Geology of the Blue Lagoon

The geology of the Blue Lagoon, Abereiddy Bay, South Wales, has been studied for over a hundred years, and is the type locality for the Abereiddian sub‐stage of the Darriwilian (Ordovician), due to its outstanding fossil assemblages. Despite the work done on the Blue Lagoon, its geological significance has not yet been examined. Strata preserved at the Blue Lagoon comprises Avalonian volcanics and marine sediments. This feature examines Avalonia's palaeogeography, the structure and stratigraphy of Abereiddy Bay and the global significance of the geology at these classic localities.     

Marie Stopes: passionate about palaeobotany

Marie Stopes (1880–1958) was one of the most flamboyant and influential figures of the early twentieth century. In addition to her well-known work on birth control, she wrote a controversial sex manual for women, and produced numerous novels, plays and works of poetry. She is also remembered as a passionate advocate of eugenics, courting the architects of the Third Reich, and was identified, in some circles, as a threat to empire and country. But geology, and specifically palaeobotany, was her first love and indeed her life's most enduring passion. Although Stopes's life has been thoroughly dissected in four biographies, her geological career has been overshadowed by her later work. This is unfortunate, because she made major contributions to palaeobotany and coal research, and her scientific career, like her humanitarian endeavours, makes fascinating reading.     

大数据时代数字找矿与定量评价

这是一个科技飞速发展的时代,也是一个数据爆炸的时代。不同学科领域及不同类型工作都需要针对其特点开发和建立自己的数据科学,培养各自领域的科学人才。通过对大数据时代概念和形成的深入理解,将其引入到地学领域的研究工作中,从而提出数字找矿的概念,实现数学地质到数字地质的飞跃,弥补传统定性找矿的缺陷,结合四大找矿系统理论,对矿产预测做出科学的定量评价与分析,是未来的必然发展趋势。     

GUIDANCE FOR CONTRIBUTORS

1.Papers should be devoted mainly to various aspects of research concerning geosciences and related disciplines in China, such as stratigraphy, paleontology, origin and history of the Earth, structural geology, tectonics, mineralogy, petrology, geochemistry, geophysics, geology of mineral deposits, hydrogeology, engineering geology, environmental geology, regional geology and new theories and technologies of geological exploration. Those of scientific interest to the geological community in China or of international interest are also welcome.     

The Welsh development agency

This paper traces the development of the concept of a regional development agency for Wales in Labour Party policy and the pressures which interacted within the policy-making structures of the party to finally create the Welsh Development Agency, set up under the Welsh Development Agency Act (1975). The influences which combined together to create the WDA are chronicled together with the policies of the agency under the three headings of industrial investment, advance factory building and land reclamation. The relationship of the WDA with other governmental organisations, and its success in creating employment and in promoting the restructuring of an economy heavily dependent on the traditional primary industries, such as coal and steel, is assessed. The work of the agency is also placed in the context of the changes which have occurred in the Welsh economy over the last few years.     

甘肃临潭冶力关国家地质公园地质遗迹资源及其旅游地学意义

地质公园的建设和发展以地质遗迹为核心。甘肃临潭冶力关国家地质公园主要以丹霞地貌、滑坡堰塞湖和西北岩溶地貌为主,集旅游、休闲、探险和科研于一体的综合性地质公园。公园位于西秦岭造山带西段,属中秦岭断褶带,地质遗迹丰富典型且在西北稀有,可分为3大类7类13亚类。通过定量评价可以看出,地质遗迹具有很高的科学研究价值、美学观赏价值和旅游开发价值。区内出露上古生界和新生界地层,以区域大型褶皱构造为主,冶海古滑坡形成的堰塞湖规模巨大,滑坡遗存特征明显,保存完整,发育的丹霞地貌为典型的西北高寒湿润型丹霞地貌,在构造地质学、地层学、灾害地质学、地貌学以及生态学等各领域具有重要的研究价值。本文的研究结果对于正确认识冶力关国家地质公园地质遗迹状况,深入的进行地质遗迹的保护与开发具有一定的参考和借鉴价值。     

