东营凹陷波动古湖相烃源岩沉积特征

以东营凹陷牛38井为例,研究显示,该井沙河街组沙三段烃源岩的沉积特征具有明显的波动性．宏观上体现为, 构造因素控制湖盆的整体升降和沉积构造旋回,但季节性气候及其它因素的影响使湖盆呈现次级旋回的复合性沉积．微观上表现为纹层的不连续性及生物扰动构造等事件性沉积.古湖面不同幅度的波动和变化导致相对稳定的泥岩沉积的不稳定性,有机质的分布也呈现较显著的非均质性．湖泊的沉积过程影响了微量元素、有机质以及烃源物质的分布,水体较深、盐度较高的沙三段下部多数微量元素含量较高以及B／Ca、Sr／Ba呈现高值;水体较浅、盐度较低的沙三段中部各元素的分布较为稳定,B／Ca、Sr／Ba比值及Sr的含量均显著降低.波动性沉积导致烃源岩呈现明显的优劣性分布,沙三段下部中的有机质富集,为优质烃源岩;沙三段中部的有机质分布较为分散,生排烃的资源潜力有限．     

Paleo-productivity evolution across the Permian-Triassic boundary and quantitative calculation of primary productivity of black rock series from the Dalong Formation,South China

The change of the primary productivity across the Permian-Triassic boundary(PTB)remains controversial.In this study,records from two deep-water sections in South China(Xiakou and Xinmin sections)show the primary productivity decreased gradually from the latest Permian to the earliest Triassic,and five evolutionary stages Increase-Decrease-Recovery-RecessionStagnation)can be observed from Clarkina changxingensis-C.deflecta to Hindeodus parvus-Isarcicella isarcica zones.Primary productivity decreased abruptly from the base of C.meishanensis zone.Besides,for adjusting to the deterioration of the oceanic environment,the primary producers in the oceanic surface had changed to acritarch and cyanobacteria,which were more tolerant of stressful environment.Then the producers were under huge stagnation in the H.parvus-I.isarcica zone.The values of quantitative calculation of the primary productivity from the black rock series in the Dalong Formation were very high,corresponding to that of an upwelling area in modern ocean,which shows that the strata of the Dalong Formation in the study region are potential hydrocarbon source-rocks.This result may come from the fact that South China craton was located at the equatorial upwelling area during the Permian-Triassic transitions.But organic matter contents were different in various sections because they could be affected by redox conditions and diagenesis process after burial.     

Palynostratigraphy and palaeoenvironments around the Albian-Cenomanian boundary interval(OAEld),North Bulgaria

The palynological assemblages from two Albian-Cenomanian boundary sections in North Bulgaria are described.The samples analyzed yielded a diverse palynological content including dinoflagellate cysts and miospores.Based on dinocyst nutrient and productivity indices a phase of enhanced nutrient availability and high primary productivity is inferred for the latest Albian interval.The pronounced predominance of peridinioid dinocysts in this interval,namely O.verrucosum,O.scabrosum and especially P.infusorioides is considered to reflect eutrophic conditions.It coincides with the increased phosphorus mass accumulation occurring at the top part of the Upper Albian Dekov Formation.OAE 1d is indicated in the Tolovitsa karst spring section,based on palynofacies dominated by high amounts of granular amorphous organic matter(AOM)related to anoxic environmental conditions.These sections serve as evidence suggesting a relationship between Cretaceous peridinioid cysts(including Palaeohystichphora infusorioides,Ovoidinium verrucosum,O.scabrosum)and anoxic/suboxic conditions and/or high primary productivity.The pollen spectrum inferred relatively stable vegetation patterns of surrounding continental areas during and after the Albian/Cenomanian boundary interval and the times of OAE 1d formation.The hinterland vegetation integrated mainly pteridophyte spores and gymnosperms.The area was part of the Southern Laurasian floral province which was characterized by warm temperate to subtropical humid climate.Angiosperms were still minor part of this vegetation.     

