Sedimentary facies and evolution in the Qiantang River incised valley,eastern China

This paper deals with the sedimentary facies and evolution of the Qiantang River (QR) estuary, and the characteristics and formation of the incised valley sequences and the related shallow biogenic gas reservoir, on the basis of analysis of over 500 cores.The result shows that, since the last glaciation, the Late Quaternary formation of the QR estuary area underwent three stages: (1) deep-cutting stage; (2) rapid-filling stage; and (3) burial stage. The fall of global sea level during the last glacial maximum enhanced the fluvial gradient and river cutting, resulting in the formation of the large-scale QR and Taihu incised valleys, with the interfluve being exposed to air on both flanks of the incised valley. Fluvial terraces at the elevations are present near the present QR estuarine mouth, corresponding to 60–70, 90–100 and 115–125 m burial depths. The valleys were filled rapidly with fluvial sediments during the post-glacial period; with the rise of sea level, the river mouth migrated to landward, and backwater and retrogressive aggradation was enhanced. The QR and Taihu incised valleys are associated with an early filling and transgressive channel-infilling sequence formation, and a late filling and transgressive floodplain-estuary formation. Subsequently, the QR valley was buried under estuarine-marine and estuarine sand bar sediments. From bottom to top, the incised valley successions can be grouped into four sedimentary facies: river channel, floodplain-estuary, estuary-shallow marine, and estuary sand bar.The thickness of the river channel-infilling deposits is controlled mainly by base level rising, backwater, retrogressive aggradation and neotectonism. Further, localized thickening took place where deeper scour pools were present in the incised valley or fluvial terraces were formed during the fall of elative sea level.During the deposition of the floodplain-estuary facies, the conditions of sea level rise, tidal regime, sediment supply and accommodation space were suitable for the development of a tidal ridge system; the sand lenses associated with this facies may represent a tidal ridge system in the incised valley. At the later stage when the estuarine sand bars were formed, the sedimentary conditions were no longer favourable, resulting in absence of sand ridge deposits. Biogenic gas is stored in the floodplain-estuary sand lenses of the incised valleys. The Changjiang River provides the major sediment supply for the QR estuary sand bar, and the QR carried sediments constitute only a small portion of the deposits.     

Influence of shallow gas on the geotechnical properties of pockmark soil: A case study in the East China Sea

Several incidents involving damage to submarine pipelines indicate that there will be potential hazards for many submarine structures if the geotechnical properties of the soil in pockmarks remain unclear. Based on a geophysical survey, geological drilling, in-situ measurement, and shallow gas eruption experiment, two large pockmarks near the Zhongjieshan Archipelago in the East China Sea were analyzed comprehensively. The geophysical and in-situ data indicated that the soil below the two pockmarks contains free or dissolved shallow gas, which continues to migrate upward from the deep zones, but there is no high-pressure gas reservoir in the pockmark soil. In-situ piezocone data, geotechnical results, and shallow gas eruption experiments have demonstrated that the pockmark soil has strengthened mechanical properties and zoning characteristics. After analyzing the pockmark soil in the area where the study was conducted, it was concluded that the pockmark soil in this area is not suitable for the accumulation of high-pressure, shallow gas. It also was concluded that the pockmark soil had stronger mechanical properties than virgin sediment due to the compaction of the soil caused by the eruption of the shallow gas. The zoning characteristics of pockmark soil are due to the regional differences in the ability of shallow gas to carry soil particles, which is a new finding that is worthy of attention in off-shore engineering.     

