Tibet forcing of mid-Pleistocene synchronous enhancement of East Asian winter and summer monsoons revealed by Chinese loess record

The mid-Pleistocene transition (MPT) of the global climate system, marked by a shift of previously dominant 41-ka cycles to lately dominant 100-ka cycles roughly in the mid-Pleistocene, is one of the fundamental enigma in the Quaternary climate evolution. The process and origin of the MPT remain of persistent interest and conjecture. Here we present high-resolution astronomically tuned magnetic susceptibility (MS) and grain‐size records from a complete loess–paleosol sequence at Chaona on the central Chinese Loess Plateau. These two proxies are well-known sensitive indicators to the East Asian summer and winter monsoons, respectively. The records reveal a remarkable two-step simultaneous enhancement of the East Asian summer and winter monsoons at 0.9 Ma and 0.64 Ma, respectively, accompanied with an onset of a clear 100-ka cycle at 0.9 Ma and of a final, predominant 100-ka cycle starting at 0.64 Ma. The mid-Pleistocene stepwise rapid uplift of the Tibetan Plateau could be the mechanism driving the simultaneous enhancement of East Asian summer and winter monsoons and the shift of the periodicities during the MPT by complex positive feedbacks.     

中更新世转型时期南海北部上层水体结构演化特征——ODP1146站浮游有孔虫稳定同位素记录

文章以南海北部ODP1146站沉积物岩芯为研究材料,利用浮游有孔虫次表层水种Pulleniatina obliquiloculata壳体的氧、碳稳定同位素,结合该站位浮游及底栖有孔虫氧碳同位素数据,分析中更新世以来南海北部上层水体结构的演化。1.2 Ma以来ODP1146站P.obliquiloculata壳体δ^18O的变化可分3个阶段:1)1.2~0.9 Ma,冰期-间冰期变化幅度较小、主导周期为41 ka斜率周期;2)0.9~0.6 Ma,冰期旋回变化幅度逐渐增强、100 ka偏心率周期开始强化;3)0.6 Ma以来,冰期旋回呈现稳定且幅度较大的100 ka周期变化。0.9 Ma以来南海北部上层海水δ^18O的冰期旋回变幅增强,可能反映东亚冬季风在0.9 Ma之后显著强化。其中,表层水体δ^18O只在冰期变幅增强,P.obliquiloculata所反映的次表层水体δ^18O的变化幅度在冰期和间冰期都显著增强。约0.9 Ma浮游和底栖有孔虫δ^18O的100 ka周期几乎同时显现;但在0.9~0.6 Ma时期P.obliquiloculata的δ^18O偏心率周期更为显著、斜率周期的强度也更高。因此,冰期旋回周期转型及幅度变化两方面的证据共同反映温跃层结构演化在南海北部中更新世转型(MPT)气候转变过程中的特殊性。1.2 Ma以来ODP1146站P.obliquiloculata的δ^13C在0.02 Ma、0.49 Ma和0.99 Ma左右呈明显的碳重值,同时表层种-次表层种之间的δ^13C差值减小到近于0,可以解读为碳重值事件期间南海北部生产力相对减弱。     

Stable Isotope and Lithologic Evidence of Late-Glacial and Holocene Oceanography of the Northwestern Pacific and Its Marginal Seas

Stable isotopes, geochemical, lithological, and micropaleontological results from cores from the far northwest (FNW) Pacific and the Okhotsk and Bering seas are used to reconstruct the regional environment for the last glaciation, the deglacial transition, and the Holocene. δ¹⁸O records of planktonic foraminifera of the region show two “light” shifts during deglacial time, provoked by the freshening of the surface water and climate warming. These north Pacific terminal events (T1ANP and T1BNP) with ages of 12,500 and 9300 yr B.P., respectively, occur almost simultaneously with two episodes of accelerated glacier melting around the North Atlantic. Along with the isotopic shifts, the CaCO₃content in regional sediments increased abruptly (1A and 1B carbonate peaks), probably due to changes of productivity and pore water chemistry of surface sediments. Organic matter and opal concentration increased during the transition (between T1ANP and T1BNP events) in the sediments of the FNW Pacific and the southern part of the Bering Sea and opal content increased in the Holocene in the Bering and Okhotsk Seas. δ¹³C records of cores from the Okhotsk and Bering seas and the FNW Pacific do not contradict the hypothesis of increased intermediate water formation in the region during glaciation. During deglaciation, accumulation of the coarse terrigenous component decreased in sediments of the Bering Sea and the FNW Pacific before the T1ANP event, probably as a result of rising sea level and opening of the Bering Strait.     