Late Cretaceous paleoenvironment and lake level fluctuation in the Songliao Basin,northeastern China

Study of Late Cretaceous lacustrine sedimentary strata in the eastern Songliao Basin, China revealed that the paleoclimate was relatively arid and hot during sedimentation of the upper Santonian of the Yaojia Formation, but became relatively humid and warm during deposition of the lower Campanian Nenjiang Formation. The upper Yaojia Formation was deposited in a freshwater lake environment, while the lower Nenjiang Formation was deposited in a slightly brackish to brackish environment. The average total organic carbon content in the upper Yaojia Formation is 0.15%, while the hydrogen index is 36 mg_HC/g_TOC, implying poor source rock for oil generation and the organic matter comprised of a mixture of woody and herbaceous organic matter. In contrast, the hydrogen index of oil shale and black shale of the lower Nenjiang Formation is 619 mg_HC/g_TOC, and total organic carbon content on average is 3.37%, indicating a mixed algae and herbaceous source of kerogen and an increase in aquatic bioproductivity. The black shale and oil shale have low Pristane/Phytane and C₂₉ 5α,14α,17α(H) ? stigmastane 20R/(20R + 20S) ratios, with maximum concentration of n‐alkanes at n‐C₂₃, implying an anoxic depositional environment with algae, bacteria and higher plants providing most of the organic matter. Relatively abundant gammacerane and a higher Sr/Ba ratio in the oil shales suggest the presence of brackish water and development of salinity stratification in the lake. During sedimentation of the upper Yaojia through the lower Nenjiang Formations, the level of Songliao lake increased and a deep‐lake environment was formed with bottom waters being oxygen depleted. Concomitantly, as the lake deepened bottom conditions were changing from oxic to anoxic, and the input of organic matter changed from predominantly higher plants to a mixture of bacteria, algae and higher plants providing favorable conditions for oil source rock accumulation.     

Assembly and dispersal of Pangea: Large-scale tectonic effects on coeval deposition of North American, marine, epicontinental, black shales

Both before and after inclusion of Laurussia in Pangea, the continent was a site of extensive epicontinental, marine, black-shale deposition, but from Pennsylvanian to Jurassic time when North America was an integral part of Pangea, the pattern of black-shale deposition was one of long-term decline. In North America the decline seems to have been greatest in Late Permian and Triassic times. Although this decline could have reflected a period of global cooling and a related decrease in organic productivity brought on by conditions associated with the supercontinent state, mapping the distribution of black shales in time and space on North American parts of Pangea suggests that the restricted availability of suitable repositories for organic-rich sediments may have been an equally important cause. In fact, mapping shows that the distribution of North American, Pangean, marine, black shales was greatest during Mississippian assembly of Laurussia when foreland-basin-type repositories were abundant and again during Late Jurassic fragmentation when rift-basin-type repositories were abundant. In both cases, tectonically conditioned basins formed the major repositories and promoted certain conditions that enhanced early basin anoxia.During Late Permian and Triassic time, when Pangea had been assembled, neither compressive orogenies nor crustal extension were major influences on North America. Consequently, suitable repositories were minimal and so was the extent of black-shale deposition. However, the continued presence of even a few major black-shale deposits during this time of minimum suggests that even low organic productivity was not a primary cause of decline and points to the possible significance of active continent assembly and breakup in generating tectonic-basin repositories conducive to accumulation and preservation of the organic matter that is nearly always present in quantities great enough to form major black-shale deposits.     

Effect of chelation on toxicity of copper

Metals in the sea may form complexes with organic compounds, a process known as chelation, and this may modify their properties very greatly. Here the effect of chelation on the toxicity of copper to algae has been studied in the laboratory using the powerful chelating agent EDTA. Similar phenomena in the sea have implications both for anti-fouling paints, which usually contain copper, and for metal pollution in waters with a high organic content.     