Dissolution mechanism of a deep-buried sandstone reservoir in a deep water area: A case study from Baiyun Sag,Zhujiang River (Pearl River) Mouth Basin

Dissolution mechanism and favorable reservoir distribution prediction are the key problems restricting oil and gas exploration in deep-buried layers. In this paper, the Enping Formation and Zhuhai Formation in Baiyun Sag of South China Sea was taken as a target. Based on the thin section, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, porosity/permeability measurement, and mercury injection, influencing factors of dissolution were examined, and a dissolution model was established. Further, high-quality reservoirs were predicted temporally and spatially. The results show that dissolved pores constituted the main space of the Paleogene sandstone reservoir. Dissolution primarily occurred in the coarse- and medium-grained sandstones in the subaerial and subaqueous distributary channels, while dissolution was limited in fine-grained sandstones and inequigranular sandstones. The main dissolved minerals were feldspar, tuffaceous matrix, and diagenetic cement. Kaolinization of feldspar and illitization of kaolinite are the main dissolution pathways, but they occur at various depths and temperatures with different geothermal gradients. Dissolution is controlled by four factors, in terms of depositional facies, source rock evolution, overpressure, and fault activities, which co-acted at the period of 23.8–13.8 Ma, and resulted into strong dissolution. Additionally, based on these factors, high-quality reservoirs of the Enping and Zhuhai formations are predicted in the northern slope, southwestern step zone, and Liuhua uplift in the Baiyun Sag.     

Controlling factors on the charging process of oil and gas in the eastern main sub-sag of the Baiyun Sag,Zhujiang River (Pearl River) Mouth Basin

The eastern main sub-sag (E-MSS) of the Baiyun Sag was the main zone for gas exploration in the deep-water area of the Zhujiang River (Pearl River) Mouth Basin at its early exploration stage, but the main goal of searching gas in this area was broken through by the successful exploration of the W3-2 and H34B volatile oil reservoirs, which provides a new insight for exploration of the Paleogene oil reservoirs in the E-MSS. Nevertheless, it is not clear on the distribution of “gas accumulated in the upper layer, oil accumulated in the lower layer” (Gas_upper-Oil_lower) under the high heat flow, different source-rock beds, multi-stages of oil and gas charge, and multi-fluid phases, and not yet a definite understanding of the genetic relationship and formation mechanism among volatile oil, light oil and condensate gas reservoirs, and the migration and sequential charge model of oil and gas. These puzzles directly lead to the lack of a clear direction for oil exploration and drilling zone in this area. In this work, the PVT fluid phase, the origin of crude oil and condensate, the secondary alteration of oil and gas reservoirs, the evolution sequence of oil and gas formation, the phase state of oil and gas migration, and the configuration of fault activity were analyzed, which established the migration and accumulation model of Gas_upper-Oil_lower co-controlled by source and heat, and fractionation controlled by facies in the E-MSS. Meanwhile, the fractionation evolution model among common black reservoirs, volatile reservoirs, condensate reservoirs and gas reservoirs is discussed, which proposed that the distribution pattern of Gas_upper-Oil_lower in the E-MSS is controlled by the generation attribute of oil and gas from source rocks, the difference of thermal evolution, and the fractionation controlled by phases after mixing the oil and gas. Overall, we suggest that residual oil reservoirs should be found in the lower strata of the discovered gas reservoirs in the oil-source fault and diapir-developed areas, while volatile oil reservoirs should be found in the deeper strata near the sag with no oil-source fault area.     

A natural laboratory for shallow gas: the Rías Baixas (NW Spain)

Interpretation of acoustic seismic records have allowed mapping of shallow gas accumulations and gas escape features in the Rías Baixas. X-ray photographs and voids of cores are semi-direct evidence of gassy sediments. Mapping of fluid-escape areas shows that these are related to the gas accumulations or at the intersections of faults. Analyses (GC-MS) of bubble samples collected in Simón Bay (Ría de Vigo) and across the whole ría confirm the presence of methane. The spatial distribution of gas escapes/accumulations and their vertical variations are interpreted as evidence of sedimentary facies control. The appearance of authigenic minerals (gypsum, pyrite and aragonite) and microbiological activity related to the seal facies are taken as evidence of the biogeochemical coupling processes. It is evident that these shallow-water coastal environments make significant contributions to the methane budget of the hydrosphere and atmosphere. It is also suggested that microbiological activity is favoured by gas escapes.     