南海北部一百万年以来的表层古生产力变化：来自ODP1144站的蛋白石记录

通过南海北部ODP 1144站蛋白石含量测定及其堆积速率的计算,并结合氧同位素记录等相关资料,获得南海北部1050ka以来高分辨率的表层古生产力变化与冰期旋回和东亚季风的关系。约900ka以来,蛋白石含量及其堆积速率较900ka以前明显增加,反映了“中更新世革命”事件之后,全球气候变冷,并导致表层生产力的提高。由于第四纪冰期旋回中的冬、夏季风的加强,加上1144站特殊的地理位置,使该站在冰期时表层生产力增加,间冰期时表层生产力降低。浮游有孔虫氧同位素记录与蛋白石含量及其堆积速率的时间序列频谱分析结果显示,三者均出现了相对应的偏心率周期、斜率周期和岁差周期,说明该站表层生产力的变化主要受地球轨道周期的驱动。     

Unraveling rift margin evolution and escarpment development ages along the Dead Sea fault using cosmogenic burial ages

The Dead Sea fault (DSF) is one of the most active plate boundaries in the world. Understanding the Quaternary history and sediments of the DSF requires investigation into the Neogene development of this plate boundary. DSF lateral motion preceded significant extension and rift morphology by ~ 10 Ma. Sediments of the Sedom Formation, dated here between 5.0 ± 0.5 Ma and 6.2_− 2.1^+ inf Ma, yielded extremely low ¹⁰Be concentrations and ²⁶Al is absent. These reflect the antiquity of the sediments, deposited in the Sedom Lagoon, which evolved in a subdued landscape and was connected to the Mediterranean Sea. The base of the overlying Amora Formation, deposited in the terminal Amora Lake which developed under increasing relief that promoted escarpment incision, was dated at 3.3_− 0.8^+ 0.9 Ma. Burial ages of fluvial sediments within caves (3.4 ± 0.2 Ma and 3.6 ± 0.4 Ma) represent the timing of initial incision. Initial DSF topography coincides with the earliest Red Sea MORB's and the East Anatolian fault initiation. These suggest a change in the relative Arabian–African plate motion. This change introduced the rifting component to the DSF followed by a significant subsidence, margin uplift, and a reorganization of relief and drainage pattern in the region resulting in the topographic framework observed today.     

中更新世气候转型期南海北部和南部的气候变化差异

选取大洋钻探ODP184航次在南海北部采集的1144站为研究材料,通过分析中更新世0.4～1.4Ma期间506个样品中浮游有孔虫氧、碳稳定同位素的变化特征,并与南海南部ODP 1143站和西太平洋暖池ODP 807站的同位素资料进行比较,发现南海北部的氧、碳稳定同位素及其差值的变化响应中更新世气候转型事件,在中更新世距今约0.9Ma之后100ka的偏心率周期明显增强。在中更新世气候转型之前,南海北部、南海南部和赤道西太平洋都呈现出典型的热带气候特征,具有岁差和半岁差的气候周期;转型之后,随着北半球冰盖的进一步扩张,南海北部受东亚冬季风增强的影响而导致温度下降、温跃层变深,但南海南部与赤道西太平洋的温度变化较小且温跃层变浅,说明同属季风区的南海北部和南部对气候变化的响应有所不同。     

Sedimentary responses to the Pleistocene climatic variations recorded in the South China Sea

Grain-size analyses, coupled with end-member modelling, have been performed on the terrigenous fraction of two Leg 184 Ocean Drilling Program sites (1144 and 1146) from the South China Sea. The grain-size distributions over the last 1.8 Ma enable a new interpretation of their connections to sea-level variations and East Asian monsoon strength. Previous investigations in this area have associated grain-size variability with enhanced eolian input during glacial stages. End-member modelling downgrades the importance of this eolian contribution and indicates that the sediments can be described as a mixture of three end-members: fluvial mud inputs, shelf reworking and river mouth migration. Grain-size variations in the Pleistocene section of the cores indicate a multiple-stage evolution: (i) from 1.8 to 1.25 Ma, the downcore grain-size variations are low but show a correspondence between monsoon rainfall intensity and the fine grain-sized fluvial inputs; no link with sea-level variations is noticeable; (ii) from 1.25 to 0.9 Ma, there is an increase (decrease) in the intermediate (fine) end-member (∼ 100 kyr cycle) that is associated with the onset of a stronger summer monsoon and modest shelf reworking; (iii) from 0.9 to 0 Ma the grain-size record is dominated by global sea-level variations; each glacial stage is associated with extensive shelf reworking and conveyance of coarse particles to the basin.     

