Quaternary fossil fauna from the Luangwa Valley,Zambia

This paper describes a large collection of Quaternary fossil fauna from the Luangwa Rift Valley, Zambia. Stone Age artefacts have been recovered from stratified fluvial contexts, but no in situ fossil faunas have yet been recovered. We report on 500 fossil specimens collected from the surface of point bars exposed seasonally along the banks of the main Luangwa River channel. We used non‐destructive X‐ray fluorescence analysis of the fossils' chemical signatures to determine whether they derive from one or many primary contexts, and the relationship between chemical signature and state of preservation. Specimens are identified to taxon (genus) to reconstruct palaeoenvironments and biochronology. A relatively wide range of taxa is identified, including a fossil hominin talus, described here. None of the fossils is positively attributable to extinct species, except a femur of an extinct Theropithecus reported in 2003. Although no additional extinct taxa were identified, some of the remains were attributable to genera that are not currently found in this region. The results suggest that most of the assemblage derives from sediments which are Middle Pleistocene or later, and that past environments in the Luangwa Valley may have differed from the habitat availability found today.     

Origin of higher fusulinids of the order eoschwagerinida Minato et Honjo, 1966

As is argued in this work, genera Zarodella Sosnina, 1981, and Grovesella Davydov et Arefifard, 2007, could be ancestors of the genus Pamirina Leven, 1970, which gave birth to all higher fusulinids. Two former genera similar to each other are distinguished conventionally to a certain extent in a large flexible taxon of small primitive polymorphic fusulinids close to the Bashkirian genera Eostaffella, Plectostaffella, and Semistaffella. Without essential changes, this taxon existed for a long time from the Bashkirian Age of the Late Carboniferous to the Bolorian Age of the Permian. The genus Pamirina branched off that taxon in the Yakhtashian Age. Along with Zarodella and Grovesella, the genus Pamirina is attributed to the order Ozawainellida.     

Molecular isotopic heterogeneity of fossil organic matter: implications for δCbiomass and δCpalaeoatmosphere proxies

The degree of isotopic variation in fossil organic matter renders bulk δ¹³C signatures strongly influenced by molecular isotopic heterogeneity. For example, in fossil wood the relative abundance of less depleted ¹³C moieties, i.e. preserved ¹³C enriched polysaccharides versus the relatively ¹³C depleted lignin moieties, can be seen to significantly bias δ¹³C_{fossil wood} values. Moreover the variation in δ¹³C values of specific compounds within fossil material are themselves highly variable and reflect the heterogeneity in isotopic values of different carbon atoms within individual compounds. For studies using δ¹³C values of fossil plant material as proxies (e.g., for δ¹³C_{palaeoatmosphere}, δ¹³C_biomass) it is recommended that the biases introduced through molecular heterogeneity, preservation type and taxonomic status of the fossil material are determined initially. Biases inherent in the bulk signature can then be reduced, rendering this value more robust. Alternatively, compound specific stable carbon isotope measurements of individual moieties preserved through geological time might prove to be an alternative proxy for monitoring changes in the bulk δ¹³C value of the plant and might reveal atmospherically induced trends.     

“Late Quaternary lacustrine paleo-seismic archives in north-western Alps: Examples of earthquake-origin assessment of sedimentary disturbances”

The late Quaternary sedimentary fills of several lakes of the north-western Alps are revealed to be possible paleo-seismological “archives” in a moderately active seismo-tectonic region. The strongest historically reported events can be correlated with specific layers, whose textures result from different processes: i) mass failures of sub-aqueous slope deposits (especially delta foresets) evolving into hyperpycnal currents influenced by seiche effects and/or multiple reflections on lake basin slopes; ii) in situ liquefaction and flowage; and iii) micro-fracturing. Based on identification of the sedimentary signature of a well-documented historical earthquake, the paleoseismic interpretation can be extrapolated back to 16,000 yrs BP with a reconstruction of a time series and textural identification of slope failure-related turbidites (the most frequent earthquake signature). The obtained time series are compatible with historical seismicity in terms of recurrence interval.     

