A climatological study of the relations among solar activity,galactic cosmic ray and precipitation on various regions over the globe

We apply Fourier and wavelet analyses to the precipitation and sunspot numbers in the time series (1901–2000) over Australia (27°S, 133°E), Canada (60°N, 95°W), Ethiopia (8°N, 38°E), Greenland (72°N, 40°W), United Kingdom (54°N, 2°W), India (20°N, 77°E), Iceland (65°N, 18°W), Japan (36°N, 138°E), United States (38°N, 97°W), South Africa (29°S, 24°E) and Russia (60°N, 100°E). Correlation analyses were also performed to find any relation among precipitation, sunspot numbers, temperature, and cloud-cover at the same spatial and temporal scale. Further correlations were also performed between precipitation with electron and proton fluence at the time interval, 1987–2006. All these parameters were considered in annual and seasonal scales. Though correlation study between precipitation and other parameters do not hint any linear relation, still the Fourier and wavelet analyses give an idea of common periodicities. The 9–11 year periodicity of sunspot numbers calculated by Fourier transform is also confirmed by wavelet transform in annual scale. Similarly, wavelet analysis for precipitation also supports the short periods at 2–5 years which is verified by Fourier transform in discontinuous time over different geographic regions.     

Dislocations of the cretaceous and cenozoic complexes of the northern part of the West Sakhalin Terrane

The contemporary structure of the West Sakhalin Terrane started to form in the Pleistocene and the process of its formation continues up to now in a setting of ENE (60°–90°) shortening. Evidence of the preceding NE (30°–45°) compression was revealed during the study. This compression prevailed in the Eocene–Pliocene. Under the settings of NE (30°–45°) compression, dextral displacements occurred along the West Sakhalin and Tym’–Poronai fault systems, bounding the West Sakhalin Terrane.     

Water characteristics and transport of the Antarctic circumpolar current in the Indian Ocean

Geostrophic velocities are computed across meridians 37 °E and 105 °E using hydrographic data. The estimated mass transport is represented on a temperature-salinity diagram. The characteristics of the water within the Antarctic circumpolar current at 37 °E and 105 °E are discussed. The computed transport agrees with the previous estimates. Transports due to the current between 45 °S and the Antarctic continent at these two meridians are comparable. The westerly flow south of 42 °S at 105 °E is associated with a cyclonic eddy which appears to be a permanent feature, whereas the one at 50 °S is related to the topography of the region.     

Paleomagnetism of ultramafics from the Konder Massif and its age assessment

The petro- and paleomagnetic studies of ultramafic rocks (dunites, clinopyroxenites, kosvites) from the Konder Massif revealed the primary thermal remanance nature of the defined characteristic magnetization components. The calculated coordinates of the paleomagnetic poles are as follows: Plat = −4°, Plong = 178°, d_p = 5°, and d_m = 8° for the dunites; Plat = −2°, Plong = 181°, d_p= 6°, and d_m = 10° for the clinopyroxenites; and Plat = 71°, Plong = 206°, d_p = 5°, and d_m = 6° for the kosvites. Based on paleomagnetic and petromagnetic data, the age is estimated to be the Early Neoproterozoic for the dunites and clinopyroxenites and the Early Cretaceous for the kosvites. The massif as a whole is dated back to the Early Neoproterozoic (1000–950 Ma).     

青藏高原南部第四纪花粉植物群及古气候

本文选择了青藏高原南部具有代表性的６个花粉剖面，应用主成分分析处理这些剖面的花粉数据，重建了这些地区的古植被和古气候。研究表明，在青藏高原南部，早、中更新世的植被类型主要是松林、云杉林、铁杉林、桦林、桤木林和栎林，晚更新世和全新世的植被类型主要是高山灌丛草原、小半灌木草原、杂类草草甸、亚高山灌丛和落叶阔叶灌丛；在早、中更新世气候条件良好，有森林生长，晚更新世以后气候明显恶化，基本无森林生长。     

Paleomagnetism of the Upper Cretaceous red-beds from the eastern edge of the Lhasa Terrane: New constraints on the onset of the India-Eurasia collision and latitudinal crustal shortening in southern Eurasia

