First record of the leptonectid ichthyosaur <Emphasis Type="Italic">Eurhinosaurus longirostris</Emphasis> from the Early Jurassic of Switzerland and its stratigraphic framework

An incomplete skull of the leptonectid ichthyosaur Eurhinosaurus longirostris found in the Rietheim Member (previously “Posidonienschiefer”; Toarcian, Early Jurassic) of Staffelegg, Canton Aargau, is the first record from Switzerland of this taxon and supports the status of Eurhinosaurus longirostris as a palaeobiogeographic very widespread ichthyosaur species in the Early Toarcian of Western Europe. Being from either the Bifrons or Variabilis zone, it is one of the youngest records of Eurhinosaurus and one of the few diagnostic ichthyosaur finds from this time interval. The partial skull is well articulated and preserved three-dimensionally in a carbonate concretion. Both the mode of preservation of the ichthyosaur and an associated ammonoid (Catacoeloceras raquinianum) provided the age of the concretion, which had been collected from scree. Taphocoenosis and taphonomy show the C. raquinianum to be one of few non re-worked fossils recorded from the Early to Late Toarcian boundary (Bifrons/Variabilis zone) of northern Switzerland in general and of this ammonite species in particular. The Toarcian section at Staffelegg differs from other localities where strata of the same age are exposed with respect to facies variations of the Rietheim Member (previously “Posidonienschiefer”, Early Toarcian) and the extraordinarily high thickness of the Gross Wolf Member (previously “Jurensis-Mergel”, Late Toarcian).     

Systematic Revision of Trilobites from the Middle Ordovician (Darriwilian) Klimoli Formation of the Zhuozishan Area, Inner Mongolia, China

New morphologic information permits systematic revision of trilobites from the Middle Ordovician Klimoli Formation of the Zhuozishan area, Ordos Basin, Inner Mongolia. The new assemblage is composed of 10 species of the Raphiophoridae, Nileidae, Asaphidae, and Telephinidae.? An asaphid, aff. Mioptychopyge lashachungensis (previously Paraptychopyge lashachungensis) displays an intermediate morphology between the Chinese nobiliasaphine genera Mioptychopyge and Zhenganites. The pygidial doublure is regarded as the most significant character to differentiate Symphysurus klimoliensis (previously Nileus klimoliensis) of the Nileidae from such closely allied taxa as Poronileus. A nileid, cf. Peraspis kujandensis displays typical nileid morphology, unlike the type species, Peraspis lineolata, which might turn out to be an asaphid. Ampyx gongwusuensis sp. nov. of the Raphiophoridae is the first record of the genus in the Zhuozishan area and reveals morphologic details that might be employed to resolve Ampyx taxonomy in China. Morphologic differences between A. gongwusuensis and Abulbaspis ordosensis might represent a case of sexual dimorphism.     

A New Mantispid-Like Species of Rhachiberothinae(Neuroptera:Berothidae)from Baltic Amber,with a Critical Review of the Fossil Record of the Subfamily

<正>Whalfera wiszniewskii sp.nov.is described from the Late Eocene Baltic amber.The genus Whalfera is considered as the only fossil genus confidently assigned to the Rhachlberothinae.Others previously placed in this subfamily belong to Paraberothinae(except perhaps for Oisea).The Late Eocene/present Rhachiberothinae and the Cretaceous Paraberothinae are considered to be the subfamilies of Berothidae.     

A new species of the genus Besania Brough 1939 from the Middle Triassic of Canton Grisons (Switzerland) with a discussion of the phylogenetic status of the taxon

Recent excavations in the Middle Triassic Prosanto Formation (Ladinian, Ct. Grisons, Switzerland) have produced new material of the genus Besania Brough 1939. These specimens show many previously unrecorded details. Some features differ from those of the type species Besania micrognathus, and we therefore erect a new species, Besania schaufelbergeri sp. nov. This new material has prompted a re-evaluation of the phylogenetic interrelationships of the genus. The taxon seems to be closely related to basal Halecostomi. An erratum to this article is available at .     