Andrei Sher and Quaternary science

Andrei Sher (1939–2008) was a key individual in Beringian studies who made substantial and original contributions, but also, importantly, built bridges between western and eastern Beringian scientists spanning some five decades of research. He is perhaps best known as a Quaternary palaeontologist, specializing in large mammals, and mammoths in particular, but his field of his scientific research was much broader, encompassing Quaternary geology, stratigraphy, geocryology, and paleoenvironmental reconstructions. He worked mainly in Siberia, in the Kolyma and Indigirka lowlands, and Chukotka, but also completed fieldwork in Alaska and Yukon through joint projects with American and Canadian scientists. Andrei was an active scientist until the last days of his life. He was involved in many different research projects ranging from mammoth evolution, fossil insects and environmental changes and ancient DNA. Without Andrei’s connections between researchers, many unique discoveries would likely be unknown.     

Wolfgang Schott (1905–1989): the founder of quantitative paleoceanography

Wolfgang Schott is the pioneer in paleoceanography and has established this research field within marine geology. His papers from the first half of the twentieth century are all published in German; therefore, the most inspiring results are given here as original quotes in English, since they paved the ground for all scientific discussions on climate stratigraphy, past ocean currents, and glacial interglacial cycles.     

加强矿床地质研究，提高找矿工作成效

中国经济的持续快速增长,急需找矿工作的重大突破,以提供更多更好的矿产资源。矿床学正面临新的发展机遇。当前矿床研究工作的问题是理论联系实际不够,学科内部各部分发展不平衡。为此,笔者提出了矿床学研究中的几个重点:①由浅部向深部开拓——深浅结合;②矿床解剖与区域展开——点面结合;③矿床系列和异常系列组成的矿化网络;④研究与发现新型矿产资源。对如何加强矿床研究,提出:①理论与实践紧密结合;②宽厚基础与重点深入相结合;③国内矿床研究与国外矿床研究相结合;④继承与创新相结合。预计今后10～15年期间,中国的矿床研究将处在一个很有利的战略发展机遇期,我们要加倍努力,为实现从地质资源大国到地质资源强国的转变做出应有贡献。     

The geology of the Llanuwchllyn to Llanymawddwy area,south gwynedd,north wales

A geological map of the Caradoc rocks of the Llanuwchllyn to Llanymawddwy area is presented and the geology of the area described in detail. Hitherto unrecorded outcrops provide important stratigraphical evidence which is used to redraw the Caradoc-Ashgill Series boundary and many of the formational boundaries within the Caradoc Series. The stratigraphy of the area is revised to conform with the standard classification of the Caradoc Series in the Bala region. The only modifications are as follows: the Llaethnant Siltstone is proposed as a formational name for a group of beds which are broadly equivalent to the Glyn Gower Formation but which represent a distinct facies. The greater part of the Nod Glas Formation north of Dinas Mawddwy is shown to be laterally equivalent to the upper part of the Gelli-grin Formation; it is also subdivided into two members, the Dyfi Mudstone and the Corris Shale, differentiated on lithological and faunal grounds. The stratigraphy of the Dinas Mawddwy area is also amended. Faunal elements (genera) new to the Caradoc Series of this area, and to Wales, are noted.     

Briefing

This issue of Geology Today is devoted largely to the Earth sciences in Wales, in celebration of Welsh Geology Week (4–14 July 1991). The rationale of the Week and some of the activities taking place during it were described in our last issue (v. 7, p. 86, 1991).We are grateful to Michael G. Bassett of the National Museum of Wales, and his colleagues, for commissioning the Welsh articles and, of course, to the authors for writing them. Because of the nature of the material, the format of this issue differs some- what from our usual practice, but normal service in that respect will be resumed with the next issue. In- cidentally, as this is the first time we have produced a 'special issue', we would like to hear from readers on whether or not they welcome it and whether or not they would appreciate other such issues, either geographical or thematic, in the future.     