The Late Cretaceous location of the Lhasa Terrane is important for constraining the onset of India-Eurasia collision. However, the Late Cretaceous paleolatitude of the Lhasa Terrane is controversial. A primary magnetic component was isolated between 580 °C and 695 °C from Upper Cretaceous Jingzhushan Formation red-beds in the Dingqing area, in the northeastern edge of the Lhasa Terrane, Tibetan Plateau. The tilt-corrected site-mean direction is D_s/I_s = 0.9°/24.3°, k = 46.8, α₉₅ = 5.6°, corresponding to a pole of Plat./Plon. = 71.4°/273.1°, with A₉₅ = 5.2°. The anisotropy-based inclination shallowing test of Hodych and Buchan (1994) demonstrates that inclination bias is not present in the Jingzhushan Formation. The Cretaceous and Paleogene poles of the Lhasa Terrane were filtered strictly based on the inclination shallowing test of red-beds and potential remagnetization of volcanic rocks. The summarized poles show that the Lhasa Terrane was situated at a paleolatitude of 13.2° ± 8.6°N in the Early Cretaceous, 10.8° ± 6.7°N in the Late Cretaceous and 15.2° ± 5.0°N in the Paleogene (reference point: 29.0°N, 87.5°E). The Late Cretaceous paleolatitude of the Lhasa Terrane (10.8° ± 6.7°N) represented the southern margin of Eurasia prior to the collision of India-Eurasia. Comparisons with the Late Cretaceous to Paleogene poles of the Tethyan Himalaya, and the 60 Ma reference pole of East Asia indicate that the initial collision of India-Eurasia occurred at the paleolatitude of 10.8° ± 6.7°N, since 60.5 ± 1.5 Ma (reference point: 29.0°N, 87.5°E), and subsequently ~ 1300 ± 910 km post-collision latitudinal crustal convergence occurred across the Tibet. The vast majority of post-collision crustal convergence was accommodated by the Cenozoic folding and thrust faulting across south Eurasia.     

Apparent Polar Wander Path from the Tarim Block in China

The apparent polar wander (APW) path from the Tarim block consists of palaeo-magnetic poles ofDevonian (λ=16°N, ψ= 165° E. A_(95)=4°). Late Carboniferous (λ=41° N, ψ=160° E, A_(95)=4°).Permian (λ=61°N, ψ=177° E. A_(95)=9°). Early Triassic (λ=69° N. ψ=183° E. A_(95)=11°) andJurassic/Cretaceous (λ=65° N, ψ=214° E. A_(95)=6°) times. On the basis of this APW path, it is con-cluded that the Tarim block was subducted beneath the Kazakstan plate between Devonian and Permiantimes. The Tarim, North China and South China blocks were sutured between the Early Triassic and EarlyCretaceous. Tarim had moved eastward some 2000 km relative to Siberia since the Cretaceous.     

Late quaternary palaeoclimate in the savannas of South America

The paper reviews Late Quaternary palynological evidence from eight sites in the savannas of northern South America. The sites reviewed are Lake Valencia (10°N), Carajas (6°S), Aguas Emendadas (15°S), Crominia (17°S), Salitre (19°S), Lagoa de Serra Negra (18°S), Lagoa Santa (20°S) and Lagoa dos Olhos (20°S). Four of the sites show evidence for a climate more humid than at present from ca. 36 ka BP to ca. 22–18 ka BP. Maximum dryness was reached at 14 ka to 10.5 ka BP at Lake Valencia. There was an increase in moisture from 8.8 ka BP at Lake Valencia and from 7 ka BP in Central Brazil. The presence of charcoal indicates human impact from ca. 8.6 ka BP. ©1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Paleomagnetic evidence for a large counterclockwise rotation of northern Greece prior to the Tertiary clockwise rotation

Abstract

This study aims at unravel the geotectonic evolution of northern Greece prior to the already established Tertiary clockwise rotation. Therefore, Mesozoie sediments, Early Mesozoie ophiolites and Carboniferous granites were sampled. While the metamorphosed and/or too weakly magnetized limestones had to be rejected, the gabbros and serpentinites of the 80 km long Chalkidiki belt (40.4°N, 23.3”E), and the granites of the northern Pelagonian zone (40.8°N, 21.2°E) have yielded similar results interpretable in terms of geoleetonies. In both areas the demagnetizing process has revealed a poh phased magnetic evolution.