The variations of stable carbon isotope ratio of land plant-derived n-alkanes in deep-sea sediments from the Bering Sea and the North Pacific Ocean during the last 250,000 years

Two piston cores, one located far from the continents (The North Pacific Ocean: ES core), and another located comparatively closer to the continents (The Bering Sea: BOW-8a core) were investigated to reconstruct environmental changes on source land areas. The results show significant contribution of terrestrial organic matter to sediments in both cores. The δ¹³C values of n-C₂₇, n-C₂₉, and n-C₃₁ alkanes in sediments from the North Pacific ES core show significant glacial to interglacial variation whereas those from the Bering Sea core do not. Variations of δ¹³C values of land plant n-alkanes are related to the environmental or vegetational changes in the source land areas. Environmental changes, especially, aridity, rainfall, and pCO₂ during glacial/interglacial transitional periods can affect vegetation, and therefore C₃ / C₄ plant ratios, resulting in δ¹³C changes in the preserved land plant biomarkers. Maximum values of δ¹³C as well as maximum average chain length values of long chain n-alkanes in the ES core occur mostly at the interglacial to glacial transition zones reflecting a time lag related to incorporation of living organic matter into soil and transportation into ocean basins via wind and/or ability of C₄ plants to adapt for a longer period before being replaced by C₃ plants when subjected to gradual climatic changes. Irregular variations with no clear glacial to interglacial trends in the BOW-8a core may result from complex mixture of aerosols from westerly winds and riverine organic matter from the Bering Sea catchments. In addition, terrestrial organic matter entering the Bering Sea could originate from multiple pathways including eolian, riverine, and ice rafted debris, and possibly be disturbed by turbidity and other local currents which can induce re-suspension and re-sedimentation causing an obliterated time relation in the Bering Sea biomarker records.     

SHRIMP U-Pb dating, trace elements and the Lu-Hf isotope system of coesite-bearing zircon from amphibolite in the SW Sulu UHP terrane, eastern China

In this study, we link mineral inclusion data, trace element analyses, U-Pb age and Hf isotope composition obtained from distinct zircon domains of complex zircon to unravel the origin and multi-stage metamorphic evolution of amphibolites from the Sulu ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) terrane, eastern China. Zircon grains separated from amphibolites from the CCSD-MH drill hole (G12) and Niushan outcrop (G13) were subdivided into two main types based on cathodoluminescence (CL) and Laser Raman spectroscopy: big dusty zircons with inherited cores and UHP metamorphic rims and small clear zircons. Weakly zoned, grey-white luminescent inherited cores preserve mineral inclusions of Cpx + Pl + Ap ± Qtz indicative of a mafic igneous protolith. Dark grey luminescent overgrowth rims contain the coesite eclogite-facies mineral inclusion assemblage Coe + Grt + Omp + Phe + Ap, and formed at T = 732-839 °C and P = 3.0-4.0 GPa. In contrast, white luminescent small clear zircons preserve mineral inclusions formed during retrograde HP quartz eclogite to LP amphibolite-facies metamorphism (T = 612-698 °C and P = 0.70-1.05 GPa). Inherited zircons from both samples yield SHRIMP ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages of 695-520 Ma with an upper intercept age of 800 ± 31 Ma. The UHP rims yield consistent Triassic ages around 236-225 and 239-225 Ma for G12 and G13 with weighted means of 229 ± 3 and 231 ± 3 Ma, respectively. Small clear zircons from both samples give ²⁰⁶Pb/²³⁸U ages around 219-210 Ma with a weighted mean of 214 ± 3 Ma, interpreted as the age of retrograde quartz eclogite-facies metamorphism. Matrix amphibole from both samples indicate Ar-Ar ages of 209 ± 0.7 and 207 ± 0.7 Ma, respectively, probably dating late amphibolite-facies retrogression. The data suggest subduction of Neoproterozoic mafic igneous rocks to UHP conditions in Middle Triassic (∼230 Ma) times and subsequent exhumation to an early HP (∼214 Ma) and a late LP stage (∼208 Ma) over a period of ∼16 and 6 Myr, respectively. Thus, early exhumation from a mantle depth of 120-100 km to about 60 km occurred at an average rate of 0.3 cm/y, while subsequent exhumation to a middle crustal level took place at approximately 0.54 cm/y. These exhumation rates are considerably slower than those obtained for UHP rocks in the Dora Maira and Kokchetav massifs (2-3 cm/y).Based on similar P-T estimates and trace element and Hf isotope compositions, Sulu amphibolites can be identified as retrograde UHP eclogites. The εHf₍₈₀₀₎ of +8 implies a significant input from the depleted mantle to the Sulu-Dabie terrane during the middle Neoproterozoic. Overgrown rims are characterized by a distinct trace element composition with low Lu/Hf and Th/U and significantly higher ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratios than inherited cores, consistent with formation during/after garnet (re-)crystallization and fractionation of the Lu-Hf system during UHP metamorphism. The combined dataset suggests homogenization of the ¹⁷⁶Hf/¹⁷⁷Hf ratio within the metamorphic mineral assemblage and during protolith formation. Observed variations are explained by mixing of material from both domains during laser ablation, e.g., due to partial recrystallization of inherited cores.     

