Crustal Thinning of the Northern Continental Margin of the South China Sea

Magnetic data suggest that the distribution of the oceanic crust in the northern South China Sea (SCS) may extend to about 21 °N and 118.5 °E. To examine the crustal features of the corresponding continent–ocean transition zone, we have studied the crustal structures of the northern continental margin of the SCS. We have also performed gravity modeling by using a simple four-layer crustal model to understand the geometry of the Moho surface and the crustal thicknesses beneath this transition zone. In general, we can distinguish the crustal structures of the study area into the continental crust, the thinned continental crust, and the oceanic crust. However, some volcanic intrusions or extrusions exist. Our results indicate the existence of oceanic crust in the northernmost SCS as observed by magnetic data. Accordingly, we have moved the continent–ocean boundary (COB) in the northeastern SCS from about 19 °N and 119.5 °E to 21 °N and 118.5 °E. Morphologically, the new COB is located along the base of the continental slope. The southeastward thinning of the continental crust in the study area is prominent. The average value of crustal thinning factor of the thinned continental crust zone is about 1.3–1.5. In the study region, the Moho depths generally vary from ca. 28 km to ca. 12 km and the crustal thicknesses vary from ca. 24 km to ca. 6 km; a regional maximum exists around the Dongsha Island. Our gravity modeling has shown that the oceanic crust in the northern SCS is slightly thicker than normal oceanic crust. This situation could be ascribed to the post-spreading volcanism or underplating in this region.     

南海东北部陆缘地壳结构特征及下地壳高速层成因

南海东北部陆缘构造演化信息丰富,对于理解南海的演化过程至关重要。本文收集了南海东北部的深反射地震和海底广角地震成果剖面,提取地壳和下地壳高速层的厚度结果,并结合水深、重磁异常和岩石圈的流变学等地质地球物理资料,对南海东北部的地壳减薄特征、吕宋-琉球转换板块边界的性质和下地壳高速层的分布及成因进行了分析和讨论。南海东北部的地壳减薄在横向和垂向上都存在不均匀性,以下地壳减薄为主,在台西南盆地存在极端减薄地壳;南海北缘的白云凹陷、西沙海槽和西缘的中建南盆地也存在类似的极端减薄地壳,且都与刚性地块共轭或邻近,推测刚性地块的存在导致地壳初始破裂时下地壳流动和地幔上隆是局部出现地壳极端减薄的主要原因。吕宋-琉球转换板块边界两侧在海底地形、新生代反射和重磁异常等方面均存在差异,与中生代岛弧引起的高磁异常大角度相交,其可能是中生代古特提斯构造域向太平洋构造域转换的边界断裂。下地壳高速层在南海东北部广泛发育,结合其分布特征和波速比V_p/V_s的分布区间,认为其是多期次岩浆底侵形成的铁镁质基性岩。     

New Bathymetry and Magnetic Lineations Identifications in the Northernmost South China Sea and their Tectonic Implications

The seafloor spreading of the South China Sea (SCS) was previously believed to take place between ca. 32 and 15 Ma (magnetic anomaly C11 to C5c). New magnetic data acquired in the northernmost SCS however suggests the existence of E–W trending magnetic polarity reversal patterns. Magnetic modeling demonstrates that the oldest SCS oceanic crust could be Late Eocene (as old as 37 Ma, magnetic anomaly C17), with a half-spreading rate of 44 mm/yr. The new identified continent–ocean boundary (COB) in the northern SCS generally follows the base of the continental slope. The COB is also marked by the presence of a relatively low magnetization zone, corresponding to the thinned portion of the continental crust. We suggest that the northern extension of the SCS oceanic crust is terminated by an inactive NW–SE trending trench-trench transform fault, called the Luzon–Ryukyu Transform Plate Boundary (LRTPB). The LRTPB is suggested to be a left-lateral transform fault connecting the former southeast-dipping Manila Trench in the south and the northwest-dipping Ryukyu Trench in the north. The existence of the LRTPB is demonstrated by the different patterns of the magnetic anomalies as well as the different seafloor morphology and basement relief on both sides of the LRTPB. Particularly, the northwestern portion of the LRTPB is marked by a steep northeast-dipping escarpment, along which the Formosa Canyon has developed. The LRTPB probably became inactive at ca. 20 Ma while the former Manila Trench prolonged northeastwards and connected to the former Ryukyu Trench by another transform fault. This reorganization of the plate boundaries might cause the southwestern portion of the former Ryukyu Trench to become extinct and a piece of the Philippine Sea Plate was therefore trapped amongst the LRTPB, the Manila Trench and the continental margin.     