The oldest magnetizations, labelled M (D=311°, I=20°, a₉₅, = 15°; VGP: 37°N, 272.5°, for the ophiolites; D=320.5°, I = 26°, a₉₅ =11°; VGP : 46°N, 264.5”E, for the granites) are interpreted as overprints acquired in Late Jurassic-Cretaceous times. The younger magnetizations, called C2 (D = 66°, I = 28°, a₉₅ = 9°; VGP : 28°N, 117°E, in the ophiolites ; D=64°, I = 2° a₉₅, = 11°; VCP : 20°N, I28°E, in the granites) are Tertiary overprints. Northeasterly C’ directions with negative inclinations (and conversely) are considered as overprints empiaceli prior to the Ca magnetizations ; they are interpreted as due to a barkthrusting of the ophiolilic belt of Chalkidiki and of the N. Pelagonian granitic belt, during the Early - Middle Tertiary convergence phase. The large deviation from the M to the C₂ directions, also observed by other authors in Mesozoic volcanics and sediments, results from a counterclockwise rotation of the Hellenides, probably in the Late Cretaceous as it is the case for the counterclockwise rotations of the western Mediterranean microplates. The deviation from the C₂ to the present field direction is due to a clockwise rotation of all Hellenic zones, probably in several phases.     

Palaeomagnetism of Cretaceous carbonates from the northwestern part of the Dinaric fold belt

From the island of Cres and the fold belt north of autochthonous Istria 260 light-grey Cretaceous limestone samples were collected at 25 localities. Stepwise thermal demagnetization was employed to clean the remanence up to max. 525 °C. About two-thirds of the samples were successfully cleaned and the locality means were calculated from the characteristic remanences. The locality means significantly deviate from the present field direction both before and after tectonic correction: the mean inclination is about 15° lower than the present inclination and the declination is rotated counterclockwise i.e. it basically fits the pattern so far observed in the Periadriatic region.Unfolding barely influences the scatter of the directions (Cres: D = 308°, I = 45°, k = 26, α₉₅ = 13.3°, before tilt correction, and D = 330°, I = 48°, k = 33, α₉₅ = 11.9° after tilt correction; fold belt north of autochthonous Istria: D = 309°, I = 48°, k = 17, α₉₅ = 11.9°, before tilt correction, and D = 336°, I = 41°, k =13, α₉₅ = 14.0°, after tilt correction. In view of the inconclusive fold test, the magnetization cannot be dated precisely and thus does not yield sufficient information concerning possible relative movements between autochthonous Istria-Gargano and the fold belt studied. Nevertheless, the counterclockwise rotated declinations of the area studied are in contrast with the clockwise rotated declinations of the Ionian Zone of Western Greece. The large angular difference in declination between two parts of the Dalmatian-Ionian Zone with similar tectonic trends casts doubt on the continuity of the fold belt.     

Paleomagnetic data bearing on the Mesozoic deformation of the Qiangtang Block: Implications for the evolution of the Paleo- and Meso-Tethys