白令海北部陆坡100ka来的古海洋学记录及海冰的扩张历史

白令海北部陆坡B2-9柱状样中生源组分的研究显示, 自MIS5.3期以来表层生产力指标的粗组分和蛋白石含量呈阶梯状增加, 反映表层生产力阶段式的增长.全新世表层生产力达到最高, 并且MIS3.2~2期高, 比MIS5.3~3.3期最低.高有机碳含量对应于高C/N比值, 显示有机碳混合来源, 不能作为表层生产力的指标.MIS5.1, 3.3~3.2期和全新世高的有机碳含量和C/N比值反映间冰期陆源有机物质输入量的增加.MIS5.3期至中全新世, 不断增加的陆源砂级和粉砂级颗粒组分说明随着气候的逐渐变冷, 陆架海冰在不断扩张.伐冰碎屑和碳屑颗粒冰期、间冰段和末次冰消期升高, 而间冰期降低, 反映冰期白令海陆架海冰扩张和间冰期海冰消融的过程.冰期海冰扩张与北美大陆气候的相互关联, 揭示了晚第四纪冰期旋回中白令海海冰扩张及其对全球气候变化的响应.      

南海北部ODP 1144站中更新世气候转型期有孔虫稳定同位素古气候意义

中更新世气候转型期是第四纪古气候研究的一个特殊时期。利用大洋钻探ODP 184航次在南海北部钻取的1144站时间分辨率高达约290年的沉积物样品，开展中更新世气候转型期古气候变化的研究。在中更新世距今80~100万年前，浮游和底栖有孔虫壳体的稳定氧碳同位素变化揭示出，中更新世气候转型中心，即中更新世革命0.9 Ma左右，南海北部表层海水温度的降低和降水量的增加指示东亚冬、夏季风增强。以中更新世革命为界，水体垂向结构上温跃层和营养跃层的深度从之前的间冰期较浅转变为之后的间冰期较深，底层水与表层水的垂直温度梯度从冰期时较大转变为冰期时较小。轨道尺度上，冰消期时南海北部的表层水、次表层水和底层水的变化几乎是同时发生的，不存在超前或滞后的相位差。千年尺度上，有孔虫的氧碳同位素变化都呈现出非常明显的约0.8 ka和约1.4 ka的气候波动周期。氧同位素0.8 ka滤波显示出：在中更新世气候转型期，较强的信号主要出现在间冰期，有时也出现在冰期，与晚第四纪千年尺度气候波动主要出现在冰期不同，说明中更新世的气候转型不仅表现在轨道尺度的气候周期变化上，同时也体现在千年尺度气候波动的特征变化中。      

Extinction of deep-sea foraminifera as a result of Pliocene–Pleistocene deep-sea circulation changes in the South China Sea (ODP Sites 1143 and 1146)

During the Late Pliocene–Middle Pleistocene, 56 species and 15 genera of elongate, cylindrical benthic foraminifera disappeared from the deep sea in the South China Sea (ODP Sites 1143 and 1146) as part of the last global extinction in the deep sea. This extinction group (Ext. Gp) exhibited a pulsed decline in abundance and species richness mostly during glacials, and often associated with periods of expansion of polar ice that resulted from increased cooling of the Earth's climate since ∼2.5 Ma, particularly during the Mid-Pleistocene Climate Transition (MPT, 1.2–0.6 Ma). We infer that the Ext. Gp decline in abundance and disappearance was a result of the increased glacial cooling and consequent increased ventilation of the deep-sea water masses. The detailed record of withdrawal of the Ext. Gp differs between the two sites, with far more disappearances occurring prior to the MPT in the deeper Site 1143 (2772 m) than in the shallower Site 1146 (2092 m). The Late Pliocene and Early Pleistocene declines in deeper parts of the South China Sea (Site 1143) may have resulted from enhanced glacial production of deep, southern-sourced water passing over the sill into the basin from the North-west Pacific. During the MPT however, the Ext. Gp declines and disappearances were of similar timing and magnitude in both sites, implying that both were influenced by the same deep-water mass during glacials at this time. This could have been North Pacific Deep Water, which many workers infer was formed in the northern Pacific during the last glacial, and may have begun forming during MPT glacials, in association with the progressively enhanced cooling of the Northern Hemisphere.     