Garnet zoning and the identification of equilibrium mineral compositions in high-pressure–temperature granulites from the Moldanubian Zone, Austria

A detailed investigation of the compositional variation in garnet has been undertaken in a garnet–pyroxene‐bearing granulite from the high‐grade Gföhl Unit, Moldanubian Zone, Lower Austria. Textural observations, together with the interpretation of the preserved garnet chemistry, enables the recognition of both prograde core and peak metamorphic garnet mantle growth stages, an extremely rare feature in high‐P–T granulite facies rocks. Initial thermobarometric calculations undertaken across whole garnet zoning profiles show how correct interpretation of a zoning profile is essential if the maximum peak metamorphic P–T conditions are to be recovered. The effect of retrograde decompression‐ and cooling‐driven reactions on inclusion and host garnet compositions has also been assessed. The results indicate that caution should be exercised when utilizing inclusion and adjacent garnet compositions for the thermobarometric evaluation of peak metamorphic equilibration conditions. Peak P–T conditions were determined by the TWEEQU thermobarometric method, utilizing the core compositions of matrix phases combined with the interpreted high‐P–T garnet mantle composition, to give 15.6 kbar and 1090 °C, consistent with previously determined results for Moldanubian granulites. Similar high‐P–T estimates are also provided by a re‐evaluation of previously published results for a granulite sample from the same lithological unit, using a modified interpretation of garnet and plagioclase compositional data. The new estimates presented confirm the previously disputed idea that the Gföhl Unit underwent a high‐pressure granulite facies stage and is therefore distinctly different from the underlying tectonostratigraphic units. It is emphasized that any interpretation of the peak metamorphic conditions in high‐grade rocks must be based on detailed petrographic observations combined with a thorough understanding of the co‐existing equilibrium mineral compositions.     

Palaeomagnetism of the Gawler Range Volcanics and implications for the genesis of the middleback hematite orebodies

A new Precambrian palaeomagnetic pole has been obtained for the Gawler Craton, South Australia. The pole is based on results obtained from the accurately dated Gawler Range Volcanics (1525 ± 15 m.y.) and is situated 230°E 60.4°N with ^a 95 = 6.2°. The pole is in excellent agreement with poles previously determined from the negatively magnetized ore of Iron Monarch and the negatively magnetized dykes that intrude the Gawler Craton. The results suggest that the iron ore‐forming process is closely related to igneous activity and supports the hypothesis of a hypogene origin for the ore.     

New Cretaceous Scoliidae (Vespida=Hymenoptera) from the Lower Cretaceous of Spain and Brazil

A new genus, Cretaproscolia, and three new species of scoliid wasps, Archaeoscolia hispanica, Cretoscolia montsecana and Cretaproscolia josai, are described from the Lower Cretaceous of Spain and Brazil. The species representing the new genus is attributed to the plesiomorphic extant subfamily Proscoliinae, while the two other new species are assigned to two previously described genera in the extinct, archaic subfamily Archaeoscoliinae. The Brazilian species is the first Mesozoic scoliidid to have been described from the New World.     

Rhaxellid sponge microscleres from the Portlandian of Dorset,UK

Three previously described species and two new species of rhaxellid microscleres, Rhaxella winspitensis sp. nov. and R. elongata sp. nov., are described from cherts collected from the Cherty Series of the Portlandian of Dorset. The classification of Rhaxella is reviewed, retaining the genus within the family Geodiidae Gray. The results of this study suggest that three time-dependent rhaxellid assemblages can be recognized which, despite being restricted to certain depositional environments, may have biostratigraphic applications. A Portlandian assemblage described here is species-rich in comparison with known Oxfordian-Kimmeridgian assemblages. Bajocian-Callovian assemblages contain only R. sorbyana. The increased faunal diversity with time is speculatively described by an evolving Rhaxella lineage.     

Revision of the Clam Shrimp Genus Magumbonia from the Upper Jurassic of the Luanping Basin,Hebei, Northern China

The diverse clam shrimp Nestoria-Keratestheria fauna is widely distributed in the Dabeigou Formation in northern Hebei and eastern Inner Mongolia of China. Its important component genus Magumbonia from the Dabeigou Formation in the Luanping Basin, northern Hebei, China, is revised on the basis of a scanning electron microscope (SEM) examination of the type species M. jingshangensis Wang, 1984, which revealed morphological features not recognized previously. These include coarse reticulation on the umbo and prominent growth lines ornamented with densely spaced, small tubercles and fine lirae.     

