Past atmospheric Pb deposition in Lake Qinghai,northeastern Tibetan Plateau

Two short sediment cores were recovered from sub-basins of Lake Qinghai, China and were analyzed for concentrations of Pb and 16 other elements to determine historic, regional atmospheric Pb deposition on the Tibetan Plateau. Core chronologies, dating back to the eighteenth century, were established using activities of ²¹⁰Pb and ¹³⁷Cs. The 17 elements were divided into three principal components. Variations in concentrations of PC1 elements (Al, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Ni, and Ti) demonstrate different patterns between the two cores, and are attributed to different sediment sources in the two sub-basins. PC2 elements (Ba, Ca, Na, and Sr) may be associated with the degree of catchment weathering and/or water chemistry. Four elements (Pb, Zn, P, and Co) are related to both PC1 and PC2, and reflect a mixture of natural and anthropogenic sources. The PC3 element is Mg in the north sub-basin, and is perhaps related to aragonite precipitation and/or increased farming. Elevated Pb concentrations in uppermost sediments of both cores signify a recent regional/global increase in anthropogenic Pb release into the environment. After subtracting lithogenic Pb, derived from rock weathering and/or dust and normalized to the background immobile element Ti, results suggest that excess, anthropogenic Pb is transferred to the lake and its sediments predominantly via the atmosphere. This anthropogenic atmospheric Pb is comparable in magnitude and displays similar variation patterns in the two cores, reflecting regional atmospheric deposition and local erosion. The average anthropogenic Pb deposition rate in Lake Qinghai since the 1960s has been ~12.2 ± 3.5 mg/m²/a, comparable with atmospheric Pb fluxes reported for sites elsewhere in the northern hemisphere.     

Chemical denudation rates in Kärkevagge, Swedish Lapland

This study examines the spatial and temporal variability of chemical denudation rates in Kärkevagge, northern Sweden. The chemical flux rates within the valley are strongly influenced by the local geology. Chemical denudation rates determined for the study period are more than double those previously reported in the literature for this valley. Rates of greater than 46t km⁻² a⁻¹ were measured at the valley mouth over the course of the melt season. This difference is likely due to differences in measurement technique compared to that used by past researchers. This rate is also much higher than for other arctic and alpine watersheds. Chemical denudation in Kärkevagge is comparable to larger temperate rivers. The rapid chemical denudation in Kärkevagge is likely due to sulfide weathering creating acid solutions.     

Chemical denudation rates in Kärkevagge, Swedish Lapland

This study examines the spatial and temporal variability of chemical denudation rates in Kärkevagge, northern Sweden. The chemical flux rates within the valley are strongly influenced by the local geology. Chemical denudation rates determined for the study period are more than double those previously reported in the literature for this valley. Rates of greater than 46t km⁻² a⁻¹ were measured at the valley mouth over the course of the melt season. This difference is likely due to differences in measurement technique compared to that used by past researchers. This rate is also much higher than for other arctic and alpine watersheds. Chemical denudation in Kärkevagge is comparable to larger temperate rivers. The rapid chemical denudation in Kärkevagge is likely due to sulfide weathering creating acid solutions.     

Chemical element transfer of weathering granite regolith in the Three Gorges Dam region of Yangtze River

Clearing up sediment and regolith on the foundation of the dam in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River in 1999, riverbed were exposed. On the basis of weathering granite regolith sampled from different portions of the valley landforms, by analysing total chemical contents with X rays fluorescent slice and calculating proper value of chemical element transferring ratio and intensity, the transferring law of chemical elements in different portions of the landforms were concluded: 1) In various landforms of the river valley, the process of desilication is not distinct; 2) in weathering granite regolith of riverbed, easy soluble CaO and MgO are relatively enriched whereas Al2O3 tends to decrease. The enriching rate of Fe2O3 is the greatest in various landforms of the river valley; 3) in weathering granite regolith of flood-plain, K2O and MgO contents are relatively enriched; 4) the weathering granite regolith of valley slope is a typical north subtropical weathering regolith, and its chemical weathering degree is in the transition phase from early to middle period; and 5) there is an opposite layer where K2O is relatively leaching and Na2O relatively enriching in 6.5 m depth of all weathering granite regolith.     