A case study of sewage discharge in the shallow coastal area of the Northern Adriatic Sea (Gulf of Trieste)

A case study was carried out in 2000 in the shallow coastal area of the Northern Adriatic Sea (Gulf of Trieste) where untreated domestic sewage and industrial wastes are discharged at rate of 5500 m³·day^?1. The sewage plume above the outfall was followed using faecal coliforms (FC) and overturning length scale (l_T). The latter was rejected as a marker as the discharge conditions prohibit following the turbulence of sewage water. Intermittent sewage discharge is reflected in the minimal effect of eutrophication. Increase of phytoplankton biomass is thus only minor compared with the unpolluted area regardless of elevated concentrations of sewage‐derived nutrients (confirmed by correlation coefficients between FC and NH₄⁺, TP, PO₄^3?: 0.78, 0.71 and 0.67, respectively). Deteriorated trophic status, determined by the TRIX index, was observed only in the surface layer (average TRIX: 5.67). High FC content well above the regulation limit (up to 2.6 × 10⁵ FC·100 ml^?1) represents, therefore, the major negative impact of the improperly treated waste for the risk to human health.     

Estimation of seismic velocities and gas hydrate concentrations: A case study from the Shenhu area,northern South China Sea

In the Shenhu area of the northern South China Sea (SCS), canyon systems and focused fluid flow systems increase the complexity of the gas hydrate distribution in the region. It also induces difficulties in predicting the hydrate reservoir characteristics and quantitatively evaluating reservoir parameters. In this study, several inversion methods have been executed to estimate the velocities of strata and gas hydrate concentrations along a profile in the Shenhu area. The seismic data were inverted to obtain the reflection coefficient of each stratum via a spectral inversion method. Stratigraphic horizons were then delineated by tracking the inverted reflectivities. Based on the results of spectral inversion, a low-frequency velocity field of the strata was constructed for acoustic impedance inversion. Using a new iterative algorithm for acoustic impedance inversion, reflection coefficients were converted into velocities, and the velocity variations of the strata along a 2D seismic line were then obtained. Subsequently, gas hydrate saturations at well SH2 were estimated via the shale-corrected resistivity method, the chloride ion concentration method and three different rock physics models. The results were then compared to determine the optimal rock physics model, and the modified Wood equation (MWE) was found to be appropriate for this area. Finally, the inverted velocities and MWE were used to predict the distribution and concentrations of gas hydrates along the seismic line. The estimated spatial distribution of gas hydrates is consistent with that from sonic logging and resistivity data at well SH2, and with the drilling results. Therefore, this method is applicable in areas with no well data, or with few wells, and provides an effective tool for predicting and evaluating gas hydrates using seismic data.     

Morphology of largeHalimeda bioherms,eastern Java sea (Indonesia): A side-scan sonar study

The most extensive and thickestHalimeda bioherms reported from modern seas occur along both open and protected margins of Kalukalukuang Bank, eastern Java Sea (Indonesia). Seismic profiles suggest these features average 20 to 30 m thick (maximum 50 m) and developed over large areas by coalescence of individual mounds. Bioherm morphologies range from numerous small mounds ( 10–20 m diameter) through hay-stack features ( 100 m diameter) to broad swells. Some modern bank bioherms display surface forms that appear related to onbank flow from Makassar Strait. Upwelling of cold, nutritive water is likely responsible for unusualHalimeda productivity and large bioherm development.     