Climatic cycles inferred from the aminostratigraphy and aminochronology of Quaternary dunes and palaeosols from the eastern islands of the Canary Archipelago

Aminochronological and aminostratigraphical methods have been used to study the Quaternary aeolian deposits from the islands located east of the Canary Archipelago (Fuerteventura and Lanzarote islands and La Graciosa, Montaña Clara and Alegranza islets). The extent of racemisation/epimerisation of four amino acids (isoleucine, aspartic acid, phenylalanine and glutamic acid) was measured in land snail shells of the genus Theba. The age calculation algorithms of these amino acids have been determined to permit the numerical dating of these deposits. Eight Aminozones, each defining dune/palaeosol‐formation episodes, have been distinguished and dated at 48.6 ± 6.4, 42.5 ± 6.0, 37.8 ± 4.6, 29.4 ± 4.8, 22.4 ± 4.5, 14.9 ± 3.6, 11.0 ± 4.0 and 5.4 ± 1.1 ka BP, the first five of them defining cycles of 5–7 ka. The alternation of palaeosols and aeolian deposits, which are related to abrupt transitions from humid to arid conditions, are the reflection of globally induced changes in North Africa palaeoenvironmental conditions linked to the effect of African palaeomonsoons on the trade winds and the Saharan Air Layer. Probably these aeolian cycles, with a recurrence period of 5–7 ka, are the expression of multiples of the ～2.4 ka solar‐cycle. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Similarity and regional differences in Quaternary arvicolid evolution in Central and Eastern Europe

Because of their rapid evolution and abundant fossil record, arvicolid molars are commonly employed in Quaternary biostratigraphy. In addition, with their extensive geographical ranges these fossils often permit interregional faunal correlations. However, as a pre-condition for such correlations it has to be established that the occurrences are really time parallel in the different regions. This paper deals with the particular comparison of arvicolid records from Central and Eastern Europe. In most of the earliest and latest records of the species investigated similarities in the spectrum of accompanying species can be observed. In some cases endemism (Ungaromys, Ellobius, Eolagurus, Villanyia, several Pliomys species) or different taxonomic interpretations do not provide a sufficient base for comparison. Only for a few taxa can clear biostratigraphical differences of ranges be recognised (mainly Mimomys savini-Arvicola and various lineages within the genus Microtus). In some cases, differences in the chronostratigraphical ranges are possibly caused by the lack of a geological and palaeomagnetic framework for most of the Central European localities.     

On the validity of the Permian bivalve family Pachydomidae Fischer 1887

Australian bivalve genera referred to the Family Pachydomidae Fischer (1887) and Newell (1956) are compared in details of dentition and ligament with genera placed in the Edmondiidae King (1850). It is found that the hinges of Myonia Dana (1847) and Pachymyonia Dun (1932) are edentulous like those of Edmondia de Koninck (1844). Megadesmus Sowerby (1838) ( = Pachydomus Morris 1845) has a rudimentary tooth in the right valve, but its anterior retractor connected to the adductor by the protractor resembles the musculature of Myonia and Pachymyonia, and the internal ligament is in between that of Edmondia unioniformis and E. josepha, so that the differences are scarcely of subfamilial and probably not of familial rank. Other genera referred to the Pachydomidae differ more. Pyramus, Notomya, and Globicarina have a well‐defined tooth in the right valve and a discrete anterior retractor, and Astartila has a tooth in each valve, and a discrete anterior retractor. Astartila appears to be close in its dentition to the Early Carboniferous genus Scaldia de Ryckholdt (1852). Thus, whilst the present study is incomplete because of the uncertain nature of the hinge and musculature of some edmondiid genera of the European Carboniferous, it appears that the Family Pachydomidae is polyphyletic, with several generic lineages, of which at least two can be traced back to Early Carboniferous members of the Family Edmondiidae.     

Defining the Quaternary

The Quaternary System is under threat of extinction as a chronostratigraphic unit in the international Geological Time Scale. In its place, the Neogene System (previously comprising Miocene and Pliocene Series), is to be extended to include the Pleistocene and Holocene Series. It may be possible to “save” the Quaternary by defining it as a Subsystem of the Neogene. In doing so, it would be an opportune time to extend the base of the Quaternary to 2.6 Ma to encompass the time during which (1) Earth's climate has been strongly influenced by bi-polar glaciation, and (2) the genus Homo first appeared and evolved.     

中国南方泥盆系发现颗石藻

颗石藻作为一种超微远洋浮游生物,出现于侏罗纪里阿斯世(Lias),繁盛于晚白垩世至第三纪。最近又有所进展。哈克(Hag,1981)面告,最老的颗石藻出现于石炭纪和二叠纪。本文所报道之颗石藻发现于晚泥盆世,是截至目前为止最老的颗石藻化石。 颗石藻演化迅速,分布广泛,形态特征明显,而且数量众多,对划分对比海相地层有一定的意义。本文只对研究区所采标本的颗石藻进行鉴定、描述和分类。     

Geochemical characterization of a Quaternary monogenetic volcano in Erciyes Volcanic Complex: Cora Maar (Central Anatolian Volcanic Province,Turkey)

Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP) is a fine example of Neogene-Quaternary post-collisional volcanism in the Alpine-Mediterranean region. Volcanism in the Alpine-Mediterranean region comprises tholeiitic, transitional, calc-alkaline, and shoshonitic types with an “orogenic” fingerprint. Following the orogenic volcanism, subordinate, within-plate alkali basalts (sl) showing little or no orogenic signature are generally reported in the region. CAVP is mainly characterized by widespread calc-alkaline andesitic-dacitic volcanism with orogenic trace element signature, reflecting enrichment of their source regions by subduction-related fluids. Cora Maar (CM) located within the Erciyes pull-apart basin, is an example to numerous Quaternary monogenetic volcanoes of the CAVP, generally considered to be alkaline. Major and trace element geochemical and geochronological data for the CM are presented in comparison with other CAVP monogenetic volcanoes. CM scoria is basaltic andesitic, transitional-calc-alkaline in nature, and characterized by negative Nb–Ta, Ba, P and Ti anomalies in mantle-normalized patterns. Unlike the “alkaline” basalts of the Mediterranean region, other late-stage basalts from the CAVP monogenetic volcanoes are classified as tholeiitic, transitional and mildly alkaline. They display the same negative anomalies and incompatible element ratios as CM samples. In this respect, CM is comparable to other CAVP monogenetic basalts (sl), but different from the Meditterranean intraplate alkali basalts. Several lines of evidence suggest derivation of CM and other CAVP monogenetic basalts from shallow depths within the lithospheric mantle, that is from a garnet-free source. In a wider regional context, CAVP basalts (sl) are comparable to Apuseni (Romania) and Big Pine (Western Great Basin, USA) volcanics, except the former have depleted Ba contents. This is a common feature for the CAVP volcanics and might be related to crustal contamination or source characteristics. Indeed, HFS and other incompatible element ratios suggest the role of crustal contamination in the genesis of the CAVP monogenetic basalts.     

The occurrence of bothriodontines (Artiodactyla, Mammalia) in the Paleogene of Asia with special reference to Elomeryx: Paleobiogeographical implications

Anthracotheriid remains from several Paleogene localities of central and eastern Asia have been re-examined. Several fossil remains attributed to the genera Bothriodon, Brachyodus and Hyoboops can be referred to Elomeryx which extends the geographical distribution of the genus to the whole area of Asia. These results demonstrate the role that Asia played in the biogeographical history of mammals and further support the proposed origin of North American Elomeryx from an Asian ancestor.     

New material of Anancus kenyensis (proboscidea, mammalia) from Toros-Menalla (Late Miocene, Chad): Contribution to the systematics of African anancines

New fossil remains of the proboscidean genus Anancus are described. Among them, a complete skull allows us to revisit for the first time the entire Chadian Anancus fossil record. This genus occurred in the Old World from the late Miocene up to the early Pleistocene. The analysis of dental and cranial characters was allowed individual variations from specific characters to be distinguished. In this study we show that Anancus kenyensis and Anancus osiris are very likely synonym taxa which leads us to emend the diagnosis of A. kenyensis. In addition, this study shows that dental characters in anancines lineage are of little significance for biostratigraphical inference, by contrast to previous works. This study brings new data about the phylogenetical and palaeobiogeographical history of the African anancines.     

Strontium Isotope Stratigraphy: Principles and State of the Art

The methodical basis, development, and current state of a new method of chronostratigraphic studies, i.e., strontium isotope stratigraphy (SIS), are considered. This method makes it possible to date and correlate geographically distant sedimentary sequences without involving the biostratigraphic and isotope geochronological data. SIS is based on secular variations in ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr in the paleocean, resulting from the redistribution of the roles of two global strontium flows formed in the mantle and continental reservoirs of the Earth. Isotopic homogeneity of Sr in the paleoceans and in the linked seas leads to the fact that the ⁸⁷Sr/⁸⁶Sr ratio in the sea basins is individual for each geological time point and is inherited in marine chemogenic sediments under deposition of dissolved Sr as an isomorphic impurity. Low-Mg calcite and also fragments of fossilized paleontological remains buried in situ are the best minerals that are capable of retaining the Sr isotopic signature of the sedimentation environment. SIS is carried out with geochemical diagnostics of secondary alteration of the studied material and selective dissolution of the samples to produce a carbonate material that adequately reflects isotopic signature of the sedimentary basin. Interregional correlations of the Proterozoic and Cenozoic sea sediments and their relation to the SIS-based stratigraphic scale are given as an example.     