南海——我国深海研究的突破口

近两年来,海内外和海峡两岸的中国科学家围绕深海研究进行反复研讨,一致认为南海是我国深海研究的首选,并初步形成了“南海深部计划”的研究方案,提出以“构建边缘海的生命史”为主题,从洋壳深海盆的演化、深海沉积、生物地球化学过程三方面开展研究的建议方案。他们建议：利用现代技术重新测定南海磁异常条带,争取钻探大洋壳,系统研究火山链;观测现代深部海流和海底沉积过程,从深海沉积中提取边缘海盆演化的信息;认识海底溢出流体与井下流体的分布与影响,揭示微型生物在深海碳循环中的作用。争取在科学和技术全国性合作的基础上,在南海实现我国深海研究的突破。     

Deep structures of the Palawan and Sulu Sea and their implications for opening of the South China Sea

Compared to the northern South China Sea continental margin, the deep structures and tectonic evolution of the Palawan and Sulu Sea and ambient regions are not well understood so far. However, this part of the southern continental margin and adjacent areas embed critical information on the opening of the South China Sea (SCS). In this paper, we carry out geophysical investigations using regional magnetic, gravity and reflection seismic data. Analytical signal amplitudes (ASA) of magnetic anomalies are calculated to depict the boundaries of different tectonic units. Curie-point depths are estimated from magnetic anomalies using a windowed wavenumber-domain algorithm. Application of the Parker–Oldenburg algorithm to Bouguer gravity anomalies yields a 3D Moho topography. The Palawan Continental Block (PCB) is defined by quiet magnetic anomalies, low ASA, moderate depths to the top and bottom of the magnetic layer, and its northern boundary is further constrained by reflection seismic data and Moho interpretation. The PCB is found to be a favorable area for hydrocarbon exploration. However, the continent–ocean transition zone between the PCB and the SCS is characterized by hyper-extended continental crust intruded with magmatic bodies. The NW Sulu Sea is interpreted as a relict oceanic slice and the geometry and position of extinct trench of the Proto South China Sea (PSCS) is further constrained. With additional age constraints from inverted Moho and Curie-point depths, we confirm that the spreading of the SE Sulu Sea started in the Early Oligocene/Late Eocene due to the subduction of the PSCS, and terminated in the Middle Miocene by the obduction of the NW Sulu Sea onto the PCB.     

Crustal structure and inferred rifting processes in the northeast South China Sea

TAIGER project deep-penetration seismic reflection profiles acquired in the northeastern South China Sea (SCS) provide a detailed view of the crustal structure of a very wide rifted continental margin. These profiles document a failed rift zone proximal to the shelf, a zone of thicker crust 150 km from the shelf, and gradually thinning crust toward the COB, spanning a total distance of 250–300 km. Such an expanse of extended continental crust is not unique but it is uncommon for continental margins. We use the high-quality images from this data set to identify the styles of upper and lower crustal structure and how they have thinned in response to extension and, in turn, what rheological variations are predicted that allow for protracted crustal extension. Upper crustal thinning is greatest at the failed rift (β_uc ≈ 7.5) but is limited farther seaward (β_uc ≈ 1–2). We interpret that the lower crust has discordantly thinned from an original 15–17 km to possibly less than 2–3 km thick beneath the central thick crust zone and more distal areas. This extreme lower crustal thinning indicates that it acted as a weak layer allowing decoupling between the upper crust and the mantle lithosphere. The observed upper crustal thickness variations and implied rheology (lower crustal flow) are consistent with large-scale boudinage of continental crust during protracted extension.     

东海南部二维地震勘探采集参数研究

东海南部油气勘探已有三十多年。经过多年研究认为,东海南部分布广泛的中生代沉积盆地具有较好的勘探前景。以往研究是以浅部新生界为主要目的层,地震采集参数存在电缆短、震源能量小、沉放深度浅等问题,获得的地震数据深部品质低。此文通过对该地区以往采集参数分析,地震剖面对比及主要参数的研究,制定了试验方案,并通过外业试验对比分析,确定了最终的采集参数,取得了良好的地震资料。研究结果表明,电缆拖带长度长（理论上最好9000m）．气枪容量大,电缆和震源的沉放深度深更有利于获得深部中生界的有效反射。     

Structures of the northeasternmost South China Sea continental margin and ocean basin: geophysical constraints and tectonic implications