海底浅层气的成因、赋存特征及其对工程的危害

利用1986～1992年珠江口盆地灾害地质与工程地质调查、2000～2001年亚太光缆网络系统路由调查等获得的资料,对海底浅层气的分布与赋存特征作了分析研究,认为海底浅层气主要分布于河口与陆架地区,以层状、团(块)状、高压气囊及气底辟等4种形态赋存于海底,在侧扫声纳、浅地层剖面等图像中有4种主要识别标志。海底浅层气常常会给基础工程施工带来严重影响,因此,对其给工程带来的影响及危害应予以足够的重视。     

Tidal rhythmites in offshore shale: A case study from the Palaeoproterozoic Chaibasa shale, eastern India and implications

Tidal rhythmites have been documented from modern continental shelves and distal offshore settings. In significant contrast to their modern counterparts, sedimentological studies of ancient tidal rhythmites formed in distal offshore settings and quantification of tidal rhythms encoded therein are, however, scarce. This paper presents sedimentological analysis of vertically accreted tidal rhythmites from the Palaeoproterozoic Chaibasa shale facies in India, and quantification of their tidal rhythms. The facies characteristics of the Chaibasa Shale coupled with harmonic analysis of the laminae thicknesses of the sandstone inter-layers corroborate a distal shelf palaeogeography for the generation of the vertically accreted tidal rhythmites. The latter are the distal counterparts of laterally accreted, tidal “bundle” deposits, well preserved within the shallow marine Chaibasa sandstones. The number of lunar days in a synodic month (∼23) estimated from the Chaibasa shale facies is, however, considerably lower than that estimated from the Chaibasa sandstone facies (∼32) suggesting that the tidal record encoded from the Chaibasa shale facies is incomplete.     

石油类污染水体后向散射特性分析——以辽宁省盘锦市双台子河和绕阳河为例

水体悬浮物对溶解在水中的油及乳化油有吸附作用,这种作用会叠加在颗粒物上,对水体的后向散射系数产生影响,而水体后向散射系数是水色遥感的重要参数之一,对建立遥感反演石油类污染浓度半分析模型起着关键性的作用。根据2008年5月在辽宁省盘锦市辽河油田境内双台子河和绕阳河现场测定的水样,对水体组分进行浓度分析,并分别利用分光光度计及后向散射系数测量仪测定水色三要素的吸收系数和水体后向散射系数。根据获取的数据,对石油类污染水体后向散射特性进行分析,分别建立了(1)石油类污染水体后向散射系数光谱模型;(2)石油类污染水体和非石油类污染水体后向散射系数与无机悬浮物浓度的关系模型。研究结果表明:(1)在建立的后向散射系数光谱模型中,幂函数指数平均值为0.87;(2)从相关系数分析来看,对后向散射系数起主要作用的是无机悬浮物浓度,其次是石油类物质浓度,而有机悬浮物浓度几乎没有影响;(3)对于无石油类污染水体,后向散射系数与无机悬浮物浓度为对数关系模型,而与有石油类污染水体更接近线性关系模型。     

Stratigraphic signatures of punctuated rise in relative sea-level in an estuary-dominated heterolithic succession: Incised valley fills of the Toarcian Ostreaelv Formation,Neill Klinter Group (Jameson Land,East Greenland)

The Ostreaelv Formation (latest Pliensbachian–Toarcian) of the Neill Klinter Group is exposed along a >105 km wide, ENE-trending section in Jameson Land, East Greenland. Deposition took place in a large embayment (Jameson Land Basin) that was connected to the proto-Norwegian-Greenland Sea. Lithofacies in the Ostreaelv Formation range from clean sandstone to muddy heterolithic facies typified by strong grain-size contrasts.The Ostreaelv Formation is divided into four distinct and overall retrograding allostratigraphic units each composed of a characteristic set of tide-influenced, tide-dominated and wave-influenced facies associations. The allostratigraphic units are bounded by subaerial unconformities, interpreted as sequence boundaries, and are up to 75 m thick and 16 to >20 km in width. The allostratigraphic units include a sandy heterolithic estuary bay-head delta succession overlain by two sandy tide-dominated estuary fill successions, interbedded with a muddy heterolithic offshore marine succession. Each of the three estuarine allostratigraphic units was accumulated in an incised valley formed during fall in relative sea level and filled during successive transgressions with sediment supplied from marine and reworked fluvial deposits.In the three incised valleys fluvial sediments were deposited on top of an initial subaerial unconformity surface (SU) and were later reworked by succeeding transgressive ravinement along a transgressive surface (TS), thus creating combined SU/TS sequence boundaries. The data from the Ostreaelv Formation also provides knowledge and conceptual understanding of valley infill processes (tidal current, wave and fluvial energy), and both lateral and vertical variations in lithofacies architecture within incised valleys.Moreover, the study provides quantitative input data, such as incised valley dimensions, sand-containing capacity, and geometry to subsurface reservoir characterisation and modelling efforts of estuary fill successions.     