Quaternary aminostratigraphy of eolianite on Lord Howe Island,Southwest Pacific Ocean

Amino acid racemization (AAR) dating of the eolianite on Lord Howe Island is used to correlate several disparate successions and provides a geochronological framework that ranges from Holocene to Middle Pleistocene time. The reliability of the AAR data is assessed by analysing multiple samples from individual lithostratigraphic units, checking the stratigraphic order of the D/L ratios and the consistency of the relative extents of racemization for a suite of seven amino acids. Three aminozones are defined on the basis of the extent of racemization of amino acids in land snails (Placostylus bivaricosus) and ‘whole-rock’ eolianite samples. Aminozone A includes Placostylus from modern soil horizons (e.g. mean D/L-leucine ratio of 0.03±0.01) and whole-rock samples from unconsolidated lagoonal and beach deposits (0.10±0.01–0.07±0.03). Aminozone B includes Placostylus (0.45±0.03) and whole-rock samples from beach (0.48±0.01) and dune (0.45±0.02–0.30±0.02) units of the Neds Beach Formation, deposited during OIS 5. The oldest, Aminozone C, comprises Placostylus recovered from paleosols (0.76±0.02) and whole-rock eolianite samples (0.62±0.00) from the Searles Point Formation, which indicate the formation was likely deposited over several Oxygen Isotope Stages (OIS), during and prior to OIS 7. These data support independent lithostratigraphic interpretations and are in broad agreement with U/Th ages of speleothems from the Searles Point Formation and corals from the Neds Beach Formation, and with several TL ages of dune units in both formations. The AAR data reveal that eolianite deposition extends over a significantly longer time interval than previously appreciated and indicate that the deposition of the large dune units is linked to periods of relatively high sea level.     

Two New“Notostracans”,Chenops gen.nov.and Jeholops gen.nov. (Crustacea:Branchiopoda:?Notostraca) from the Yixian Formation,Northeastern China

<正>The Early Cretaceous Jehol biota of northeastern China contains a diverse group of notostracans, including two genera,Chenops and Jeholops,described here.Chenops is characterized by a combination of an ovate carapace,narrow anal plate,equant distal endites and endopod on the anterior thoracic limbs.In addition to the new species,Chenops yixianensis,the genus also provisionally includes Prolepidurus oblongus Oleynikov, 1968.Jeholops,however,is monotypic,represented by the new species Jeholops hongi.It is characterized by a combination of kazacharthran and notostracan features unique to this taxon.Both new genera are provisionally placed in the taxon Notostraca.More detailed work exploring the morphology of exceptionally-preserved branchiopod crustaceans is needed.The difficulties in placing fossil notostracans into a phylogenetic framework are discussed.     

A New Axymyiid Genus with Two New Species from the Middle Jurassic of China (Diptera: Nematocera: Axymyiidae)

The Axymyiidae is one of the small families of the suborder Nematocera within the Diptera.Up to date,three genera and seven species of extant axymyiids have been described from the Holarctic Region,including Canada,China,Hungary,Japan,Russia,and USA,with three genera and three species of fossil taxa described from the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou,northeastern China.A new genus Raraxymyia gen.nov.and two new species,R.parallela and R.proxima gen.et sp.nov.from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of Daohugou Village,Inner Mongolia,China,are herein described based on their well-preserved wings and body characters.A revised key to the genera of axymyiids is provided.     

Quaternary corals from reefs in the Wakatobi Marine National Park,SE Sulawesi,Indonesia, show similar growth rates to modern corals from the same area

We have used digital photography, image analysis and measurements in the field to determine the growth rates of Quaternary corals in the Wakatobi Marine National Park, Indonesia, and compared them to growth rates of similar corals in the same area. In the Quaternary deposits it was possible to measure the growth rates of two massive coral genera Porites and Favites. For each genus, the corals reworked from better‐illuminated upslope environments had higher growth rates than the in situ fossil corals. The calculated radial growth rates for the in situ Porites are slightly lower than, but of the same order of magnitude as, the modern Porites growing in 10 m water depth at Hoga (10.04 ± 3.34 mm yr^?1 ± 1 s.d.; n = 3) and Kaledupa (15.26 ± 4.83 mm yr^?1 ± 1 s.d.; n = 3). Sedimentation rates and underwater visibility are inferred to have been similar in the fossil site to that at the modern Kaledupa site. Decreasing light penetration due to increased water depth is inferred to have been a major influence on growth rates. The in situ massive corals with good growth banding are inferred to have grown in a comparable environment to modern Kaledupa and Hoga. The study highlights that it is possible to compare coral growth rates, and their influencing parameters, from modern and well‐preserved ancient examples. Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The genesis of late Quaternary caliche nodules in Mission Bay, Texas: stable isotopic compositions and palaeoenvironmental interpretation