Milankovitch-scale environmental variation in the Banda Sea over the past 820 ka: Fluctuation of the Indonesian Throughflow intensity

We describe the environmental variation in the Banda Sea over the past 820 ka by using the magnetic parameters and oxygen isotope data from the core MD012380. Overall, characteristics of the magnetic parameters show simultaneous variation with marine isotope stage (MIS), especially in the last 420 ka. There are fewer, coarser and more oxidative magnetic minerals in glacial periods, and turn to opposite conditions in interglacial periods. Spectral results clearly present the Milankovitch periods over the last 820 ka, especially the eccentricity period (400-ka and 100-ka). However, the magnetic data shows different pattern before and after 420 ka. Thus, we segmented the time-series data into two periods: MIS 20 to MIS 12 and MIS 11 to MIS 1. During MIS 20 to MIS 12, the spectra of magnetic data show clear periods related to the obliquity (41-ka) and precession (23-ka and 19-ka), while they present only the eccentricity period (100-ka) during MIS 11 to MIS 1. This feature, which splits the late Pleistocene at around 420 ka, could be attributed to the mid-Brunhes event (MBE). In the Banda Sea, main factor controlling the variation of the magnetic minerals is considered as the fluctuation of the Indonesian Throughflow (ITF) intensity due to sea-level change. Thus, the magnetic data show clear 400-ka and 100-ka periods (main MIS cycle). Besides, the eccentricity signals are relatively dominant in the last ～420 ka, implying that the ITF might become more important after the MBE in the Banda Sea.     

Recycled crust controls contrasting source compositions of Mesozoic and Cenozoic basalts in the North China Craton

We explore Fe/Mn and Nb/Ta ratios of basalts as potential tracers for differentiating melts of recycled mafic crustal lithologies from peridotitic melts. Trace elements and Fe/Mn ratios of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic basalts from East China were analyzed by ICP-MS. Low Nb/Ta ratios (15.4 ± 0.3 (2σ, n = 45)), high Nb and Ta contents (60.1 and 4.01 ppm) and high Fe/Mn ratios (64.7 ± 1.5 (2σ, n = 45)) characterize the <110 Ma basalts. Mesozoic basalts with ages >110 Ma are characterized by superchondritic Nb/Ta ratios (20.1 ± 0.3 (2σ, n = 25)), low Nb and Ta contents (10.8 and 0.54 ppm) and slightly lower Fe/Mn ratios (60.0 ± 1.1 (2σ, n = 25)). Both the Mesozoic and Cenozoic basalts have Fe/Mn ratios higher than basaltic melt formed by partial melting of peridotite at the same MgO and CaO levels. Although both the Mesozoic and Cenozoic basalts are characterized by highly fractionated REE patterns, the >110 Ma basalts have island arc-type trace element patterns (i.e., depletion in Nb and Ta), whereas OIB-type trace element patterns (e.g., no depletion in Nb and Ta) are characteristic of the <110 Ma basalts. Based on D_Fe/Mn values for olivine, clinopyroxene, orthopyroxene and garnet, high Fe/Mn ratios and negative correlations of Fe/Mn with Yb (Y) of the <110 Ma basalts suggest clinopyroxene/garnet-rich mantle sources. The lower Fe/Mn ratios and positive correlations of Fe/Mn with Y and Yb in the >110 Ma basalts suggest orthopyroxene/garnet-rich mantle sources. Combining these data with Sr-Nd isotopes, we present a conceptual model to explain the Nb/Ta ratios and PM-normalized trace element patterns of the >110 and <110 Ma basalts. Preferential melting of recycled ancient lower continental crust during Mesozoic lithospheric thinning resulted in (1) peridotite-melt/fluid reaction that formed the orthopyroxene/garnet-rich mantle sources for the >110 Ma basalts, and (2) peridotite + rutile-bearing eclogite mixing that formed the clinopyroxene/garnet-rich mantle sources for the <110 Ma basalts. The choice of models may indeed be arbitrary and non-unique, but the goal is to seek relatively simple forward models that explain the characteristics of the lavas, and the differences between the >110 and <110 Ma basalts, in a relatively consistent geodynamic framework.     