Depositional ages and characteristics of Middle–Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous lacustrine deposits in southeastern Mongolia

Lower Cretaceous lacustrine oil shales are widely distributed in southeastern Mongolia. Due to the high organic carbon content of oil shale, many geochemical studies and petroleum exploration have been conducted. Although most of the oil shales are considered to be Early Cretaceous in age, a recent study reveals that some were deposited in the Middle Jurassic. The present study aims at establishing depositional ages and characteristics of the Jurassic and Cretaceous lacustrine deposits in Mongolia. The Lower Cretaceous Shinekhudag Formation is about 250 m thick and composed of alternating beds of shale and dolomite. The Middle Jurassic Eedemt Formation is about 150 m thick and composed of alternating beds of shale, dolomitic marl, and siltstone. The alternations of shale and dolomite in both formations were formed by lake level changes, reflecting precipitation changes. Shales were deposited in the center of a deep lake during highstand, while dolomites were formed by primary precipitation during lowstand. Based on the radiometric age dating, the Shinekhudag Formation was deposited between 123.8 ±2.0 Ma and 118.5 ±0.9 Ma of the early Aptian. The Eedemt Formation was deposited at around 165–158 Ma of Callovian–Oxfordian. The calculated sedimentation rate of the Shinekhudag Formation is between 4.7 ±2.6 cm/ky and 10.0 ±7.6 cm/ky. Shales in the Shinekhudag Formation show micrometer‐scale lamination, consisting of algal organic matter and detrital clay mineral couplets. Given the average thickness of micro‐laminae and calculated sedimentation rate, the micro‐lamination is most likely of varve origin. Both Middle–Upper Jurassic and Lower Cretaceous lacustrine oil shales were deposited in intracontinental basins in the paleo‐Asian continent. Tectonic processes and basin evolution basically controlled the deposition of these oil shales. In addition, enhanced precipitation under humid climate during the early Aptian and the Callovian–Oxfordian was another key factor inducing the widespread oil shale deposition in Mongolia.     

Geobiological processes of the formation of lacustrine source rock in Paleogene

Gypsum-salt rocks and coccolith calcareous shale are widely deposited in the lower part of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation in the Dongying Sag,Shandong Province.The gypsum-salt rock is believed to be formed during the earlier deposition in salt lake,while the overlying coccolith shale in saline lake with relatively low salinity.By comparing the lake environment and lacustrine microbial communities between ancient and recent lakes,cyanobacteria are regarded as the main representative of productivity during the formation of gypsum-salt strata series,with the annual productivity of 1500-2000 gC m-2 yr-1.Based on the research of ultramicrofossils in the calcareous shale,coccolith is considered as the main contributor to the productivity during the formation of calcareous shale.On the basis of statistic data of sedimentary rates,shale laminations,and coccolith fossils in each lamination,the quantitative value of productivity is calculated,with the annual productivity of 2250-3810gC m-2 yr-1(averagely 3120 gC m-2 yr-1).Statistic data of large amount of pyrite framboids indicate that the lower water column was persistently in sulfidic or anoxic conditions during the deposition of gypsum-salt strata series,but it changed to be dysoxic when the coccolith calcareous shale was deposited.Both of these water conditions are favorable for the preservation of organic matter.It is estimated that the organic carbon burial efficiency of the Lower Paleogene salt lakes and saline lakes of Dongying Depression is about 10%-15%,which is calculated and analyzed using the multi-parameter geobiological model.     

The contribution of primary production to the overall organic matter pool in Volga reservoirs

The results of studies of the concentrations and the ratios between the forms of organic matter in Volga reservoirs are presented. The reservoirs under consideration have different morphometric characteristics. flowage, and trophic status. Total organic matter content varies from 7.1 to 11.8 g/m³ or from 39.1 to 70.8 g/m² with the proportion of labile fraction of 4.4–15.2%. The primary production of plankton, the daily value of which accounts for 14–40% of labile organic matter, has a notable effect on its concentration and input. Organic matter pool in Volga reservoirs forms under the effect of the morphometric features of reservoirs, water exchange, and the drainage area. The total characteristics of organic matter in the Upper Volga reservoirs have not experienced significant changes over the 20-year period. However, data for 2005 show that the contribution of primary production to the total concentration of organic matter and its labile fraction have decreased due to a decline in the productivity of planktonic communities recorded in recent years.     