The northeastern part of the South China Sea is a special region in many aspects of its tectonics. Both recent drilling into the Mesozoic and new reflection seismic surveys in the area provide a huge amount of data, fostering new understanding of the continental margin basins and regional tectonic evolution. At least four half-grabens are developed within the Northern Depression of the Tainan Basin, and all are bounded on their southern edges by northwestward-dipping faults. One of the largest half-grabens is located immediately to the north of the Central Uplift and shows episodic uplift from the late Oligocene to late Miocene. Also during that period, the Central Uplift served in part as a material source to the Southern Depression of the Tainan Basin. The Southern Depression of the Tainan Basin is a trough structure with deep basement (up to 9 km below sealevel or 6 km beneath the sea bottom) and thick Cenozoic sedimentation (>6 km thick). Beneath the Southern Depression we identified a strong landward dipping reflector within the crustal layer that represents a significant crustal fault. This reflector coincides with a sharp boundary in crustal thicknesses and Moho depths. We show that the northeasternmost South China Sea basin, which may have undergone unique evolution since the late Mesozoic, is markedly different from the central South China Sea basin and the Huatung Basin, both geologically and geophysically. The Cenozoic evolution of the region was largely influenced by pre-existing weaknesses due to tectonic inheritance and transition. The South China Sea experienced multiple stages of Cenozoic extension.     

华南海陆过渡带的地壳结构与壳内低速层

壳内低速层与地质构造背景的联系已逐渐引起人们的重视。华南沿海众多的地震测深剖面揭示出地壳不同深度上存在着壳内低速层。根据海陆联合深地震探测取得的数据,通过射线追踪和走时模拟方法,获得了沿OBS-2001测线海陆过渡带的地壳结构。根据低速层的走时间断特性辨识了海区地壳中部低速层。剖面中壳内低速层分布在新塘经南澳岛至南澳岛东南约150.0 km的陆架区,尖灭于东沙隆起,其顶面深度为10.0—18.0 km,速度为5.5—5.9 km.s-1,与上、下岩层的速度差均为0.5 km.s-1,其空间展布较为稳定,厚度为3.0—4.0 km,推断其为华南沿海陆上低速层的延伸,含水矿物脱水和部分熔融可能是引起该区壳内低速层弹性波速下降的主要因素。该区壳内低速层的研究对于深入认识岩石圈结构及动力学作用过程具有重要的地质地球物理意义。     

南海环流多尺度动力过程演变特征与机制研究进展

作为西太平洋最大的边缘热带海盆,南海具有季节性海盆尺度风生环流特性,具有越东偶极子、南海西边界流、黑潮入侵分支等主流系（空间尺度>100 km）,也具有丰富的中尺度涡旋、锋面、上升流等中尺度过程（空间尺度约为O(10～100 km)）和活跃的亚中尺度过程（O(1～10 km)）等,而这些多尺度运动之间的能量转化是全球海洋能量循环的主要组成部分。本文主要概述了南海贯穿流特征、南海陆架陆坡流和西边界流特征、主流系对中尺度涡旋的影响、（亚）中尺度对湍流混合的影响四个方面取得的研究进展。目前的研究已发现主流系主要通过斜压不稳定将能量传递给中尺度过程,中尺度涡旋能量主要通过正压不稳定、剪切不稳定等过程将能量传递给小尺度过程。但是,多尺度运动之间能量传递过程的观测、南海中小尺度过程的能量逆级串过程及其对局地天气与气候的影响仍需进一步研究。     

南海中部地震反射波特征及其地质解释

20世纪70年代以来,在南海中部海区开展了各种地震调查,为研究盖层和基底发育、断裂和岩浆活动、海盆成生演化提供了重要依据。在对南海中部海区4112km48道反射地震资料解释的基础上,识别出了T₁,T₂,T₄,T₆,T_g等五个反射界面;识别出了I～V五套地震反射层组,推测时代分别为上新世-第四纪、中新世晚期、中新世早-中期、渐新世和前渐新世。层组I～Ⅱ全区广布。在陆坡、岛坡区,层组Ⅲ以下层组主要见于断陷中;在深海盆,层组Ⅲ分布仍较广,除了在深海盆北段见到层组Ⅳ外,在西南次海盆剖面两缘也见到该层组。在东部次海盆剖面中还不同程度见到了双程反射时间为8.4～8.7s的莫霍面反射,埋深为10～12km,地壳厚度为6～8km.西南次海盆水深和新生界基底埋深均比深海盆北段除外的东部次海盆深,分别为4000-4300和5200～5500m.根据年龄和基底深度关系经验公式,计算西南次海盆基底年龄为距今51～39Ma.地震反射层组解释和年龄一基底深度关系计算表明,西南次海盆形成并非晚于东部次海盆,而是同时或早于东部次海盆。     