Thermal evolution and physics of melt extraction on the ureilite parent body

We develop a physical model of the thermal history of the ureilite parent body (UPB) that numerically tracks the history of its heating, hydration, dehydration, partial melting and smelting as a function of its formation time and the initial values of its composition, formation temperature and water ice content. Petrologic and chemical data from the main group (non-polymict) ureilite meteorites, which sample the interior of the UPB between depths corresponding to pressures in the range 3-10 MPa, are used to constrain the model. We find that to achieve the ∼30% melting inferred for ureilites from all sampled depths, the UPB must have had a radius between ∼80 and ∼130 km and must have accreted about 0.55 Ma after CAI formation. Melting began in the body at ∼1 Ma after CAI, and the time at which 30% melting was reached varied with depth in the asteroid but was always between ∼4.5 and ∼5.8 Ma after CAI. The total rate at which melt was produced in the UPB varied from more than 100 m³ s⁻¹ in the very early stages of melting at ∼1 Ma after CAI to ∼5 m³ s⁻¹ between 2 and 3 Ma after CAI, decreasing to extremely small values as the end of melting was approached beyond ∼5 Ma. Although the initial period of high melt production occupied only a short time around 1 Ma after CAI, it corresponded to ∼half (16%) of total silicate melting, and all strictly basaltic (i.e. plagioclase-saturated) melts must have been produced during this period.A very efficient melt transport network, consisting of a hierarchy of veins and larger pathways (dikes), developed quickly at the start of melting, ensuring rapid (timescales of months) transport of any single parcel of melt to shallow levels, thus ensuring that chemical interaction between melts and the rocks through which they subsequently passed was negligible. Volatile (mainly carbon monoxide) production due to smelting began at the start of silicate melting in the shallowest parts of the UPB and at later times at greater depths. Except at the very start and very end of melting, the volatile content of the melts produced was always high - generally between 15 and 35 mass % - and most of the melt produced was erupted at the surface of the UPB with speeds well in excess of the escape velocity and was lost into space. However, we show that 30% melting at the 3 MPa pressure level was only possible if ∼15% of the total melt produced in the asteroid was retained as a small number (∼5) of very extensive, sill-like intrusions centered at a depth of ∼7 km below the surface, near the base of the ∼8 km thick outer crust of the asteroid that was maintained at temperatures below the basalt solidus by conductive heat loss to the surface. The horizontal extents of these sills occupied about 75% of the surface area of the UPB, and the sills acted as buffers between the steady supply of melt from depth and the intermittent explosive eruption of the melt into space. We infer that samples from these intrusions are preserved as the rare feldspathic (loosely basaltic) clasts in polymict ureilites, and show that the cooling histories of the sills are consistent with these clasts reaching isotopic closure at ∼5 Ma after CAI, as given by ²⁶Al-²⁶Mg, ⁵³Mn-⁵³Cr and Pb-Pb age dates.     

Zircon U-Pb and Hf isotope constraints on crustal melting associated with the Emeishan mantle plume

SHRIMP zircon U-Pb dates, combined with in-situ Hf isotopic data, provide new constraints on the petrogenesis and protolith of peralkaline, metaluminous and peraluminous intrusions and rhyolitic tuffs in the Emeishan large igneous province, with significant bearing on crustal melting associated with mantle plumes. Syenite and A-type granitic intrusions from Huili, Miyi and Taihe in the center of this large igneous province yield U-Pb dates at ∼260 Ma, consistent with the ages obtained for mafic layered intrusions in the same province. Zircon from these rocks exhibits a wide range of initial Hf isotope ratios (ε_Hf(t) = −1.4 to +13.4), with corresponding T_DM1 of 400-900 Ma. The highest ε_Hf(t) value is only marginally lower than that of depleted mantle reservoir at 260 Ma, suggesting that their source is primarily juvenile crust added during Emeishan volcanism, with incorporation of variable amounts of Neoproterozoic crust. The trigger of crustal melting is most likely related to advective heating associated with magmatic underplating. In contrast, the 255-251 Ma peraluminous granites from Ailanghe and 238 Ma rhyolitic tuff from Binchuan, have negative initial ε_Hf values of −1.3 to −4.4, and of −7.7 to −14, respectively. Hf isotopic model ages and presence of inherited zircons indicate their derivation from Mesoproterozoic and Paleoproterozoic crust, respectively. Given the time lag relative to the plume impact (∼260 Ma) and insignificant mantle contribution to 255-238 Ma magmatism, conductive heating is suggested as the trigger of crustal melting that resulted in formation of delayed felsic magmas. The involvement of older crust in younger felsic magmas is consistent with upward heat transfer to the lithosphere during plume impregnation, if the age of crust is inversely stratified, i.e., changes from Paleoproterozoic to Mesoproterozoic to Neoproterozoic to Permian with increasing depth. Such crust may have resulted from episodic, downward crustal growth during the evolution of the western Yangtze Craton.     

