous, residual fraction generally considered as a guide for natural background values was determined to contain 87% Fe, 67% Mn, 61% Cu, 77% Cr, 61.3% Ni, 56% Pb, and 60% Zn of the total concentrations.     

Composition and origin of lipid biomarkers in the surface sediments from the southern Challenger Deep,Mariana Trench

The surface sediments collected from the southern Mariana Trench at water depths between ca. 4900 m and 7068 m were studied using lipid biomarker analyses to reveal the origin and distribution of organic matters. For all samples, an unresolved complex mixture (UCM) was present in the hydrocarbon fractions, wherein resistant component tricyclic terpanes were detected but C₂₇–C₂₉ regular steranes and hopanes indicative of a higher molecular weight range of petroleum were almost absent. This biomarker distribution patterns suggested that the UCM and tricyclic terpanes may be introduced by contamination of diesel fuels or shipping activities and oil seepage elsewhere. The well-developed faults and strike-slip faults in the Mariana subduction zone may serve as passages for the petroleum hydrocarbons. In addition, the relative high contents of even n-alkanes and low Carbon Preference Indices indicated that the n-alkanes were mainly derived from bacteria or algae. For GDGTs, the predominance of GDGT-0 and crenarchaeol, together with low GDGT-0/Crenarchaeol ratios (ranging from 0.86 to 1.64), suggests that the GDGTs in samples from the southern Mariana Trench were mainly derived from planktic Thaumarchaeota. However, the high GDGT-0/crenarchaeol ratio (10.5) in sample BC07 suggests that the GDGTs probably were introduced by methanogens in a more anoxic environment. Furthermore, the n-alkanes C₁₉–C₂₂ and the n-fatty acids C_20:0–C_22:0 were depleted in ¹³C by 3‰ compared to n-alkanes C₁₆–C₁₈ and the n-fatty acids C_14:0–C_18:0, respectively, which was interpreted to result from the preferential reaction of fatty acid fragments with carbon “lighter” terminal carboxyl groups during carbon chain elongation from the precursors to products. The abundance of total alkanes, carboxylic acids, alcohols and total lipids were generally increased along the down-going seaward plate, suggesting the lateral organic matter inputs play an important role in organic matter accumulation in hadal trenches. The extremely high contents of biomarkers in sample BC11 were most likely related to trench topography and current dynamics, since the lower steepness caused by graben texture and proximity to the trench axis may result in higher sedimentation rate. This paper, for the first time, showed the biomarker patterns in surface sediments of the Mariana Trench and shed light on biogeochemistry of the hardly reached trench environment.     

Bacterial contribution to sedimentary organic matter; a comparative study of lipid moieties in bacteria and Recent sediments

A systematic study of the lipid composition of thirteen bacterial species and three Recent sediments (methanogenic sediment, cyanobacterial mat and evaporative gypsum crust) was undertaken in an attempt to recognize bacterial organic matter in sediments. A sequential method, which distinguishes between three different modes of occurrence of lipid moieties (free, OH⁻- and H⁺-labile), was applied. The acid-labile fractions are discussed.The three main groups of bacteria, archaebacteria, gram-positive eubacteria and gram-negative eubacteria, are easily distinguished. Methanogenic and extremely halophilic archaebacteria are characterized by the presence of diphytanyl glyceryl ether and the absence of fatty acids. The gram-positive eubacteria contain primarily iso- and anteiso-branched fatty acids whereas the gram-negative bacteria and sediments are dominated by β- and α-hydroxy fatty acids. A wide variety of H⁺-labile hydroxy fatty acids was observed which included several, as yet unknown, structures.β-Hydroxy fatty acids in this H⁺-labile mode of occurrence are exclusively present in bacteria. Their distribution patterns in sediments are considered “fingerprints” of past and present bacterial populations. The specific differences in β -hydroxy fatty acid compositions observed in the different bacteria and the three sediments investigated, suggest that amide-linked β-hydroxy fatty acid patterns are useful as markers of bacterial populations and therefore of environmental conditions.     