Paleomagnetism has played an important role in quantifying the Mesozoic evolution of “Proto-Tibet”. In this paper, we present new paleomagnetic data from five Middle-Upper Jurassic sedimentary sequences (Quemo Co, Buqu, Xiali, Suowa and Xueshan Fms.) of the eastern North Qiangtang Terrane (QT) at Yanshiping (33.6°N, 92.1°E). The new paleomagnetic results form a large dataset (99 sites, 1702 samples) and reveal a paleopole at 79.1°N/306.9°E (dp = 3.9°, dm = 6.3°) for the Quemo Co Fm., at 68.9°N/313.8°E (dp = 2.1°, dm = 3.7°) for the Buqu Fm., at 66.1°N/332.1°E (dp = 2.7°, dm = 4.6°) for the Xiali Fm., at 72.4°N/318.6°E (dp = 3.9°, dm = 6.7°) for the Suowa Fm., and at 76.9°N/301.1°E (dp = 7.9°, dm = 13.2°) for the Xueshan Fm. These results indicate clockwise (CW) rotations of ~ 19.8 ± 9.4° between ~ 171.2 and 161.7 Ma and counterclockwise (CCW) rotations of ~ 15.4 ± 13.4° between ~ 161.7 and < 157.2 Ma for Yanshiping. We attribute the change in rotation sense at approximately ~ 161.7 Ma to the initial collision of the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes. Using this and other paleomagnetic data from the Lhasa, Qiangtang and Tarim terranes, as well as other geological evidence (e.g., tectonism-related sedimentary sequences, volcanism, and HP metamorphism), we propose a new conceptual evolution model for the Mesozoic QT and Tethyan Oceans. The Longmo Co-Shuanghu oceanic slab was subducted before 248 Ma, followed by continental collision of the North-South Qiangtang subterranes between ~ 245 and 237 Ma. The Qiangtang Terrane experienced post-collisional exhumation between ~ 237 and 230 Ma during subduction of the Jinsha oceanic slab. The collision of the Qiangtang and Songpan-Ganzi terranes occurred between ~ 230 and 225 Ma. The QT experienced post-collisional relaxation from ~ 225 to ~ 200 Ma, followed by subsidence and extension-related exhumation between ~ 200 and 162 Ma in association with subduction of the Bangong-Nujiang oceanic slab. Finally, these events were followed by the scissor-like diachronous collisions of the Lhasa and Qiangtang terranes between ~ 162 Ma and the mid-Cretaceous.     

Carboniferous palaeomagnetism of the Rocky Creek Block,northern Tamworth Belt,and the New England pole path

Palaeomagnetic, rock magnetic and magnetic fabric results are presented for a Carboniferous (Visean to Westphalian) succession of felsic, mainly ignimbritic, volcanic and volcaniclastic rocks from the Rocky Creek Block of the northern Tamworth Belt, southern New England Orogen. Detailed thermal demagnetisation of 734 samples from 64 sites show three groups of magnetic components with low (<300°C), intermediate (300–600°C) and high (500–680°C) unblocking temperature ranges. Well‐defined primary magnetisations have been determined for 28 sites with evidence of four overprint phases. The overprints arise from a mid‐Tertiary weathering event (or possibly recent viscous origin), and from fluid movements associated with the Late Cretaceous opening of the Tasman Sea, thrusting during the Middle Triassic main phase of the Hunter‐Bowen Orogeny, and latest Carboniferous — Early Permian formation of the Bowen‐Gunnedah‐Sydney Basin system. Rock magnetic tests establish that the primary magnetisation carriers in the volcanic rocks are mainly magnetite (predominantly single domain, or pseudo‐single domain, and little or no multidomain) and hematite. Optimal magnetic cleaning is achieved at high to very high temperatures, with subtle, but systematic, directional and statistical differences between primary components derived from the mainly hematite fraction and pseudo‐components derived from the mainly magnetite fraction. The 28 primary magnetisation results are presented as six mean‐site results, summarised below and representing 25 sites, and three single‐site results. Fold tests could be applied to five mean‐site results. These are all positive, but one of these results may represent a secondary magnetisation. The primary magnetisation results define a Visean to Westphalian pole path. This long pole path indi cates extensive latitudinal and rotational movement for the Rocky Creek Block, and potentially for the New England Orogen, as follows: (i) Yuendoo Rhyolite Member (Caroda Formation, Visean) pole 235.8°E, 27.7°S, ED₉₅ = 9.0°, n = 3; (ii) Peri Rhyolite Member/Boomi Rhyolite Member (Clifden Formation, Namurian, 318.0 ± 3.4 Ma) pole 177.4°E, 63.4°S, ED₉₅ = 5.2°, n = 3; (iii) tuffaceous beds above Boomi Rhyolite Member (Clifden Formation?, Namurian) pole 162.2°E, 59.1°S, ED₉₅ = 10.2°, n = 3; ((iv) upper Clifden Formation/lower Rocky Creek Conglomerate (Namurian/Westphalian) pole 95.3°E, 49.6°S, ED₉₅ = 8.1°, n = 3 (possible overprint)); (v) Rocky Creek Conglomerate (Westphalian) pole 136.5°E, 57.6°S, ED₉₅ = 5.3°, n = 5; (vi) Lark Hill Formation (Westphalian) pole 127.0°E, 50.4°S, ED₉₅ = 4.8°, n = 8.     