Physical control of sediment carbon content in an estuarine tidal flat system (Nanakita River, Japan): A mechanistic case study

Temporal variations in sediment carbon content were tracked by sampling every 2 weeks for 6 to 33 months at 6 tidal flat stations with different carbon content levels (0.05–1.64%) in a single estuary. Three temporal series of current velocity at 5 cm above the sediment were also obtained. Non-cohesive and cohesive sediment stations differed in patterns of temporal variation in sediment carbon content, suggesting the difference in processes controlling sediment carbon content. In the stations of non-cohesive sandy sediment with relatively low carbon content (0.05–0.15%), sediment carbon content fluctuated within ranges specific to each station. In these stations, current velocity data suggested that frequency of sand resuspension washing out sediment carbon controls sediment carbon content level. In the stations of cohesive sediment with relatively high carbon content (0.77–1.64%), sediment carbon contents showed some unusual upward and downward peaks, recovered to usual levels specific to the stations, and was always kept higher than that in the non-cohesive sediment stations. We speculate that in the cohesive sediment stations, sand inputs may significantly control processes establishing the consolidated sediments with various carbon content levels. Spatial transitions from non-cohesive to cohesive sediments and from low to high sediment carbon contents likely occur as sand resuspension at spring tides become more irregular and less frequent. Based on these results, conceptual models describing physical processes controlling sediment carbon content at the studied stations were proposed.     

Evaluation of pinnacle reef distribution at shallow subsurface using integrated geophysical methods: A case study from the upper Kimmeridgian (Spain)

The well exposed outcrops of the upper Kimmeridgian shallow-marine carbonates at Jabaloyas (Iberian Chain, NE Spain) permit the evaluation of geophysical methods for the identification of sedimentary facies. Direct measurement of magnetic susceptibility in facies and detailed grids of magnetometry, electromagnetic multifrequency and ground-penetrating radar (50–500 MHz antennas) have been performed in two study areas where the upper Kimmeridgian rocks are nearly horizontal. Magnetometry indicates negative anomalies in residual magnetic field and vertical magnetic gradient related to reef pinnacles and faults. Electromagnetic data reveal that positive anomalies of apparent conductivity correlate with non-reefal facies. The areal distribution of magnetometry and EM data does not permit the unequivocal identification of pinnacles and faults at the studied area. By contrast, ground penetrating radar profiles and maps of relative reflectivity in two way travel time slices are useful for the identification of faults (hyperbolic anomalies) and reefal and non-reefal facies (radar facies A and B, respectively). The integration of geophysical data, mainly ground penetrating radar, has permitted the 3D reconstruction of reef pinnacles and its tectonic framework.     

Impacts of the tectonic stress field on natural gas migration and accumulation: A case study of the Kuqa Depression in the Tarim Basin,China

Stress, fluid and temperature are three of the major factors that impact natural gas migration and accumulation. In order to study the influences of tectonic stress field on natural gas migration and accumulation in low-permeability rocks, we take the Kuqa Depression as an example and analyze the evolution of the structure and tectonic stress field at first. Then we study the influences of tectonic stress field at different tectonic episodes on fractures and fluid potentials through the numerical simulation method on the section across the KL2 gas field. We summarize two aspects of the impact of the tectonic stress field on natural gas migration and accumulation. Firstly, under the effects of the tectonic stress field, the rock dilation increases with the added stress and strain, and when the shear stress of rock exceeds its shear strength, the shear fractures are well developed. On one hand, the faults which communicate with the hydrocarbon source rocks become the main pathways for natural gas migration. On the other hand, these positions where fractures are well developed near faults can become good reservoirs for natural gas accumulation. Secondly, because fluid potentials decrease in these places near the faults where fractures are well developed, natural gas can migrate rapidly along the faults and accumulates. The impact of tectonic stress fields on natural gas migration and accumulation allows for hydrocarbon migration and accumulation in the low-permeability rocks in an active tectonic compressive setting.     