The effect of marine colloids on the growth of photosysthetic bacteria

Marine colloids could be an important source of nitrogen for bacteria and photoplankton. But elevated concentration of colloids may stimulate algal growth and lead to red tides in coastal waters. The effects of colloidal organic carbon (COC) concentration on the growth of photosysthetic bacteria (PSB) were investigated under different colloidal treatments in the laboratory. The PSB growth was inversely proportional to COC concentration and was restricted by high-molecular-weight (HMW) colloids (>10 KDa) in treatments with non-nutrient or just inorganic nutrient with low COC concentration (5 μMC). However, the PBS growth was enhanced in the presence of HMW colloids in the treatment with inorganic nutrient and high COC (127 and 255 μMC) or with both inorganic nutrient and low-molecular-weight organic matter. Both bacteria number and bacteria growth ratio increased significantly when the concentration of COC was 5 μMC. Our results suggest that marine colloids can be utilized by bacteria and might regulate primary productivity in coastal waters.     

Variations in trace elements,isotopes, and organic geochemistry during the Hangenberg Crisis,Devonian–Carboniferous transition,northeastern Vietnam

The Hangenberg Crisis at the Devonian–Carboniferous boundary is known as a polyphase extinction event that affected more than 45 % of marine and terrestrial genera. As the cause of this event is still debated, analyses were carried out on sedimentary samples from the Devonian–Carboniferous Pho Han Formation in northeastern Vietnam to reconstruct the paleoenvironment around the time of this event using stable carbon isotopes; total sulfur; manganese; vanadium; molybdenum; and sedimentary organic matter, such as dibenzothiophenes, cadalene, and regular steranes. These geochemical signatures provide a high‐resolution redox history for this section and show that transgression‐driven high primary productivity, possibly enhanced by terrestrial input, caused severe oxygen depletion along the continental margin of the South China block during the Hangenberg Crisis.     

Seasonal and event-controlled export of organic matter from the shelf towards the Gulf of Lions continental slope

To investigate the role of coastal canyons in the transfer of organic matter from the shelf to the slope and basin, we deployed sediment trap/current meter pairs at the head of five canyons in the Gulf of Lions (GoL) between November 2003 and May 2004. Analysis of organic carbon, biogenic silica, Corg isotopic composition, Corg/total nitrogen, chloropigments, and amino acids clearly shows the seasonal influence and effect of extreme meteorological events on the composition of collected particles. The sampling period was divided into three “scenarios”. The first corresponded to a large easterly storm and flood of the Rhone river during stratified water column conditions; the composition of material collected during this event was influenced by increased transfer of riverine and coastal particulate matter, with a lower Corg content. During the second “fall-winter” scenario, northern and northwestern winds blowing over the shelf caused cooling and homogenization of the shelf water column; particles collected at this time reflected the homogeneous source of particulate matter transported through canyons; particles sitting in the vicinity of canyon heads are most likely swept downslope by the general south-westward circulation. Organic tracers indicate a degraded origin for organic matter transported during this period. A third “spring” scenario corresponded to northern winds alternating with eastward windstorms that triggered and/or enhanced the cascading of dense waters accumulated on the bottom of the shelf due to previous cooling. These conditions occurred in conjunction with increased phytoplankton productivity in shelf surface waters. Organic matter advected mainly by dense shelf water cascading was fresher due to the transport of newly produced particles and a variable terrestrial fraction; this fraction depended on the proportion of resuspended material accumulated during previous high discharge periods that was involved in each transport pulse. The tight link shown between meteorological conditions and organic matter transport is important for continental margin geochemical studies as future changes in climatic conditions may lead to dramatic changes in carbon sequestration capability and in the ecosystems of deep margin environments.     