Closure of the Solonker basin: Paleomagnetism of the Linxi and Xingfuzhilu formations (Inner Mongolia,China)

The results of petro- and paleomagnetic studies of the volcanic and sedimentary rocks of the Linxi and Xingfuzhilu formations (Solonker Zone, Inner Mongolia, China) are reported. The direction of an ancient prefold magnetization component is determined (Dec = 157.8°, Inc =–43.5°, K = 10.0, α₉₅ = 5.8°) and the coordinates of the corresponding paleomagnetic pole at ~250 Ma are calculated (Plat = 64.2°, Plong = 350.6°, d_p = 4.5°, d_m = 7.2°). The obtained and published paleomagnetic, geochronological, and geochemical data permit palinspatic reconstructions, according to which (1) a paleobasin ~500 km wide existed between the Late Permian and beginning of the Early Triassic (250 Ma); and (2) its closure occurred not in the Permian as previously thought, but at the beginning of the Early Triassic.     

Entrainment of circumpolar water in the Indian Ocean region of the Antarctic

The net influx of the circumpolar water on the western (approximately along 10°E) and eastern (approximately 115°E) boundaries of the Indian Ocean, adopting the method of Montgomery and Stroup is computed on bivariate distribution of potential thermosteric anomaly and salinity to identify the characteristics of the flux. The zonal flux at both the boundaries indicates an alternate strong easterly and westerly flow between 36°S and 45°S, south of which the flow is mainly easterly but weak up to 56°S. At the western boundary the easterly flow is 146 Sv and westerly is 98.07 Sv, while at the eastern boundary (115°E) the corresponding fluxes are 123.46 Sv and 27.20 Sv respectively, indicating a net outflux of 48.33 Sv. This water should have been accounted by the melting of ice and influx of the Equatorial Pacific Ocean Water.     

Vegetation and climate of the southern Chilean lake district during and since the last interglaciation

The palynology of stratigraphic sections from road-cut and gravel-pit exposures and from a fen and sphagnum bogs in the southern part of the Chilean lake district (40° 53′ S, 72°37′ W-41°24′ S, 72°53′ W) is the basis for interpreting vegetation and climate during the last interglaciation and glaciation (named Llanquihue Glaciation) and during the post-glacial. To help interpretation, modern pollen rain was studied in relation to vegetation and altitude along a transect on the west slope of the Andes, and average January (summer) temperatures were interpreted. The upper limit of closed Andean forest, where wind is a determinant, appears to be close to the 12°C January isotherm; parkland in southern Chile does not exceed the January isotherm of 9°C.Grassland and later southern beech forest are evident during the interglaciation that is dated at more than 39,900 radiocarbon yr. Climate of the grassland was relatively dry; during the forest phase, it was wet, cool, and approximately the same as at present. During Llanquihue Glaciation, average January temperature is estimated to have been about 8°C colder than today at 19,450 BP, some 5° colder shortly before 36,300 BP, and around 4° colder at 10,000 BP. Antarctic-alpine tundra or parkland, under colder, drier climate, is mostly in evidence in the vicinity of the study sites before about 12,000 BP. During the postglacial, forest communities occupied the lake district, and temperatures there were probably 1–2°C above (by 6500 BP) and as much as 2° below (4500-0 BP) the present-day average of about 16°.This pattern of climatic changes finds accord, in general terms, in other parts of the Southern Hemisphere where palynological, chronological, and glacial geological studies are reported. Postulated as a cause of these changes are shifts in the intensity of air mass circulation in antarctic latitudes.     