Qualitative and quantitative characterization of a transitional shale reservoir: A case study from the Upper Carboniferous Taiyuan shale in the eastern uplift of Liaohe Depression,China

The paper takes the Upper Carboniferous Taiyuan shale in eastern uplift of Liaohe depression as an example to qualitatively and quantitatively characterize the transitional (coal-associated coastal swamp) shale reservoir. Focused Ion Beam Scanning Electron Microscope (FIB-SEM), nano-CT, helium pycnometry, high-pressure mercury intrusion and low-pressure gas (N₂ & CO₂) adsorption for eight shale samples were taken to investigate the pore structures. Four types of pores, i.e., organic matter (OM) pores, interparticle (InterP) pores, intraparticle (IntraP) pores and micro-fractures are identified in the shale reservoir. Among them, intraP pores and micro-fractures are the major pore types. Slit-shaped pores are the major shape in the pore system, and the connectivity of the pore-throat system is interpreted to be moderate, which is subordinate to marine shale. The porosity from three dimension (3D) reconstruction of SEM images is lower than the porosity of helium pycnometry, while the porosity trend of the above two methods is the same. Combination of mercury intrusion and gas absorption reveals that nanometer-scale pores provide the main storage space, accounting for 87.16% of the pore volume and 99.85% of the surface area. Micropores contribute 34.74% of the total pore volume and 74.92% of the total pore surface area; and mesopores account for 48.27% of the total pore volume and 24.93% of the total pore surface area; and macropores contribute 16.99% of the total pore volume and 0.15% of the total pore surface area. Pores with a diameter of less than 10 nm contribute the most to the pore volume and the surface area, accounting for 70.29% and 97.70%, respectively. Based on single factor analysis, clay minerals are positively related to the volume and surface area of micropores, mesopores and macropores, which finally control the free gas in pores and adsorbed gas content on surface area. Unlike marine shale, TOC contributes little to the development of micropores. Brittle minerals inhibit pore development of Taiyuan shale, which proves the influence of clay minerals in the pore system.     

Quantitative analyses of porosity evolution in tight grainstones: A case study of the Triassic Feixianguan formation in the Jiannan gas field,Sichuan Basin,China

Tight grainstones, although widespread throughout the Lower Triassic Feixianguan Formation in the Sichuan Basin, have received little attention, in part, due to their lower porosity and greater heterogeneity relative to their dolostone counterparts. Based on data from cores and thin sections, as well as petrophysical properties, the Feixianguan grainstones, representing a major gas reservoir in the Jiannan gas field were systemically analysed to better understand porosity evolution in tight carbonates that have experienced original oil accumulation and subsequent thermal cracking during progressive burial. The grainstones were divided into two types according to whether pyrobitumen was present, and their porosity evolutions were quantitatively reconstructed. Taking 40% as the original porosity, the grainstones without pyrobitumen, which were ineffective palaeo-oil reservoirs, lost 21.94% and 3.13% of their porosities through marine and burial calcite cementation, respectively, and 13.34% by compaction, and have a current porosity of 1.59%, thus allowing them to serve as major present-day gas reservoirs. Comparatively, pyrobitumen-bearing grainstones, which were once palaeo-oil reservoirs, lost 23.96% and 2.36% of their porosities through marine and burial calcite cementation, respectively; 11.4% by compaction, and 1.44% by pyrobitumen and have a current porosity of 0.84%, thus making them ineffective gas reservoirs. This study provides a quantitative understanding of the close association between porosity evolution and reservoir effectiveness for the palaeo-oil charge and present-day gas accumulation with respect to diagenetic history, which is useful for the future exploration in tight gas limestone reservoirs.     