Palynostratigraphy and palaeoenvironments around the Albian-Cenomanian boundary interval (OAE1d), North Bulgaria

The palynological assemblages from two Albian-Cenomanian boundary sections in North Bulgaria are described. The samples analyzed yielded a diverse palynological content including dinoflagellate cysts and miospores. Based on dinocyst nutrient and productivity indices a phase of enhanced nutrient availability and high primary productivity is inferred for the latest Albian interval. The pronounced predominance of peridinioid dinocysts in this interval, namely O. verrucosum, O. scabrosum and especially P. infusorioides is considered to reflect eutrophic conditions. It coincides with the increased phosphorus mass accumulation occurring at the top part of the Upper Albian Dekov Formation. OAE 1d is indicated in the Tolovitsa karst spring section, based on palynofacies dominated by high amounts of granular amorphous organic matter (AOM) related to anoxic environmental conditions. These sections serve as evidence suggesting a relationship between Cretaceous peridinioid cysts (including Palaeohystichphora infusorioides, Ovoidinium verrucosum, O. scabrosum) and anoxic/suboxic conditions and/or high primary productivity. The pollen spectrum inferred relatively stable vegetation patterns of surrounding continental areas during and after the Albian/Cenomanian boundary interval and the times of OAE 1d formation. The hinterland vegetation integrated mainly pteridophyte spores and gymnosperms. The area was part of the Southern Laurasian floral province which was characterized by warm temperate to subtropical humid climate. Angiosperms were still minor part of this vegetation.     

Lateral variations in the lithology and organic chemistry of a black shale sequence on the Mesoarchean seafloor affected by hydrothermal processes: The Dixon Island Formation of the coastal Pilbara Terrane,Western Australia

The Dixon Island Formation of the coastal Pilbara Terrane, Western Australia is a 3.2 Ga volcanic–sedimentary sequence influenced by syndepositional hydrothermal activity formed in an island‐arc setting. We documented lateral variations in stratigraphy, hydrothermal alteration, and biological activity recorded in the sedimentary rocks (over several kilometers), with the aim of identifying areas of biological activity and related small‐scale structures. The Dixon Island Formation comprises volcaniclastics, black chert, and iron‐rich chert within seven tectonic blocks. Based on detailed geological mapping, stratigraphic columns, carbon isotope composition, and organic carbon (C_org) content, we found lateral (>5 km) variations in stratigraphy and carbon isotope compositions in a black chert sequence above the Mesoarchean seafloor with hydrothermal activity. Two felsic tuff layers are used as stratigraphic marker beds within a black chert sequence, which was deposited on altered volcanic rocks. The black chert sequence in each tectonic block is 10–20 m thick. Thickness variations reflect topographical undulations in the paleo‐ocean floor due to faulting. Early‐stage normal faults indicate extensional conditions after hydrothermal activity. Black chert beds in the topographically subsided area contain higher C_org contents (about 0.4 wt%) than in areas around the depression (<0.1 wt%). Carbon isotope compositions for the black chert vary from ?40 to ?25‰, which are similar to values obtained for a black chert vein within the komatiite–rhyolite tuff sequence (underlying the black chert sequence). Those for other rock types in the Dixon Island Formation are ?33 to ?15‰. Results indicate that deformation occurred soon after the final stages of hydrothermal activity. After this early‐stage deformation, organic‐rich sediments were deposited over an area several kilometers across. The organic‐rich sediments indicate stagnant anoxic conditions that resulted in the deposition of siliceous and organic matter from hydrothermal vein systems. When hydrothermal activity terminated, normal faulting occurred and organic matter was deposited from the sea surface and silica from the seafloor.     

近百年来新疆博斯腾湖初级生产力的变化

本研究选择新疆博斯腾湖不同区域进行沉积岩芯采集.在210Pb、137Cs定年的基础上,利用漫反射光谱分析了湖泊沉积物中叶绿素a的含量,结合沉积速率、烧失量以及开都河的径流量记录等,探讨近百年来湖泊初级生产力的变化.结果表明:开都河的径流量变化对博斯腾湖沉积速率与生产力演化有一定影响,而人类活动干扰则是影响湖泊初级生产力演化的主要原因.1950s开始的新疆第一次大规模开垦活动导致了湖泊的沉积速率及初级生产力开始上升.沉积物的沉积速率以及叶绿素a的沉积通量在1970年左右出现最高值后下降,这与新疆的第二次大规模垦荒有关,同时,周边地区盐碱地除盐方式的改变对湖泊的生态环境变化也有很大影响.从1980s至今,由于流域内人类活动干扰增强,沉积物中的叶绿素a浓度逐渐增加,湖泊初级生产力呈上升的趋势.     