The origin of major talc deposits in the Eastern Desert of Egypt: relict fragments of a metamorphosed carbonate horizon?

Detailed geochemical and mineralogical investigation of four talc deposits in the Eastern Desert of Egypt (Atshan, Abu Gurdi, Darhib and Kashira) suggests that the deposits form a distinct lithological unit within the Shadli metavolcanic rocks. The talc crystallized from the replacement of siliceous carbonate beds locally intercalated with clastic sediments. Th/Yb vs. Ta/Yb ratios of the rocks suggest that the sediments and the host volcanic rocks formed in an active continental margin (ACM) environment. Thus, the talc deposits may represent relict fragments of an ancient, regionally extensive carbonate horizon within the arc-related metavolcanics. The talc-rich rocks, which contain relict carbonate, serpentinized olivine and tremolite, have low (<3 wt%) Al₂O₃, Cr, Ni (<20 ppm), Co and Sc (<15 ppm) concentrations, precluding mafic or felsic igneous protoliths. The deposits were locally affected by contact metamorphism, giving rise to pyroxene-hornfels and granulite facies assemblages, and by regional metamorphism which produced greenschist-amphibolite grade assemblages. Disseminated sulfides commonly occur in the talc-tremolite-rich rocks (having low Al₂O₃ concentrations), suggesting that the metals were probably present in the original carbonate beds, but were remobilized and reconcentrated during the various metamorphic events.     

大型陆相坳陷型沉积盆地原型恢复方法——以新生代柴达木盆地为例

陆相坳陷型沉积盆地通常发育在克拉通的内部差异沉降和裂谷盆地后期的热沉降等不同的大地构造阶段,是一类独特而又十分重要的沉积盆地。本文基于该类盆地的特点,提出了综合利用盆地沉积相、残余厚度图、区域构造大剖面及其平衡恢复等多方面资料对其盆地原型进行恢复的方法和流程,具体包括以残余沉积相恢复盆地原始边界、以平衡剖面恢复盆地原始形态、以关键钻井资料与平衡剖面相结合恢复原始沉积厚度。该方法消除了构造运动对盆地形态的改变,真正将盆地原型纳入到其原始形态框架下进行研究。本文还利用该方法对柴达木盆地新生代各地层沉积时的盆地原型分别进行了恢复,并据此对其新生代的沉积演化进行了分析,结果表明柴达木盆地新生代的沉积格局变化与阿尔金断裂的活动息息相关。     

Distribution and facies patterns of Lower Cretaceous sediments in northern Germany: a review

Marine sediments of Early Cretaceous age (Berriasian–Albian) have a widespread distribution in the Lower Saxony Basin of northern Germany. This basin, which is about 400 km long and 100 km wide, formed the southernmost extension of the North Sea Basin. Sediments attaining a maximum thickness of up to several hundred metres are represented by shallow marine siliciclastics in the west, south and easternmost part of the basin. These interfinger with the basin facies represented by dark mudstones up to 2000 m thick. The distribution and facies patterns of the sediments as well as thicknesses are related to three factors: differential subsidence, local tectonics and sea-level changes. For various parts of the basin and certain stratigraphic intervals it is possible to distinguish between these causes. Sedimentary thicknesses are clearly a result of differential subsidence from Kimmeridgian to Albian times onwards, being controlled by tectonic movements along northwest–southeast trending faults. These result in an asymmetric trough, bound to the north and south by synsedimentary faults with sedimentation rates highest in the north. Local tectonics are clearly caused by salt diapirs mainly in the eastern part of the basin and along the western, southern and eastern margins. These areas in particular include parts of the western Emsland and the Salzgitter area. Sedimentary patterns vary considerably over less than a kilometre, showing an extreme range of different lithologies. This is ideally observed in the Salzgitter area. Sea-level changes finally are reflected by widespread facies patterns and particularly by fossils of different provenance. The following sea-level-related events can be followed throughout the basin: the Wealden regressive phase, the Early Valanginian transgression, the early Late Valanginian transgression, the mid Hauterivian transgression, the Barremian regression, deposition of the Early Aptian anoxic sediments, and accumulation of the mid Albian hemipelagic marls.     