Composition, spatial distribution, and environmental significance of water ions in Pumayum Co catchment, southern Tibet

The chemistry of major cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Na+, and K+) and anions (HCO3 ?, SO4 2?, and Cl?) in the water of Lake Pumayum Co and its inflow river was studied, revealing the obvious ionic difference among various inflow rivers and the lake. The chemical type of the lake water was Mg2+-Ca2+-HCO3 ?-SO4 2+, but the major ions of the main inflow rivers were Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3 ?. In the lake inlet of Jiaqu River, the main inflow river, there was significant variance of water chemistry within the depth less than 2 m. However, it was almost homogeneous at other area of the lake. Therefore, with the evidence of distribution of water chemistry and oxygen isotope of lake water, a conclusion can be outlined that Jiaqu River had a distinct effect on the hydrochemistry of the water on the submerged delta, whereas this is not the case for other rivers. The Gibbs plot revealed that the dominant mechanism responsible for controlling chemical compositions of the lake water was rocks weathering in the drainage area. Ion ratios and ternary plots further explored the main processes controlling the water chemistry of the catchment, i.e., carbonate weathering, pyrite weathering, and silicate weathering. The different hydrochemistry characteristics between river water and lake water may result from the CaCO3 precipitation. The findings will benefit the explanation of the environmental significance of carbonate in paleolimnological studies in the lake.     

DIFFERENTIAL ROCK WEATHERING IN THE 'VALLEY OF THE BOULDERS', KÄRKEVAGGE, SWEDISH LAPLAND

Kärkevagge is an alpine valley in the low arctic of Swedish Lapland. It is named after, and famous for, its large deposit of immense (c. 10–15 m) boulders that almost fill the lower valley. Above the boulder deposit, on the flanks of the valley, are more recent and generally much smaller (c. 1–3 m) individual boulders that have fallen from the valley-wall cliff face, presumably from post-glacial valley-side unloading. Some of these smaller boulders are seemingly fresh and unweathered while others have been reduced to no more than mounds in the tundra. These boulders must be younger than the larger, lower giant boulder deposit, but are not particularly recent rockfalls as they are partially buried in colluvium. Comparisons of mineralogy and chemistry indicate that the possibility exists that the incompetent, 'rotten' rocks, if not considerably older than their competent neighbors, are inherently self-destructive. They have evidence of increased sulfur content, which is a proxy for pyrite, a known weathering accelerant in Kärkevagge.     

Chemical element transfer of weathering granite regolith in the Three Gorges Dam region of Yangtze River

Clearing up sediment and regolith on the foundation of the dam in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River in 1999, riverbed were exposed. On the basis of weathering granite regolith sampled from different portions of the valley landforms, by analysing total chemical contents with X rays fluorescent slice and calculating proper value of chemical element transferring ratio and intensity, the transferring law of chemical elements in different portions of the landforms were concluded: 1) In various landforms of the river valley, the process of desilication is not distinct; 2) in weathering granite regolith of riverbed, easy soluble CaO and MgO are relatively enriched whereas A1₂O₃ tends to decrease. The enriching rate of Fe₂O₃ is the greatest in various landforms of the river valley; 3) in weathering granite regolith of flood-plain, K₂O and MgO contents are relatively enriched; 4) the weathering granite regolith of valley slope is a typical north subtropical weathering regolith, and its chemical weathering degree is in the transition phase from early to middle period; and 5) there is an opposite layer where K₂O is relatively leaching and Na₂O relatively enriching in 6.5 m depth of all weathering granite regolith.     

金沙江干热河谷华弹段黄土状土的成因、年龄及其古气候指示意义

青藏高原东南缘干热河谷中广泛发育黄土或黄土状土,是解读中国西南季风、干热河谷环境演变与高原隆升关系的良好载体,但目前尚无关于其成因、形成时代和古气候意义的系统研究。通过对金沙江干热河谷华弹段中黄土状土的空间分布、粒度特征、化学风化指数以及沉积速率的分析,发现该区黄土状土拔河越高,粒径越小,沉积速率越低;结合前人物源示踪研究成果,证实黄土状土来源于金沙江谷底的河漫滩沉积和古堰塞湖沉积,局地山谷风环流为其提供搬运动力。磁性地层学分析显示黄土状土地层全为正极性,剖面中未出现B/M界线,结合光释光测年结果,确定金沙江干热河谷华弹段中的黄土状土形成于中更新世中期以来。通过与同河段的古堰塞湖沉积形成时代进行对比,发现黄土状土的形成时代稍晚于同河段古堰塞湖相沉积大量堆积的时代。金沙江河谷中黄土状土与古堰塞湖相沉积在时空上的紧密关联性表明,滑坡堰塞事件控制着金沙江干热河谷中黄土状土物源的丰富程度,是影响金沙江深切河谷中黄土状土形成与沉积过程的主要因素。黄土状土的粒度与化学风化指数结果表明358 ka BP以来,该段河谷中古环境气候发生过明显冷干-暖湿波动,并在冰期-间冰期尺度上响应全球气候变化。     