大数据时代数字找矿与定量评价

这是一个科技飞速发展的时代,也是一个数据爆炸的时代。不同学科领域及不同类型工作都需要针对其特点开发和建立自己的数据科学,培养各自领域的科学人才。通过对大数据时代概念和形成的深入理解,将其引入到地学领域的研究工作中,从而提出数字找矿的概念,实现数学地质到数字地质的飞跃,弥补传统定性找矿的缺陷,结合四大找矿系统理论,对矿产预测做出科学的定量评价与分析,是未来的必然发展趋势。     

Geophysical surveys to help map buried igneous intrusions,Snowdonia, North Wales,UK

The geology of the Snowdonia National Park in North Wales comprises a mixture of Lower Palaeozoic shallow marine sediments, acidic igneous rocks and basic intrusions of the Welsh Basin that were subsequently deformed during the Caledonian Orogeny. Thin igneous intrusions are challenging to map due to variable surface exposures, their intrusive origin, structural deformation and burial by glacial sediments. This study used a combination of traditional geological techniques, near‐surface geophysical surveys and remote sensing to detect and map a buried dolerite sheet intrusion. Both simple and mathematical analysis of magnetic anomalies and numerical modelling allowed the dolerite position, depths and target widths to be determined. Results showed that calibrated magnetic surveys can characterize buried igneous bodies in such mountainous environments.     

Current Status of the Research on Coal Geology in China

Coal is the main energy in China, which has already played and will continue to play an important role in the national economy. Coal geology, as a practical science, has an access to gradual development with the growth and prosperity of China. From the meaning of the coalfield geology, this paper introduces the research progress and status of coalfield geology, including the research on coal basin, stratigraphy of coal-bearing stratigraphic sequences, coal-forming process, structural geology of coalfields, and exploration and development status of coal resources. The paper specially focuses on coal-forming process, including coal formation in terrestrial facies and transgressive / regression events, and introduces new technology which has been applied to research progress in structural geology of coalfield. This paper puts forward a new comprehensive exploration system for coal exploration and reviews regional coal geological exploration results in recent years, such as coal-poor regions of seven provinces in southern China and the coal resources area in northwest China, which will be an important coal-producing area in the future.     

从第31届国际地质大会看地层学研究进展

介绍了第31届国际地质大会有关地层学学术讨论的主要内容，包括地质年代表、生物地层学、事件地层学、层序地层学、磁性地层学、同位素地层学、综合地层学、沉积相与沉积古地理、生物古地理、构造古地理10个方面。这些研究可以明显反映出目前国际地层学研究的现状和发展趋势。地层学研究不断深入，特别是一些经典地区和关键层段的研究仍然在不断深入，这些经典地区和关键层段在研究理论和研究方法上的突破带动了整个地层学研究的发展；地层学研究领域不断扩大，服务范围也不断扩大，地层学与其它学科相互渗透，为地层学这门古老的学科注入了新的生命力；地层学各分支学科相互结合，向多学科综合研究的综合地层学方向发展。     

Quaternary buried paleosols: A critical review

A review of work on buried paleosols in the disciplines of pedology, Quaternary geology, and archaeology is presented under the headings of (1) the problems of identification, (2) techniques of study, (3) buried paleosols and Quaternary stratigraphy, (4) archaeological stratigraphy and dating, (5) layered soils, and (6) past environment from buried paleosols. It is suggested that future pedological research of interest to Quaternary studies should concentrate on clarifying what is a soil as opposed to a weathered sediment, what processes and features are peculiar to pedogenesis as opposed to diagenesis, and what are the relationships between soil-site conditions and soil characteristics.     