Characteristics of seismic reflections in central region of the South China Sea and their geological significance

I~IOXThe speCiality in gootectonic position and complicity in origin and evolution of the sleuth China Sea (SCS) has aroused particular attention of the geoscientists at home and abroad. The central region, which consists of continental slope, island slope and a deep-sea basin, is an importantarea for the study of the mechanism of origin and evolution of the SCS. In addition to the surveysof bathemetry, gravity and magnetism, seismic surveys have been carried out by domestic andforeign in…     

南海南部北康盆地中新世碳酸盐台地地震响应及分布特征

以大量高精度2D地震资料分析为基础,对北康盆地碳酸盐台地地震反射特征、演化期次及分布特征开展了系统研究。北康盆地碳酸盐台地自早中新世开始发育,中中新世广泛分布,而从晚中新世开始衰退淹没。中新世碳酸盐台地多为孤立台地,台地边缘常发育断层,台地顶部在地震剖面上多呈现为两条平行和亚平行强反射轴,内部呈杂乱和亚平行空白及弱反射轴,底部则多为一条光滑的平行和亚平行弱反射轴。北康盆地中新世碳酸盐台地发育可以划分为3个期次,第1期台地发育范围大且厚度较薄;第2期台地范围缩小,受到断层控制明显;第3期台地范围进一步缩小直至被淹没。北康盆地中新世碳酸盐台地主要为北东向和北西向,这与周边盆地和现今碳酸盐台地走向一致,其平面分布受到构造隆起和断裂的控制。     

The South China Sea thermohaline structure and circulation

In this study, we used the Navy' s Master Oceanographic Observation Data Set(MOODS), consisting of 116019 temperature and 9617 salinity profiles, during 1968- 1984 to investigate the temporal and spatial variabilities of South China Sea thermohaline structures and circulation. For temperature, profiles were binned into 204 monthly data sets from 1968 to 1984 (17 years). For salinity, profiles were binned into 12 climatological monthly data sets due to the data paucity. A two-scale optimal interpolation method was used to establish a three-dimensional monthly-varying gridded data set from MOODS, covering the area of 5°-25°N and 105° - 125°E and the depth from the surface to 400 m. After the gridded data set had been established, both composite analysis and the Empirical Orthogonal Function (EOF) analysis (for temperature only) were used to identify the major thermohaline fratures including annual mean, monthly anomalies, and interannual thermal variabilities. The inverted monthly circulation pattern     

A Review on the Currents in the South China Sea: Seasonal Circulation, South China Sea Warm Current and Kuroshio Intrusion

Researches on the currents in the South China Sea (SCS) and the interaction between the SCS and its adjacent seas are reviewed. Overall seasonal circulation in the SCS is cyclonic in winter and anticyclonic in summer with a few stable eddies. The seasonal circulation is mostly driven by monsoon winds, and is related to water exchange between the SCS and the East China Sea through the Taiwan Strait, and between the SCS and the Kuroshio through the Luzon Strait. Seasonal characteristics of the South China Sea Warm Current in the northern SCS and the Kuroshio intrusion to the SCS are summarized in terms of the interaction between the SCS and its adjacent seas.     

南海南部海域的多涡结构

基于美国海军的空间分辨率为0.5°×0.5°月平均的GDEM三维温盐资料,采用P矢量方法,计算了南沙南部海域的三维环流结构。结果表明,南沙南部海域不仅存在多涡结构,而且此多涡结构还存在明显的季节性变化。冬季,存在南沙海槽反气旋式涡、东南沙反气旋式涡和较弱的南沙气旋式涡;夏季,存在南沙反气旋式涡、巴拉望海槽西侧的气旋式涡和东南沙气旋式涡。     

南海北部中生代沉积模式

南海东北部与西北部海域均分布有中生代地层,地震勘探揭示南海北部中生界东、西之间在地震相及沉积充填结构上存在明显差异,东部中生界为双层结构,而西部为单层结构.东部中生代地层由海相及海陆过渡相侏罗系与陆相白垩系组成,而西部则由陆相白垩系构成,缺失侏罗系.从海水入侵方向看,南海北部中生界与特提斯域无关,可能更受太平洋域的影响.侏罗纪古太平洋边缘海盆在南海北部主要分布在珠江口盆地东部及台西南盆地,从早侏罗世到晚侏罗世海盆范围逐渐缩小;白垩纪南海北部整体抬升,除台西南盆地东部接受海相沉积外,白垩纪南海北部以小型断陷盆地为特征,在断陷盆地内接受陆相河湖相沉积.南海北部在中生代时期位于特提斯构造域与太平洋构造域的交接部位,东部中生界双层结构、西部单层结构的沉积模式进一步明确濒太平洋构造域的对南海北部中生界的控制作用,同时东部将是中生代油气勘探的有利区域.     