福建长乐屏山风化坑与河流壶穴的成因及其证据

风化坑和壶穴是一种常见的岩石坑穴地形,其形成原因和形态完全不同,但容易被误解和混淆.结合对福建长乐三溪河地区这两种坑穴地形的实地考察,本文从地貌学,沉积学,岩石化学和矿物学等各个方面对两者的形成过程、影响因素进行了论证和对比.研究表明：风化坑形成于岩石面积水的风化作用,壶穴则是由河流的旋转水流对河床产生的侵蚀作用形成;山顶风化坑的发育与河流流水作用没有关系,河流壶穴的形成与河谷的发育过程有关,河谷中的风化坑只能在河流深切后,流水不再作用到的河床部位发育;只要条件合适,风化坑或壶穴随时可以生成;风化坑与河流壶穴的形态,坑内沉积物的磨圆度、粒度特征等反映出各自不同的形成过程.风化坑内碎屑与周边岩石的化学蚀变指数CIA 值的差异反映了风化坑的化学风化成因;风化坑内碎屑与周边岩石石英长石比例的差异说明风化坑是矿物差异风化的结果;用CIA 值和英长比均无法区分河流壶穴和风化坑中的碎屑颗粒,但两者化学元素迁移特征的差别反映了风化坑的风化作用和河流壶穴的流水搬运作用的成因差别;风化坑的风化程度达不到当地风化壳的风化程度,但不同气候带风化坑碎屑的CIA 值能反映不同气候带风化作用的强度差异.     

汉江上游郧县段全新世古洪水滞流沉积物特征

对汉江上游郧县段一级阶地上典型古洪水滞流沉积物、古土壤和黄土3 种不同沉积物的宏观特征、粒度成分、理化性质、微观形态及地球化学元素进行了综合分析对比.结果表明,研究剖面中的古洪水滞流沉积物呈灰黄色(2.5YR7/2),与上下相邻地层往往呈突变关系且界线清晰;粒度组成总体较粗,粉砂质细砂土,分选较好;磁化率稍高于马兰黄土,但显著低于古土壤;烧失量平均值低于黄土和古土壤;石英颗粒表面分布有水下环境机械相撞形成的V形坑;元素的含量及UCC标准化曲线均与黄土和古土壤差异明显.与渭河谷地相比,汉江上游谷地古洪水滞流沉积物具有粒度组成偏粗、分选性稍差的特点.该研究成果对汉江上游谷地古洪水滞流沉积物的鉴别和古洪水水文参数的重建具有重要意义.     

Fluvial process and the establishment of bottomland trees

The effects of river regulation on bottomland tree communities in western North America have generated substantial concern because of the important habitat and aesthetic values of these communities. Consideration of such effects in water management decisions has been hampered by the apparent variability of responses of bottomland tree communities to flow alteration. When the relation between streamflow and tree establishment is placed in a geomorphic context, however, much of that variability is explained, and prediction of changes in the tree community is improved.The relation between streamflow and establishment of bottomland trees is conditioned by the dominant fluvial process or processes acting along a stream. For successful establishment, cottonwoods, poplars, and willows require bare, moist surfaces protected from disturbance. Channel narrowing, channel meandering, and flood deposition promote different spatial and temporal patterns of establishment. During channel narrowing, the site requirements are met on portions of the bed abandoned by the stream, and establishment is associated with a period of low flow lasting one to several years. During channel meandering, the requirements are met on point bars following moderate or higher peak flows. Following flood deposition, the requirements are met on flood deposits ;high above the channel bed. Flood deposition can occur along most streams, but where a channel is constrained by a narrow valley, this process may be the only mechanism that can produce a bare, moist surface high enough to be safe from future disturbance. Because of differences in local bedrock, tributary influence, or geologic history, two nearby reaches of the same stream may be dominated by different fluvial processes and have different spatial and temporal patterns of trees. We illustrate this phenomenon with examples from forests of plains cottonwood (Populus deltoides ssp. monilifera) along meandering and constrained reaches of the Missouri River in Montana.     