锶同位素地层学研究进展

锶同位素地层学（SIS）根据地质历史中的任何时间全球范围内海水的 锶同位素组成都是均一的，海水87Sr/86Sr比值随时间变化这一基本原理，利用代表原始海水的海相碳酸盐（以及磷酸盐和硫酸盐）的87Sr/86Sr比值确定海相地层的年代，研究海平面变化，造山运动，古气候等全球事件，在地层学，沉积学，石油地质学和矿床学等领域中有着广泛的应用前景，同位素地层学已在世界范围内得到地质学家的普遍关注，并已获得迅速的发展，国内的有关研究则刚刚起步，锶同位素地层学研究的难点主要在于对样品成岩蚀变的挖掘和分析技术上，同时还需要有良好的地层学研究基础，在样品选择上应充分考虑其原始组分的抗成岩蚀变能力，锶同位素地层学的研究需要地层学家，沉积学家和地球化学家的共同努力。     

强化地质资料编研开发,为实现地质找矿新突破提供信息支撑

地质资料开发利用被国家列为新时期地质工作的六大任务之一,足见其重要性。分析认为,地质资料具有科学性、经济性、社会性、原始记录性、历史再现性等多重属性,是地质资源信息的宝库,包含着巨大的经济社会价值。提出以下4点:①开展综合编研,以集成新的复合型地质资料;②开展有用信息的筛选提取,以放大和增强找矿信息;③开展多元信息叠加研究,以进行成矿预测;④再审视、再利用、回头看,以寻找新矿种、新资源等的地质资料编研开发途径,并列举了一些典型实例。还分析了河南省地质资料工作中存在的突出问题,提出了加强地质资料编研开发的若干措施和建议。     

Fforest Fawr Geopark—a UNESCO Global Geopark distinguished by its geological,industrial and cultural heritage

The creation of the European Geoparks Network in 2000 was followed by the establishment of the Global Geoparks Network in 2004, incorporating the European Geoparks Network. On November 17, 2015, UNESCO sanctioned the creation of a new designation, the UNESCO Global Geoparks, as part of UNESCO’s new International Geoscience and Geoparks Programme (IGGP). This is the first initiative of its kind to be established by UNESCO for 40 years and is the result of effective networking among geoparks and their partners aiming to achieve significant progress in geo-conservation, geotourism, environmental education and sustainable local development.Geoparks are located primarily in rural areas which are both remote and underdeveloped or which have experienced economic decline. In order to become a UNESCO Global Geopark, a geopark must demonstrate that it has a significant geological heritage, has well defined boundaries and is large enough to support a sustainable strategy for economic development based upon that heritage. In addition to its geology, a geopark should also make use of sites of archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural significance as these are often linked to the underlying geology. The ultimate objective of a UNESCO Global Geopark is to use the designation as a vehicle to engage communities in protecting these assets in ways which contribute to the economic development of their territory.The Fforest Fawr Geopark, the first geopark in Wales, became a member of the European and Global Geoparks Networks in 2005 and a UNESCO Global Geopark in 2015. The geopark was established in the western area of the Brecon Beacons National Park because that area has a strong identity in terms of its geology and Welsh industrial and cultural heritage. In addition, while the eastern area of the National Park was a more popular tourist destination, the area designated as the geopark was less well known, more remote in character, and economically less prosperous.The geopark’s approximately 480 million year geological heritage provides a resource for developing geotourism and for educational activities. Nearly 11,500 years of human activity created a cultural landscape in which ancient monuments contrast with the relicts of industrial activity. With the coming of the Industrial Revolution the geological resources of Fforest Fawr were systematically exploited for over 200 years to supply South Wales’s expanding metal industry. During this time mining, quarrying and brick making contributed to wealth creation and South Wales was a major player in the new industrial age which changed the world. The area of Fforest Fawr Geopark, with its close association to the South Wales Coalfield played a significant role in global industrial history.In addition, the rich culture of the geopark’s early inhabitants comes to life in myths and legends and some of Europe’s oldest stories and myths are associated with the area of Fforest Fawr Geopark.