Revision of the conchostracan genus Estherites from the Upper Cretaceous Nenjiang Formation of the Songliao Basin and its biogeographic significance in China

The diagnosis of Estherites corrugatus from the basal part of the Coniacian Second Member of the Nenjiang Formation in Nenjiang County, north-east China is revised following the application of a new preparation technique to some of the carapaces and an examination of specimens under a scanning electron microscope, both of which revealed morphological features on the carapace that had not been recognized previously. Restudy of the type species of the two subgenera Estherites (Euestherites) and Estherites (Parestherites) also revealed details of carapace features not seen hitherto. These indicate that they should be separated from Estherites. As a result, Euestherites is upgraded to genus level and Parestherites is placed in synonymy. The importance of Estherites and Euestherites is considered in the context of Late Cretaceous assemblages of these crustaceans and the three conchostracan provinces (South-West, South-East and North China) that are recognized to have been present in China during the Turonian–Santonian period.     

New Bathonian (Middle Jurassic) ammonite assemblages from Kutch, India

The Bathonian ammonite assemblages have been previously poorly recorded in Kutch. The present study has unearthed a rich array of ammonite taxa ranging from the Middle to Upper Bathonian. While Oxycerites Rollier (1909) is a new record from Kutch, the oldest occurrence of Choffatia Siemiradzki (1898) has been found from the Middle Bathonian horizon. Oxycerites cf. orbis (Giebel) is a zonal index of the Late Bathonian in other areas and thus facilitates interprovincial correlation. Besides, palaeobiogeographic and stratigraphic distribution of many species have been modified based on new information. For example, macrocephalitin species, i.e., Kamptokephalites cf. etheridgei Spath (1928), Macrocephalites bifurcatus transient intermedius Spath (1928), M. cf. mantataranus Boehm (1912) were previously known from West Pacific, Indonesia have been now found in Kutch. Gracilisphinctes Buckman (1920) has been previously known to occur during the Middle Bathonian time, the present work extends its stratigraphic distribution up to the definite Upper Bathonian horizon. Procerites hians (Waagen) an endemic species in Kutch previously known from the Upper Bathonian beds, its stratigraphic range has been extended down to the Middle Bathonian.Detail taxonomy of the newly obtained taxa has been done and in many cases sexual dimorphism has been recognized.     

Discovery of antler from a new site in the Pinjor Formation (Pleistocene) of Pakistan

Partially complete right antler from the Pinjor Formation (Pleistocene) of the Upper Siwalik Subgroup is identified, described and its phylogenetic relationship is discussed. The fossil antler is compared with other known fossil records of family Cervidae as well as with the extant species, on the basis of which it can be attributed to Axis punjabiensis. This species has not been reported previously from this fossil site.     

A New Fossil Termite(Isoptera,Stolotermitidae,Stolotermes)from the Early Miocene of Otago,New Zealand

<正>The forewing of a termite from Early Miocene lake sediments in Otago,southern New Zealand is figured and described.It exhibits the generic characters of the damp-wood termite Stolotermes Hagen,but differs from forewings of the known species in size and venation pattern and is described as Stolotermes kupe sp.nov.S.kupe represents the first confident record of fossil Stolotermitidae and extends the fossil record of the family back to the Early Miocene.It also is the first direct evidence of fossil Isoptera from New Zealand,though silicified termite faecal pellets,referable to Kalotermes brauni,have been previously described.S.kupe indicates that Stolotermitidae has been present in the Australasian region since at least the Early Miocene.     

Lepidostrobus haslingdenensis: A new species from the Lancashire Millstone Grit

A collection of microsporangiate cones is described from the topmost Namurian of Rossendale, Lancashire. The microspores are closely comparable with the dispersed spore species Lycospora noctuina, being of a type that has not been previously recorded from a fructification.     

A new species of Taxodioxylon from the Lower Cretaceous of the Jixi Basin, eastern Heilongjiang, China

Newly discovered silicified wood from the Jixi Basin, Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, represents the first record of Taxodioxylon sensu Gothan from the Lower Cretaceous of China. Taxodioxylon szei sp. nov. is characterized by abundant wood parenchyma, uniseriate rays 1–50 cells in height, 1–2 rows of separately or contiguously arranged bordered pits, taxodioid-type pits in cross field, no normal resin canals and an absence of spiral thickenings in tracheids. It agrees well with the diagnostic characters of Taxodioxylon, but is distinguished from previously described species by higher rays, the presence of idioblasts in some rays, and by having black granules, which seem to be clusters of a needle-like substance (crystals?) in axial wood parenchyma cells, and traumatic resin canals. The anatomy of T. szei, and other palaeobotanical and sedimentological evidence indicate that the Early Cretaceous climate of the Jixi Basin was seasonal and very favourable to tree growth.     