Caliche is a fairly widespread pedogenic carbonate that commonly has been used to reconstruct palaeoclimatological conditions. Stable isotopic analyses of three types of caliche nodules from Mission Bay, Texas, provide insights into the values and limitations in palaeoenvironmental interpretations. Soft incipient nodules (type I) and partially lithified chalky nodules (type II), composed of low Mg‐calcite, are in situ pedogenic products in the late Quaternary soils; they represent young to intermediate caliche nodules with no obvious diagenesis and, with constraints, can be used to investigate palaeoenvironmental conditions. The well‐lithified hard nodules (type III) dispersed on the beach and shallow bay exhibit complex shapes, fabrics, mineralogy and geochemical compositions. They are mature nodules that have undergone substantial diagenesis and, therefore, are believed to have lost their initial environmental signatures. The incipient nodules in the presently active grey soil and the older subjacent brown soil display significantly different δ¹³C values, ?8·4 and ?4·4‰, respectively, which indicates a change in palaeovegetation from C₃/C₄ mixed to C₃‐dominated flora. The δ¹³C values probably reflect a marked climate shift from warm and dry to cool and wet conditions in the middle Holocene. However, in the same grey soil, there is a sub‐set of incipient caliche nodules with δ¹³C values around 0·1‰, which is probably due to the input of localized carbon sources in the soil (e.g. shell fragments). The occurrence of essentially identical nodules appearing from the same modern soil horizon with significantly different δ¹³C values questions the universal reliability of this type of data for palaeoenvironmental interpretation. This study demonstrates that, whereas the stable isotopic compositions of caliche nodules can be used for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction, diagenesis and the influence of localized carbonate sources in the soils could lead to erroneous interpretations.     

Palynological dating and correlation of surface and subsurface sediments from Wardha valley coalfield,Maharashtra

42 genera of palynomorphs have been reported from the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the palynoflora from both open cast mine and bore holes viz., Ballarpur open cast mine, Durgapur open cast mine and Bore hole CMWNM-57 on barrier between Kawadi/Majri open cast and Hindustan Lalpeth Colliery from the Wardha valley coalfield of Wardha basin. Two palynoassemblages have been recorded i.e., an Upper Karharbari palynoassemblage comprising dominance of radial monosaccate genus Parasaccites and subdominance of nonstriate disaccate genus Scheuringipollenites and a Lower Barakar palynoassemblage consisting of dominance of Scheuringipollenites and subdominance of striate disaccates chiefly Faunipollenites, suggesting an Early Permian age (Late Sakmarian to Early Artinskian) to the sediments. It is further authenticated by the occurrence of palynotaxa viz., Crucisaccites, Caheniasaccites, Indotriradites and Tiwariasporis. Upper Karharbari Formation has been demarcated for the first time in lithologically designated Barakar Formations in Ballarpur, Durgapur, Majri and Hindustan Lalpeth Colliery while the sample 57/2 of bore hole CMWNM from Kawadi area may belong to the Kamthi Formation on the basis of pinkish yellowish coarse grained to medium grained sandstone. An attempt has been made to correlate these palynoassemblages with other Lower Gondwana basins of Early Permian affinity.     

The problem of the Quaternary, geological environment and desertification

 The Quaternary geological environment supplied mankind with a habitat and rich natural resources such as forest, meadow, water, etc. Mankind has developed to modern civilization through a very long history. During the last 100 years the area of desertification has been expanding, natural resources have been consumed, and eco-environments plundered. Mankind felled forests, cultivated grassland, and increased farmland because of unceasing increasing population and the need for materials. In a period of 50–100 years, mankind's destruction could change good meadow into desert. The following examples are evidence: Shangdu grassland in Inner Mongolia and the west grassland of Jilin Province have been changing into desert rapidly. Two concepts of destructive power (D) and bearing capacity (B) can be used to describe this process. When D<B, the ecosystem keeps good circulation, D=B, eco-balance reaches critical state, and D>B, ecosystem loses balance, the environment is destroyed and developed toward desert. The law of destructive power increasing with time accords with logistic curves and can be expressed by a logistic model. Destructive power (D) increases with decrease of bearing capacity (B);D and B represent a reciprocal relation. With a logistic model the developing process of desertification can be studied and the developing rate and strength of change can be forecasted. Received: 20 July 1998 · Accepted: 1 December 1998