Chemical weathering studies in relation to geomorphological research in southeastern Canada

Although chemical weathering provides fundamental information relevant to geomorphology, the subject has been overlooked during the 20th century in Canada. This paper provides an overview of the current state of Canadian research on chemical weathering in southeastern Canada and takes into account three spatial and temporal contexts: (1) the formation of bedrock morphology by chemical weathering, (2) occurrences, characteristics and age of saprolites and (3) contemporary chemical denudation rates. Long-term geomorphological evolution of southeastern Canadian landscapes shows that chemical weathering has played an important role. An example is taken from the Laurentide region of the Canadian Shield north of Montréal (Québec). The present topography resulted from the stripping of the former weathering mantle and from the probable subsequent modification of the weathering front, first by the action of hillslope processes and rivers and then by glaciers, before and during Plio-Pleistocene times. The present landscape reflects the timing of the formation of erosion surfaces, and of the stripping of the Paleozoic cover rocks and exposure of the Shield. Since the late seventies, several isolated occurrences of saprolite-soil profiles have been discovered in eastern Canada and prompted a renewal of the study of these materials about the Cenozoic evolution of these regions. One of the problems in this field of research is the dating of saprolites and their inclusion in a chronostratigraphic framework, along with the other Cenozoic surficial deposits and landforms. Because of the multiple factors involved in the development of secondary minerals in saprolites during the course of weathering, it is preferable to distinguish the dating of saprolites from the study of their mineralogical and geochemical evolution. Fortunately, several new techniques are becoming available for the absolute dating of surficial deposits and saprolites, including the use of cosmogenic radionuclides. Saprolites provide a strong potential field of research for our understanding of the geological evolution of eastern Canada during the Cenozoic. Contemporary weathering and erosion rates are fields of research that have gained increasing interest recently, since modeling landscape geochemical response can be applied to various environmental stress situations, such as acidification by rain and forest harvesting. Rock-type may be the main factor explaining the large differences between watersheds. In fact, variability of cation removal in the temperate zone is probably most closely related to flow-paths of water. Investigations, at different scales, from entire watersheds to slopes to individual pedons, highlight the problem. In the Catamaran Brook watershed (New Brunswick), water chemistry is explained by a mix of groundwater and soil solution from the horizons at the base of the floodplain soils. Geochemical mass-balances based on net outputs give little information on the weathering reactions of primary minerals, the weathering products or on the nature of the weathering processes that provide the dissolved load of streams. Mineralogic and petrographic analysis of selected soil pedons are necessary to determine weathering reactions and their role as sources or sinks for bases, silica, aluminum and iron in the various compartments through which water percolates before it reaches the stream.     

藏南普莫雍错流域水体离子组成与空间分布及其环境意义(英文)

The chemistry of major cations (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺) and anions (HCO₃ ⁻, SO₄ ²⁻, and Cl⁻) in the water of Lake Pumayum Co and its inflow river was studied, revealing the obvious ionic difference among various inflow rivers and the lake. The chemical type of the lake water was Mg²⁺-Ca²⁺-HCO₃ ⁻-SO₄ ²⁺, but the major ions of the main inflow rivers were Ca²⁺-Mg²⁺-HCO₃ ⁻. In the lake inlet of Jiaqu River, the main inflow river, there was significant variance of water chemistry within the depth less than 2 m. However, it was almost homogeneous at other area of the lake. Therefore, with the evidence of distribution of water chemistry and oxygen isotope of lake water, a conclusion can be outlined that Jiaqu River had a distinct effect on the hydrochemistry of the water on the submerged delta, whereas this is not the case for other rivers. The Gibbs plot revealed that the dominant mechanism responsible for controlling chemical compositions of the lake water was rocks weathering in the drainage area. Ion ratios and ternary plots further explored the main processes controlling the water chemistry of the catchment, i.e., carbonate weathering, pyrite weathering, and silicate weathering. The different hydrochemistry characteristics between river water and lake water may result from the CaCO₃ precipitation. The findings will benefit the explanation of the environmental significance of carbonate in paleolimnological studies in the lake.     