海底沉积物孔隙压力原位长期观测技术回顾和展望

海底沉积物孔隙压力对海底地质灾害过程反应敏感,是表征海床稳定性的一个重要指标,通过海底沉积物的孔隙压力观测可以判断海床的稳定状态,对于海底地质灾害预测预警具有重要意义。海底沉积物孔隙压力观测存在(1)超高背景压力下的高精度测量;(2)贯入过程传感器超量程破坏;(3)系统长期供电及传感器漂移;(4)深海海底布放和回收等技术难点。国际上海底孔隙压力观测技术从20世纪60年代开始发展,逐渐形成了系列核心监测技术和成熟的商业化设备产品。挪威岩土工程研究所NGI与美国伊利诺伊大学共同研发的NGI-Illinois压差式孔隙压力观测系统,是已知最早的海底沉积物孔隙压力观测设备。此后,美国地质调查局USGS、美国桑迪亚国家实验室、英国牛津大学等相继研发了不同结构的观测设备,覆盖浅海到深海。其中,英国海洋科学研究所研发成功的深海孔隙压力原位长期观测设备PUPPI是一个重要的历史节点,该设备能够在6 000 m水深的环境中连续运行一年,成为当时最成功的海底孔隙压力观测设备,其现代化的设备结构和设计理念被后续的观测设备广为借鉴。21世纪以来,得益于海洋科学技术的整体进步,国际孔隙压力观测技术发展呈现加速趋势。法国海洋开发研究院IFREMER研发的Piezometer系列孔隙压力观测探杆,代表了当今世界的先进水平,可能是目前应用次数最多的海底孔隙压力观测设备。我国在深海探测、观测技术领域起步较晚,在深海沉积物孔隙压力原位长期观测技术方面几乎空白,发展很不成熟。其中,中国海洋大学、自然资源部第一海洋研究所等单位进行了较多的探索性研发工作。近年来,以港珠澳大桥建设、南海天然气水合物试采等为标志的大批国家级海洋建设项目如火如荼,深海油气矿产资源开发、深海天然气水合物开采利用等海洋新兴产业快速起步,深海孔隙压力原位长期监测关键核心技术等“卡脖子”问题仍然突出,严重制约了我国海洋工程产业发展的步伐。因此,迫切需要发展具有自主知识产权和关键核心技术的国产深海沉积物孔隙压力原位长期监测技术。本文回顾了国际、国内海底孔隙压力观测技术的相关研究进展,旨在分析总结孔隙压力观测技术及其应用中涉及的一些核心技术和亟待解决的关键问题,以期为我国该项技术的发展和应用提供借鉴。     

Mass movements in cave sediments: investigation of a ∼40,000-year-old guano mudflow inside the entrance of the Great Cave of Niah, Sarawak, Borneo

The West Mouth of the Great Cave at Niah in Sarawak, northwest Borneo and the North Passage that leads to the West Mouth contain large deposits of guano. The main deposit, several metres thick in places, forms the sloping floor of the entire North Passage. A mass movement deposit identified in the West Mouth, having a volume of 600 m³, originated as a guano mudflow up the North Passage in the order of 40,000 years ago. This failure of the guano slope was investigated to determine whether particular conditions or events could be identified as the most likely causes. The physical, hydrological and geotechnical properties of samples of the material were determined so that the stability of the slope could be assessed. Stability analyses showed that shearing failure of the slope would require inputs of water to the slope in quantities for which no feasible explanation can be suggested. However, the properties of the guano are similar to those of loess, indicating a high susceptibility to ‘hydrocollapse’. Very shallow failure of the slope, possibly as several smaller mudflows, could therefore have occurred due to additional water in quantities that could realistically be supplied as rainwater spray, possibly with a seismic trigger. The climate must therefore have been wetter than it is at present. These findings have implications for the interpretation of sediment deposits in other relict caves.