In the other 90%: phytoplankton responses to enhanced nutrient availability in the Great Barrier Reef Lagoon

Our view of how water quality effects ecosystems of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR) is largely framed by observed or expected responses of large benthic organisms (corals, algae, seagrasses) to enhanced levels of dissolved nutrients, sediments and other pollutants in reef waters. In the case of nutrients, however, benthic organisms and communities are largely responding to materials which have cycled through and been transformed by pelagic communities dominated by micro-algae (phytoplankton), protozoa, flagellates and bacteria. Because GBR waters are characterised by high ambient light intensities and water temperatures, inputs of nutrients from both internal and external sources are rapidly taken up and converted to organic matter in inter-reefal waters. Phytoplankton growth, pelagic grazing and remineralisation rates are very rapid. Dominant phytoplankton species in GBR waters have in situ growth rates which range from approximately 1 to several doublings per day. To a first approximation, phytoplankton communities and their constituent nutrient content turn over on a daily basis. Relative abundances of dissolved nutrient species strongly indicate N limitation of new biomass formation. Direct ((15)N) and indirect ((14)C) estimates of N demand by phytoplankton indicate dissolved inorganic N pools have turnover times on the order of hours to days. Turnover times for inorganic phosphorus in the water column range from hours to weeks. Because of the rapid assimilation of nutrients by plankton communities, biological responses in benthic communities to changed water quality are more likely driven (at several ecological levels) by organic matter derived from pelagic primary production than by dissolved nutrient stocks alone.     

Trace metal dynamics in the water column and pore waters in a temperate tidal system: response to the fate of algae-derived organic matter

Tidal and seasonal behaviour of the redox-sensitive trace metals Mn, Fe, Mo, U, and V have been investigated in the open-water column and shallow pore waters of the backbarrier tidal flats of the island of Spiekeroog (Southern North Sea) in 2002 and 2007. The purpose was to study the response of trace metal cycles on algae blooms, which are assumed to cause significant changes in the redox state of the entire ecosystem. Trace metal data were complemented by measurements of nutrients and enumeration of algae cells in 2007. Generally, Mn and V show a tidal cyclicity in the water column with maximum values during low tide which is most pronounced in summer due to elevated microbial activity in the sediments. Mo and U behave almost conservatively throughout the year with slightly increasing levels towards high tide. Exceptions are observed for both metals after summer algae blooms. Thus, the seasonal behaviour of the trace metals appear to be significantly influenced by productivity in the water column as the occurrence of algae blooms is associated with an intense release of organic matter (e.g. transparent exopolymer particles, TEP) thereby forming larger organic-rich aggregates. Along with elevated temperatures in summer, the deposition of such aggregates favours microbial activity within the surface sediments and release of DOC, nutrients and trace metals (Mn, Mo and V) during the degradation of the aggregates. Additionally, pronounced reducing conditions lead to the reduction of Mn(IV)-oxides and Fe(III)-(oxihydr)oxides, thereby releasing formerly scavenged compounds as V and phosphate. Therefore, pore-water profiles show significant enrichments in trace metals especially from July to September. Finally, the trace metals are released to the open water column via draining pore waters (esp. Mo, Mn, and V) and/or fixed in the sediment as sulphides (Fe, Mo) and bound to organic matter (U). Non-conservative behaviour of Mo in oxygenated seawater, first observed in the investigation area by Dellwig et al. (Geochim Cosmochim Acta 71:2745–2761, 2007a), was shown to be a recurrent phenomenon which is closely coupled to bacterial activity after the breakdown of algae blooms. In addition to the postulated fixation of Mo in oxygen-depleted micro-zones of the aggregates or by freshly formed organic matter, a direct removal of Mo from the water column by reduced sediment surfaces may also play an important role.     