Influence of rock strength on the valley morphometry of Big Creek, central Idaho, USA

Analysis of valley morphometry and bedrock strength along Big Creek, central Idaho, shows that valley floor width is strongly controlled by bedrock. We performed statistical analysis of Schmidt hammer rock strength as a function of lithology and aspect and of valley morphometry as a function of rock strength. Rock strength is significantly greater on the south side of the valley and in Eocene granodiorites. Rock strength is weakest in Eocene volcanic tuffs. Valley floor width depends negatively on weakest valley-side rock strength, and hillslope gradient on the north side of the valley depends positively on rock strength. Stream gradient does not depend on rock strength. Valley floor width appears to be controlled by bedrock strength on the weaker side of the valley, which was generally the north (south-facing) side. We speculate that a higher degree of weathering via freeze–thaw cycles contributes to lower strength on the north side. The positive dependence of hillslope gradient on rock strength on the north side provides evidence that differential weathering across lithologies determines the gradient that can be maintained as lateral migration of the stream erodes valley walls. These results suggest that in situ rock strength exerts strong influences on some measures of valley morphometry by modulating hillslope mass wasting processes and limiting lateral erosion.     

北疆地区的水化学组成特征及其影响因素

流域尺度上的水化学组成特征和来源会受到何种因素的影响和限制,是研究区乃至全球环境变化的焦点问题,需要综合考虑不同地表要素和环境下的天然水体来揭示其答案。本文选择北疆地区的三大水系（伊犁水系、准噶尔水系、额尔齐斯水系）开展水化学组成研究,以期认识中亚造山带中部干旱环境下典型水系的水化学组成特征、成因及其影响因素。本研究利用已采集的北疆三大水系天然水样品及其水化学组成分析数据,同时系统收集了北疆及其周边地区文献资料,并与其他中纬度地区和国际典型气候带地区进行了综合对比。综合数据分析结果表明,北疆水系的河流溶解性固体总浓度（TDS值）普遍高于中国季风区和湿润地区河流,也高于世界平均水平;水体的主要阴阳离子分别以Ca²⁺和HCO₃^-占主导地位;主量离子间相对浓度与中国东部季风区河流类似,也与世界大部分以碳酸盐岩风化为主导的河流相似。岩石风化作用在水化学成因上对北疆大部分地区都占据主导地位;进一步定量的结果发现,不同来源对天然水溶质贡献量大小的顺序为：蒸发岩溶解>碳酸盐岩风化>硅酸盐岩风化>大气降水,证明了蒸发岩溶解和碳酸盐岩风化的主导地位。对比硅酸盐岩风化与碳酸盐岩风化,北疆水系的中低地形区硅酸盐岩影响更大,海拔较高的山地地区则碳酸盐岩影响更大。区域降水、水热组合、径流、岩性等因素都对水化学过程产生重要的影响,但与温度的关系不明显,与流域物理侵蚀过程及其季节变化等的关系尚不明确,需要开展进一步的研究工作。     

Rock-weathering by lichens in Antarctic: patterns and mechanisms

Saxicolous species of lichens are able to induce and accelerate weathering of their rock substrate, and effects of lichens on substrate can be attributed to both physical and chemical causes. This paper is focused on biotic weathering actions of epilithic and endolithic species on the different rock types (sandstones and volcanogenic rocks) in Antarctica. The patterns, mechanisms, processes and neoformations of rock-weathering resulting from lichen colonization are expounded in detail. Furthermore, it is pointed out that, for a better understanding of the impacts of lichens on environments, the studies on the rate of biotic weathering and the comprehensive involvement of the lichen effects on weathering of natural rocks remain to be carried out in Antarctica.     

Rock-weathering by lichens in Antarctic: patterns and mechanisms

Saxicolous species of lichens are able to induce and accelerate weathering of their rock substrate, and effects of lichens on substrate can be attributed to both physical and chemical causes. This paper is focused on biotic weathering actions of epilithic and endolithic species on the different rock types (sandstones and volcanogenic rocks) in Antarctica. The patterns, mechanisms, processes and neoformations of rock-weathering resulting from lichen colonization are expounded in detail. Furthermore, it is pointed out that, for a better understanding of the impacts of lichens on environments, the studies on the rate of biotic weathering and the comprehensive involvement of the lichen effects on weathering of natural rocks remain to be carried out in Antarctica.     