海床浅表层硬质薄层的声学识别

由沉溺珊瑚礁、各类胶结砂以及胶结的珊瑚石或贝壳碎屑等组成的硬质薄层通常呈零散状分布,地质取样难以准确确定它们是如何分布的,这给海底管线施工带来极大的困难和风险。本文以南海北部为例,基于多种物探资料并结合正演模拟,分析、总结了海底以及海底之下硬质薄层的声学特征,在研究区综合识别出23个硬质薄层分布区。研究认为,硬质薄层与松散沉积物物理性质的差异可用于声学探测数据识别和定位。在浅地层剖面上,硬质薄层表现为强反射薄层,并对其下方地层的地震反射信号有一定的屏蔽作用,这一现象有助于确定硬质薄层是否存在以及其埋深和位置。在侧扫声呐影像和后向散射强度图上,硬质薄层通常表现为具有不规则形状的明暗变化阴影,阴影的边界指示了硬质薄层的分布范围。当硬质薄层出露于海底时,侧扫影像、反向散射强度结合浅地层剖面可以有效地识别并确定硬质薄层的范围;而当硬质薄层位于海床浅部（埋深数米到十几米）时,浅地层剖面可能是识别硬质薄层的唯一且最有效的方法。     

Distribution and sinking rates of phytoplankton, detritus, and particulate biogenic silica in the Laptev Sea and Lena River (Arctic Siberia)

Concentrations and sinking rates of particulate biogenic silica (BSi), chlorophyll a (chl a) and phaeopigments (phae) (< 3 μm, 3–10 μm, > 10 μm and total), as well as the abundances of the major phytoplankton species, were studied during September 1991 in the Eastern Laptev Sea and the lower Lena River (Siberian Arctic). The highest chl a concentrations were found in two major “new” production regimes of the study area: (1) a deep chl a maximum (5.8 mg chl a m⁻³) (formed by the diatom Chaetoceros socialis) at 30 m depth on the outer shelf of the northern Laptev Sea, and (2) in the Lena River, where the phytoplankton community was dominated by fresh water diatoms (1.5 to 4.5 mg chl a m⁻³). Elevated chl a concentrations were also found in the river plume phytoplankton community (dominated by brackish water diatoms), NE of the Lena delta. In the Laptev Sea, the low chl a (0.1 to 3 mg chl a m⁻³) and high phae concentrations (0.5 to 14 mg phae m⁻³) indicated that the phytoplankton community (dominated by picoplanktic algae and nanoflagellates) was already senescent and affected by grazing losses. Biogenic silica values were highest in the Lena River (4 to 17 μM) as compared to the low values found in the Laptev Sea (0.3 to 4 μM). The large chl a size fraction, phae and BSi in the Lena River samples revealed the highest measured sinking rates (1.4, 2.3, and 1.5 m d⁻¹, respectively). The formation of a strong halocline, decreasing turbulence, and possible nutrient deficiency resulted in death, disintegration and rapid sedimentation of fresh water diatoms. This was accompanied by a decrease in the BSi concentration and growth of the picoplanktic size fraction (< 3 μm) in the estuarine mixing zone (Gulf of Buorkhaya). Only a minor part of BSi was bound to intact diatom cells (< 3%) in the surface layer, most of which being apparently associated with detrital particles. In the Lena River, approximately 12% of the total silica was bound to BSi fraction, yet elsewhere in the Laptev Sea and in the estuarine mixing zone the BSi:total silica ratio was ≤ 5%. Thus, the results reflected the successional stage of a late summer phytoplankton community, characterized by dominance of small autotrophs and patchy distribution of senescent diatoms no longer able to affect the relative high levels of dissolved silica supplied by the Lena River.