Physicochemical Conditions of Crystallization of Rocks from Ultrabasic Massifs of the Siberian Platform

A great volume of original information on the formation of the ultrabasic rocks of the Siberian Platform has been accumulated owing to the study of melt inclusions in Cr-spinels. The inclusions show the general tendencies in the behavior of the magmatic systems during the formation of the ultrabasic massifs of the Siberian Platform, tracing the main evolution trend of decreasing Mg number with SiO₂ increase in the melts with subsequent transition from picrites through picrobasalts to basalts. The compositions of the melt inclusions indicate that the crystallization conditions of the rocks of the concentrically zoned massifs (Konder, Inagli, Chad) sharply differ from those of the Guli massif. Numerical modeling using the PETROLOG and PLUTON softwares and data on the composition of inclusions in Cr-spinels yielded maximum crystallization temperatures of the olivines from the dunites of the Konder (1545–1430°C), Inagli (1530–1430°C), Chad (1460–1420°C), and Guli (1520–1420°C) massifs, and those of Cr-spinels from the Konder (1420–1380°C), Inagli (up to 1430°C), Chad (1430–1330°C), and Guli (1410–1370°C) massifs. Modeling of the Guli massif with the PLUTON software using the compositions of the melt inclusions revealed the possible formation of the alkaline rocks at the final reverse stage of the evolution of the picritic magmas (with decrease of SiO₂ and alkali accumulation) after termination of olivine crystallization with temperature decrease from 1240–1230°C to 1200–1090°C. Modeling with the PLUTON software showed that the dunites of the Guli massif coexisted with Fe-rich (with moderate TiO₂ contents) melts, the crystallization of which led (beginning from 1210°C) to the formation of pyroxenes between cumulate olivine. Further temperature decrease (from 1125°C) with decreasing FeO and TiO₂ contents provided the formation of clinopyroxenes of pyroxenites. For the Konder massif, modeling with the PLUTON software indicates the possible formation of kosvites from picrobasaltic magmas beginning from 1350°C and the formation of clinopyroxenites and olivine–diopside rocks from olivine basaltic melts from 1250°C.     

Equatorial electrojet in the south Atlantic anomaly region

Features of the equatorial electrojet are studied at Sao Luiz (2.6°S, 44.2°W, inclination −0.25°) in eastern Brazil and Sikasso (11.3°N, 5.7°W, inclination 0.1°) in the western African sector. The stations are situated on either side of the lowest magnetic field intensity in the region of rapid changes in the declination. The daily variations of ΔX at the two stations are almost similar with the peak around noon with maximum values during equinoxes and minimum values during J-solstices. Daily variations of ΔY differ with the maximum deviation of about −35 nT around noon at Sao Luiz and much smaller value of about −10 nT around 14 h LT for Sikasso. The direction of the H vector varies from 15°W of north at 08 h to more than 30°W of north at 17 h for Sao Luiz and from 14°E of north to 25°W of north at 18 h for Sikasso. The plot of the deviations in ΔX and ΔY at different hours for the two stations shows the points along narrow ellipses with major axis aligned along 22°W of north for Sao Luiz and along 3°W of north for Sikasso as compared to declination of 20°W for Sao Luiz and 6°W for Sikasso. The deviations in ΔX at the two stations are fairly well correlated.     

Spatial Distribution and Longitudinal Variation of Clay Minerals in the Central Indian Basin

Grain size and clay mineral distribution up to 45 cm depth in the silty clay sediments from 26 box cores from 10°to 16°S along four longitudes(73.5°-76.5°E)were studied for understanding spatial variability in the Central Indian Basin(CIB).It was observed that the average sand content in the basin is 3.8%,which decreases systematically and longitudinally to 0.3%towards south.The average illite and chlorite major clay mineral abundance also decrease southwards along the four longitudes from 10°S,and show ...     

Thermographic expression of the level of metamorphism of carbonaceous rocks,as in western Uzbekistan

The temperature at which organic substance begins to burn, i.e., the exothermal effect in the thermograms, is found to represent directly the degree of recrystallization of organic substance of the rock, which in turn represents the degree of regional metamorphism, namely: epigenesis, 360-400°C; slate-schist, 440°C; beginnings of progressive zonal regional metamorphism: in muscovite-chlorite rocks, 440-550°C; in biotite-chlorite zone, up to 650°C; in andalusite-staurolite zone, up to 700-740°C.