Transfer and early diagenesis of biogenic silica oxygen isotope signals during settling and sedimentation of diatoms in a temperate freshwater lake (Lake Holzmaar, Germany)

We have investigated the transfer of oxygen isotope signals of diatomaceous silica (δ¹⁸O_diatom) from the epilimnion (0-7 m) through the hypolimnion to the lake bottom (∼20 m) in freshwater Lake Holzmaar, Germany. Sediment-traps were deployed in 2001 at depths of 7 and 16 m to harvest fresh diatoms every 28 days. The 7 m trap collected diatoms from the epilimnion being the main zone of primary production, while the 16 m trap collected material already settled through the hypolimnion. Also a bottom sediment sample was taken containing diatom frustules from approximately the last 25 years. The δ¹⁸O_diatom values of the 7 m trap varied from 29.4‰ in spring/autumn to 26.2‰ in summer according to the temperature dependence of oxygen isotope fractionation and represent the initial isotope signal in this study. Remarkably, despite the short settling distance δ¹⁸O_diatom values of the 7 and the 16 m trap were identical only during spring and autumn seasons while from April to September δ¹⁸O_diatom values of the 16 m trap were roughly ∼1.5‰ enriched in ¹⁸O compared to those of the 7 m trap. Isotopic exchange with the isotopically lighter water of the hypolimnion would shift the δ¹⁸O_diatom value to lower values during settling from 7 to 16 m excluding this process as a cause for the deviation. Dissolution of opal during settling with intact organic coatings of the diatom cells and near neutral pH of the water should only cause a minor enrichment of the 16 m values. Nevertheless, opal from the bottom sediment was found to be 2.5‰ enriched in ¹⁸O compared to the weighted average of the opal from the 7 m trap. Thus, resuspension of bottom material must have contributed to the intermediate δ¹⁸O_diatom signal of the 16 m trap during summer. Dissolution experiments allowed further investigation of the cause for the remarkably enriched δ¹⁸O_diatom value of the bottom sediment. Experiments with different fresh diatomaceous materials show an increase of opaline ¹⁸O at high pH values which is remarkably reduced when organic coatings of the cells still exist or at near neutral pH. In contrast, high pH conditions do not affect the δ¹⁸O_diatom values of sub-fossil and even fossil opal. IR analyses show that the ¹⁸O enrichment of the sedimentary silica is associated with a decrease in Si-OH groups and the formation of Si-O-Si linkages. This indicates a silica dehydroxylation process as cause for the isotopic enrichment of the bottom sediment. Silica dissolution and dehydroxylation clearly induce a maturation process of the diatom oxygen isotope signal presumably following an exponential behaviour with a rapid initial phase of signal alteration. The dynamics of this process is of particular importance for the quantitative interpretation of sedimentary δ¹⁸O_diatom values in terms of palaeothermometry.     

Characteristics of alkenones synthesized by a bloom of emiliania huxleyi in the Bering Sea

We investigated the characteristics of the alkenones produced by a bloom of Emiliania huxleyi in the eastern Bering Sea in 2000. Alkenones were detected in surface waters between 57°N and 63°N, where phosphate concentrations were low and the ammonium/nitrate ratio was high. The total alkenone content (C_37:2, C_37:3, and C_37:4) ranged from 22.0 to 349 μg g⁻¹ in suspended particles and from 0.109 to 1.42 μg g⁻¹ in surface sediments. This suggests that a large proportion of the particulate alkenones synthesized in the surface water rapidly degraded within the water column and/or at the water-sediment interface of the Bering Shelf. The change in the stable carbon isotopic composition (δ¹³C) of C_37:3 alkenone could not be explained only by variation in [CO₂(aq)] in the surface water but also depended on the growth rate of E. huxleyi. The alkenone unsaturation index (U^K′₃₇) was converted into an alkenone “temperature” with three equations [Prahl et al 1988], [Sikes et al 1997] and [Müller et al 1998]; Sikes et al.’s (1997) equation gave the best correlation with the observed sea surface temperature (SST) in the eastern Bering Sea. However, some temperatures estimated by Sikes et al.’s (1997) equation from the U^K′₃₇ varied from the observed SST, possibly because of the rapidly changing rate of alkenone synthesis in the logarithmic growth stage or the low rate of alkenone synthesis when nutrients were limiting. Temperatures estimated from U^K′₃₇ in the surface sediments (6.8-8.2°C) matched the observed SST in September (7-8°C) but differed from the annual average SST of 4 to 5°C, suggesting that most of the alkenone in the eastern Bering Sea was synthesized during limited periods, for instance, in September. The relative amounts of C_37:4 alkenone as proportions of the total alkenones (referred to as C_37:4%) were high, ranging from 18.3 to 41.4%. Low-salinity water (<32 psu) within the study area would have contributed to the high C_37:4% because a negative linear relationship between C_37:4% and salinity was found in this study.     