南海南部造山运动及其与古南海俯冲的成因联系

古南海的展布范围以及俯冲消亡过程等一直是地质学家们争论的焦点问题。这不仅与南海扩张诱因密切相关,而且对南海地球动力学研究有重大的指导意义。在研究前人文献的基础上,对南海南部造山运动以及古南海俯冲过程之间的关系进行详细的论述。结果表明,南海南部构造活动主要分为两期：第一期运动从早白垩纪到晚白垩纪,古太平洋的洋壳俯冲到婆罗洲岛下方,俯冲带位于现今卢帕尔线一带,引起了曾母-南沙地块不断向西南婆罗洲靠近,并于晚白垩纪引发了碰撞造山运动。由于婆罗洲自身是由众多地块拼合而成,所以在始新世期间发生了多期碰撞之后的地块变形重组事件。最终在晚始新世（37 Ma）完成最后一期变形（沙捞越运动）。第二阶段是晚始新世（35 Ma）到中中新世（15.5 Ma）,位于西巴拉姆线以东至菲律宾卡加延一带的古南海从西巴拉姆线以东,向婆罗洲岛下方俯冲,随后扩散到沙巴以及巴拉望岛以南的地区,直至菲律宾的民都洛岛一带停止俯冲。由此产生的拖曳力是南海扩张的主要诱因。与古太平洋板块俯冲产生的效果相似,古南海的俯冲使得婆罗洲岛与南沙地块不断靠近。在中中新世（15.5 Ma）,引起南沙地块与婆罗洲岛在沙巴地区的碰撞（沙巴造山）以及巴拉望北部陆壳与菲律宾岛弧的碰撞而停止。由此带来的不整合面在南海南部普遍可见,甚至到达了巴拉望岛一带。而现今南沙海槽与巴拉望海槽并非是俯冲带的前渊,前者是对沙巴新近纪增生楔重力驱动变形的响应,后者是巴拉望岛北侧伸展背景下产生的半地堑盆地,在后期增生楔的作用下发生强烈沉降所形成。真正的俯冲带则分别位于南沙海槽东南部以及巴拉望海槽东南部。据现有证据推测,最少在10 Ma之前古南海就在菲律宾民都洛一带停止俯冲,从而完成了整个古南海的封闭。     

Distributions of nutrients in the East China Sea and the South China Sea connection

Surface maps of nitrate, phosphate and silicate of the East China Sea (ECS) have been constructed and are described. Reports on exchanges of material between the ECS and the South China Sea (SCS) through the Taiwan Strait are reviewed. Recent advances seem to have reversed the earlier view that the SCS exports nutrients to the ECS through the Taiwan Strait. This is because the northward flow of seawater in the summer carries little nutrient. On the other hand, the waters flowing southward along the coast of China in winter carry orders of magnitude higher nutrient concentrations. The outflow of subsurface waters from the SCS, however, is the major source of new nutrients to the ECS continental shelves because these subsurface waters flow out of the Luzon Strait, join the northwardly flowing Kuroshio and enter the Okinawa trough. Around 10% of the nutrients exported from the SCS through the Luzon Strait upwell onto the ECS shelf. These inputs are larger than the aggregate of all the rivers that empty into the ECS, contributing 49% of the externally sourced nitrogen, 71% of the phosphorous, and 54% of the silica for the ECS.     

关于底侵作用和拆沉作用在南海中的指示意义

南海位于印度板块、欧亚板块和太平洋板块之间,是世界上最大的边缘海。许多学者对其成因模式和动力学机制进行过多方面的探讨,但往往只注重地壳浅部和侧向碰撞的研究,而忽视了深部的壳幔相互作用。从地形地貌、岩石地球化学、地球物理学、岩相古地理学等地质事实出发,论述了南海存在着大规模的底侵作用和拆沉作用,并在前人研究的基础上,建立了简单的以底侵作用和拆沉作用为主的壳幔相互作用模型来模拟南海的形成演化过程,指出底侵作用和拆沉作用是南海形成演化过程中深部的主要推动力,对南海的形成演化有着非常重要的影响。