Prediction of local ore recoveries and ore-waste ratios at the silver bell uranium mine

Geostatistical estimation techniques were customized to allow forecasting of production figures at the Silver Bell uranium mine (Uravan District).Surface drill hole data were used to provide a block model of kriged estimators of average uranium grades. Figures for recoverable ore grade and the ore-waste ratio are then deduced from regressive curves previously obtained from underground information and production data. Cross-validations of the entire model were performed and were found positive.     

Five generations of monazite in Langtang gneisses: implications for chronology of the Himalayan metamorphic core

Monazite grains from Greater Himalayan Sequence gneisses, Langtang valley, Nepal, were chemically mapped and then dated in situ via Th–Pb ion‐microprobe analysis. Correlation of ages and chemistry reveals at least five different generations of monazite, ranging from c. 9 to >300 Ma. Petrological models of monazite chemistry provide a link between these generations and the thermal evolution of these rocks, yielding an age for the melting of Greater Himalayan rocks within the Main Central Thrust sheet (c. 16 Ma), and for the timing of thrust sheet emplacement that are younger than commonly viewed. Chemical characterization of monazite is vital prior to chronological microanalysis, and many ages previously reported for monazite from the Greater Himalayan Sequence are interpretationally ambiguous.     

Early Permian ammonoids from the Kaeng Krachan Group of the Phatthalung-Hat Yai area, southern peninsular Thailand

An Early Permian small ammonoid fauna consisting of Neocrimites sp., Agathiceras suessi Gemmellaro, A. girtyi Böse, Agathiceras? sp., and Miklukhoceras sp. was found in nodules of a fine sandstone bed exposed in the Phatthalung-Hat Yai area of southern peninsular Thailand. The ammonoid-bearing bed belongs stratigraphically to the uppermost part of the Kaeng Krachan Group, which is essentially a clastic-dominant, Late Carboniferous (?) to Early Permian stratigraphic unit, widely distributed in western and peninsular Thailand. This ammonoid fauna is considered to be of Bolorian (Kungurian) age and includes Agathiceras girtyi Böse, which is described for the first time from Thailand. The present discovery of Bolorian ammonoids suggests that the uppermost part of the Kaeng Krachan Group is slightly younger than previously considered and around the latest Early Permian. This further implies that the continental margin environment of the Sibumasu Block drastically changed at around Bolorian time from a cool, clastic-dominant shelf condition to a temperate to subtropical, carbonate platform due to rapid northward drift after middle Artinskian rifting.     

The value ofC efor the Arabian Sea during summer monsoon

We estimate, from the moisture budget the bulk aerodynamic coefficient for latent heat flux (C _e) during the monsoon season over the central Arabian Sea. The average value ofC _eunder active monsoon conditions was found to be 2.25 × 10⁻³ which is nearly 60% higher than those previously used.     

Temperature and Salinity Effects on Alkenone Ratios Measured in Surface Sediments from the Indian Ocean

We compare alkenone unsaturation ratios measured on recent sediments from the Indian Ocean (20°N–45°S) with modern sea oceanographic parameters. For each of the core sites we estimated average seasonal cycles of sea surface temperature (SST) and salinity, which we then weighted with the seasonal productivity cycle derived from chlorophyll satellite imagery. The unsaturation index (U₃₇^K′) ranges from 0.2 to 1 and correlates with water temperature but not with salinity. TheU₃₇^K′versus SST relationship for Indian Ocean sediments (U₃₇^K′= 0.033 SST + 0.05) is similar to what has been observed for core tops from the Pacific and Atlantic oceans and the Black Sea. A global compilation for core tops givesU₃₇^K′= 0.031 T + 0.084 (R= 0.98), which is close to a previously reported calibration based on particulate organic matter from the water column. For temperatures between 24° and 29°C, however, the slope seems to decrease to about 0.02U₃₇^K′unit/°C. For Indian Ocean core tops, the ratios of total C₃₇alkenones/total C₃₈alkenones and the slope of theU₃₇^K′-SST relationship are similar to those previously observed for cultures ofEmiliania huxleyibut different from those previously published forGephyrocapsa oceanica.EitherE. huxleyiis a major producer of alkenones in the Indian Ocean or strains ofG. oceanicaliving in the northern Indian Ocean behave differently from the one cultured. In contrast with coccolithophorid assemblages, the ratios of C₃₇alkenones to total C₃₈alkenones lack clear geographic pattern in the Indian Ocean.