Sulfate reduction and the rate of deposition of marine sediments

The initial gradient of dissolved sulfate in the pore waters of anoxic marine sediments, representing a wide variety of environments from the deep-sea to estuaries, has been found to be directly proportional, within a factor of two, to the rate of sedimentation. Data from all areas considered, except the Mississippi Delta, fall along the same straight line. The linear proportionality can be explained on the basis of a theoretical model which assumes that organic matter decomposition by sulfate-reducing bacteria, plus associated fermentative micro-organisms, is first order with respect to the concentration of metabolizable organic matter. The model also assumes that the reactivity of metabolizable organic matter varies considerably from sediment to sediment while its concentration remains essentially constant. It is likely that the proportionality observed here also applies to other sediments and, thus, the initial sulfate gradient may be a useful parameter for estimating the rate of deposition of anoxic sediments.     

Geochemical equilibria of iron in sediments of the roaring river alluvial fan,Rocky Mountain National Park,Colorado

Iron geochemistry of the sediments and interstitial waters of the Roaring River alluvial fan in the Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado was studied using a chemical equilibria approach. Large concentrations of colloidal Fe in the filterable Fe of the interstitial waters results in considerable overestimation of Fe² + activity. The overestimation of Fe(II) seriously hampered the usefulness of chemical equilibria approach in the study of Fe geochemistry. Buried soil organic matter and a high water table within the alluvial fan has produced a highly reduced environment which results in elevated colloidal and filterable iron concentrations in the interstitial waters. The source of the iron is probably iron oxides within the buried soil and primary iron-bearing minerals in the sediments. When the iron-rich solutions reach the surface, the water rapidly oxidizes and amorphous ferric hydroxides precipitate. Between 190 to 370 mmol of iron per kg of surficial material were precipitated at the surface within two months. Noticeable decreases in the total amount of C and extractable iron (20 per cent and 30 per cent respectively) in the buried soil were observed during the study period (1985-1987) which implies a significant reduction in iron dissolution and subsequent deposition across the alluvial fan.     

Hydrocarbon generation characteristics and exploration prospects of Proterozoic source rocks in China

A large number of primary oil and gas reservoirs have been discovered in Proterozoic strata all over the globe.Proterozoic sequences are widely distributed in China, and the discovery of large Sinian-aged gas reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin and Mesoproterozoic liquid oil seepages in North China shows that attention should be paid to the exploration potential of Proterozoic strata. In this paper, the main controlling factors of Proterozoic source rocks are discussed. Principally, active atmospheric circulation and astronomical cycles may have driven intense upwelling and runoff to provide nutrients; oxygenated oceanic surface waters could have provided suitable environments for the organisms to thrive; volcanic activity and terrestrial weathering caused by continental break-up would have injected large amounts of nutrients into the ocean, leading to persistent blooms of marine organisms; and extensive anoxic deep waters may have created ideal conditions for the preservation of organic matter. Additionally, the appearance of eukaryotes resulted in diversified hydrocarbon parent material, which effectively improved the generation potential for oil and gas. Through the comparison of Formations across different cratons, seven sets of Proterozoic organic-rich source rocks have been recognized in China, which mainly developed during interglacial periods and are also comparable worldwide. The Hongshuizhuang and Xiamaling Formations in North China have already been identified previously as Mesoproterozoic source rocks. The early Proterozoic Changchengian System is highly promising as a potential source rock in the Ordos Basin. In the Upper Yangtze area, the Neoproterozoic Datangpo and Doushantuo Formations are extensively distributed, and represent the major source rocks for Sinian gas reservoirs in the Sichuan Basin. Moreover, the Nanhuan System may contain abundant shales with high organic matter contents in the Tarim Basin, although this possibility still needs to be verified. Indeed, all three cratons may contain source rocks of Proterozoic strata; thus, these strata represent major exploration targets worthy of great attention.