The role of climate variation in delta architecture: lessons from analogue modelling

Sequence‐stratigraphic models for fourth to sixth order, glacio‐eustatic sequences based only on relative sea‐level variations result in simplified and potentially false interpretations. Glacio‐eustatic sea‐level variations form only one aspect of cyclic climate variation; other aspects, such as variations in fluvial water discharge, vegetation cover, weathering and sediment supply can lead to variable sediment yield, thus adding complexity to sequence‐stratigraphic patterns normally attributed to sea‐level variations. Analogue flume models show a significant impact of water discharge on the timing and character of sequence boundaries, and on changes in the relative importance of systems tracts, as expressed in sediment volumes. Four deltas, generated under the influence of an identical sea‐level curve, and affected by different water‐discharge cycles were generated in the Eurotank facility: (1) constant discharge; (2) high‐frequency discharge variations (HFD); (3) discharge leading sea level by a quarter phase; (4) discharge lagging sea level by a quarter phase. HFD shift the parasequence stacking pattern consistently but do not alter large‐scale delta architecture. Water‐discharge changes that lead sea‐level changes result in high sediment yield during sea‐level rise and in the poor development of maximum flooding surfaces. Delta‐front erosion during sea‐level fall is expressed by multiple, small channels related to upstream avulsions, and does not result in an incised valley that efficiently routs sediment to the shelf edge. When water‐discharge changes lag sea‐level changes, sediment yield is high during falling sea level and results in rapid progradation during forced regression. Erosion from incised valleys is strong on the proximal delta top and dissipates towards the delta front. The combination of high discharge and sea‐level fall provides the most efficient mode of valley incision and sediment transport to the shelf edge. During sea‐level rise, low water discharge results in sediment starvation and well‐developed maximum flooding surfaces. Water‐discharge variations thus alter sequence‐stratigraphic patterns and provide an alternative explanation to the amplitude of sea‐level fall for generating either type 1 or 2 erosional unconformities.     

Carbonate-associated sulfate as a proxy for lake level fluctuations: a proof of concept for Walker Lake, Nevada

Closed-basin alkaline lakes record climate change particularly well because they generally contain a sedimentary record that is high in carbonate mineral content from which climate proxies can be determined. Various approaches are used to estimate paleo-lake level and volume (δ¹⁸O, dating of “shoreline” tufas, biotic proxies, etc.), yet all carry certain caveats that limit their usefulness. Ultimately, the relationship between the chemistry of the lake, the volume of the lake, and the response of the proxy will determine how well a proxy serves a paleolimnologic purpose. Here, we discuss the use of carbonate-associated sulfate (CAS), the sulfate contained within the lattice of carbonate minerals that precipitate in lake water, as a proxy for lake water chemistry and by extension, lake volume. Walker Lake, an alkaline closed-basin lake in western Nevada, has experienced a well-documented lake-level decline since 1880 and provides a test case for CAS as a lake-level proxy. By extracting the CAS from sedimentary carbonate and tufas that have been age dated, we can relate these values to lake sulfate content based on historical or other proxy data. We confirm that CAS tracks lake sulfate. Our study of sedimentary carbonates demonstrates that CAS is a linear function of lake sulfate through a range of 10–25 mM, which corresponds to a change in lake level of 30 m. As confirmation of the CAS technique, we analyzed a stromatolitic tufa dated using AMS ¹⁴C. The CAS trend in the stromatolite suggested that it grew during a lake-level decline, a result consistent with other proxy data. Finally, laboratory experiments were conducted that demonstrate CAS is monotonically correlated with sulfate concentration and that precipitation kinetics are not likely a major control on CAS in alkaline lakes, but that ionic strength of the solution exerts a strong control on CAS.     

汉江上游谷地与渭河谷地黄土化学风化程度比较

比较汉江上游谷地及渭河谷地典型黄土剖面的元素组成、化学风化强度及常量元素迁移特征,揭示秦岭南北两侧黄土-古土壤剖面的成壤强度及其所指示的环境演变特征,两者差异及共性如下：① 两剖面化学组成均以SiO₂、Al₂O₃和Fe₂O₃为主,元素组成均一且高度混合,与上部陆地壳（UCC） 的化学成分十分接近,该些证据均指示两区域黄土是来源广泛并经过充分混合的风尘堆积产物。② 据CIA 值可判定MTS 及YHC 剖面均经历了中等风化作用,比较两剖面CIW值、A-CN-K三角图投点特征及元素迁移率知,汉江上游谷地的黄土-古土壤序列经历的化学风化作用更强,Ca 及Na 元素的丢失率更高,Al、Na、Mg、Si 等常量元素的迁出率更大。③ 依据Fe、Na迁移率的全剖面变化曲线知,汉江上游谷地与渭河谷地自全新世以来经历了相同的气候演变阶段,均记录了6000-5000a BP的干冷气候事件。