Composition of rare earth elements in settling particles collected in the highly productive North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea: Implications for siliceous-matter dissolution kinetics and formation of two REE-enriched phases

Settling particles were sampled monthly for 1 year using an automated time-series sediment trap positioned at similar depths at two sites of high diatomaceous productivity in the North Pacific Ocean and Bering Sea. The particles were analyzed for rare earth elements (REEs) by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with and without chemical treatment of the bulk samples to isolate siliceous fractions. The REE composition of the bulk samples is explained largely by the contribution of two distinct components: (i) carbonate with a higher REE concentration, a negative Ce anomaly and lighter REE (LREE) enrichment; (ii) opal with a lower REE concentration, a weaker negative Ce anomaly and heavier REE (HREE) enrichment.The siliceous fractions of settling particles are characterized by high Si/Al ratios (30-190), reflecting high diatom productivity at the studied sites. The La/Al ratio of the siliceous fraction is close to that of the upper crust, but the Lu/Al and Lu/La ratios are significantly higher than those of the upper crust or airborne particles, indicating the presence of excess HREEs in the siliceous fraction. Diatoms are believed to be important carriers of HREEs.The Ce anomaly, Eu anomaly, slope of the REE pattern, and ΣREE of the siliceous fraction vary exponentially with decreasing total mass flux. They can be well-reproduced according to the differential dissolution kinetics of elements in the order of Ce < lighter REEs (LREEs) < Eu = heavier REEs (HREEs) < Si from settling particles, where the dissolution rate is critically reduced through particle aggregation. This order is consistent with the vertical distribution of dissolved REEs and Si in oceans. The differential dissolution kinetics leads to HREE enrichment of the original diatoms and REE enrichment of dissolved diatoms. The Lu/Si ratio of the siliceous fraction of settling particles recovered from some of the highest diatom fluxes is identical to that of the two elements dissolved in deep seawater, providing further evidence for the dissolution of siliceous matter in deep water.     

Stable isotope chemistry of fossil bone as a new paleoclimate indicator

During fossilization, bone is thought to recrystallize and alter chemically on timescales of kyr to a few tens of kyr, i.e., similar to the timescale for formation of soils. Therefore, C- and O-isotope compositions of bone apatite should correlate with trends in soil water composition and aridity, and serve as paleoclimate indicators. This hypothesis was tested by analyzing C- and O-isotope compositions of the CO₃ component of fossil bone apatite from mid-Oligocene through late Pleistocene units in Oregon and western Idaho, including the John Day (19.4-30.0 Ma), Mascall (15.2-15.8 Ma), and Rattlesnake (7.2-7.8 Ma) Formations, whose paleosol sequences have been studied in detail, and the Juntura (10-11 Ma), Hagerman (3.2 Ma), and Fossil Lake (<23-650 ka) fossil localities. Tooth enamel δ¹⁸O values provide a baseline of meteoric water compositions. Stable isotope compositions of bone CO₃ do change in response to broad climatic trends, but show poor correlation with compositions of corresponding paleosol CO₃ at specific horizons. Instead, compositional deviations between bone and paleosol CO₃ correlate with compositional deviations with the next higher paleosol; this suggests that the timescale for fossilization exceeds one paleosol cycle. Based on stratigraphic evidence and simple alteration models, fossilization timescales are estimated at 20-50 kyr, indicating that bone CO₃ will prove most useful for sequences spanning >100 kyr. C-isotopes show negative and strong positive deviations during wet and dry climates respectively, and short-term trends correspond well with changes in aridity within the Mascall and Rattlesnake Formations, as inferred from paleosols. A proposed correction to δ¹⁸O values based on δ¹³C anomalies implies a small, ∼1.5‰ increase in meteoric water δ¹⁸O during the late Oligocene global warming event, consistent with a minimum temperature increase of ∼4 °C. A strong inferred decrease in δ¹⁸O of 4-5‰ after 7 Ma closely parallels compositional changes in tooth enamel, and reflects a doubling in the height of the Cascade Range.