Geochronology and paleomagnetism of mafic igneous rocks in the Olenek Uplift, northern Siberia: Implications for Mesoproterozoic supercontinents and paleogeography

We present a new, reliably dated Mesoproterozoic paleopole for Siberia, based on a combined geochronological and paleomagnetic study of mafic rocks within the Mesoproterozoic Sololi Group of the Olenek Uplift in northern Siberia. Ion microprobe (SHRIMP) U–Pb analysis yields crystallisation ages of 2036 ± 11 Ma for zircon from a basement granite and 1473 ± 24 Ma for baddeleyite from a large dolerite sill within the Kyutingde Formation. The baddeleyite result indicates that the lower Sololi Group is significantly older than was suggested by previous K–Ar results. Paleomagnetic analysis of the dolerite sill and related mafic intrusive rocks yields a paleopole at 33.6°N, 253.1°E, A₉₅ = 10.4°. A positive baked-contact test between the Kyutingde sill and sedimentary country rocks shows that the magnetisation is primary. Comparison of this paleopole with coeval results for Laurentia provides a revised reconstruction between Siberia and Laurentia, and implies that these two continents were parts of a single Mesoproterozoic supercontinent since at least 1473 Ma. We argue that Siberia, Laurentia, and Baltica belonged to the same supercontinent between 1473 Ma and mid-Neoproterozoic time.     

Neoproterozoic SHRIMP U–Pb zircon ages of silica-rich Dokhan Volcanics in the North Eastern Desert,Egypt

Chronology of Neoproterozoic volcanosedimentary successions remains controversial for many regions of the Arabian–Nubian Shield, including the Dokhan Volcanics of NE Egypt. New U–Pb zircon SHRIMP ages have been obtained for 10 silica-rich ignimbrites and two subvolcanic dacitic bodies, mapped as Dokhan Volcanics, from the North Eastern Desert of Egypt. Crystallization ages range between 592 ± 5 and 630 ± 6 Ma (Early Ediacaran). Apparently, the late consolidation of the Arabian–Nubian Shield was accompanied by the evolution of isolated volcanic centres and basin systems which developed during a period of approx. 40 Ma, independently in space and time and probably under changing tectonic regimes. The obtained age data together with other previously published reliable ages for Dokhan Volcanics suggest two main pulses of volcanic activity: 630–623 Ma and 618–592 Ma. Five samples contain inherited zircons, with ages of 669, 715–746, 847 and 1530 Ma, supporting models that North Eastern Desert crust is mainly juvenile Neoproterozoic crust.     

沉积盆地学说的发展及主要的含油气盆地分类

从科学史观出发，介绍了含油气盆地概念及其学说的发展。展示主要的盆地分类方案，论述含油气盆地分类研究在盆的含油气性评价中所具有的重要意义。指出盆地分类研究的发展方向和未来分类方案所应具有的特点。     

Astrodynamical Space Test of Relativity Using Optical Devices I (ASTROD I)—A class-M fundamental physics mission proposal for Cosmic Vision 2015–2025

ASTROD I is a planned interplanetary space mission with multiple goals. The primary aims are: to test general relativity with an improvement in sensitivity of over three orders of magnitude, improving our understanding of gravity and aiding the development of a new quantum gravity theory; to measure key solar system parameters with increased accuracy, advancing solar physics and our knowledge of the solar system; and to measure the time rate of change of the gravitational constant with an order of magnitude improvement and the anomalous Pioneer acceleration, thereby probing dark matter and dark energy gravitationally. It is an international project, with major contributions from Europe and China and is envisaged as the first in a series of ASTROD missions. ASTROD I will consist of one spacecraft carrying a telescope, four lasers, two event timers and a clock. Two-way, two-wavelength laser pulse ranging will be used between the spacecraft in a solar orbit and deep space laser stations on Earth, to achieve the ASTROD I goals. A second mission, ASTROD (ASTROD II) is envisaged as a three-spacecraft mission which would test General Relativity to 1 ppb, enable detection of solar g-modes, measure the solar Lense–Thirring effect to 10 ppm, and probe gravitational waves at frequencies below the LISA bandwidth. In the third phase (ASTROD III or Super-ASTROD), larger orbits could be implemented to map the outer solar system and to probe primordial gravitational-waves at frequencies below the ASTROD II bandwidth.

Kimberlites distribution in Angola and prospective areas for new discoveries

Based on a comprehensive analysis of kimberlite pipes of Angola, including the near surface structural setting, deep lithospheric structure, pipe morphology and emplacement, mineralogical and petrographic features, diamond characteristics and locations of secondary deposits four geographical regions have been outlined within Angola representing four types of diamond bearing potential. These areas include high diamond bearing potential pipes, possible potential, no potential, and unclear potential areas. It was found that the depth of magmatism and diamond potential of kimberlites increases from the Atlantic coast in southwestern Angola into the continent in the north-easterly direction. Areas prospective for the discovery of new primary diamond deposits have been identified.

     

西伯利亚克拉通寒武纪沉积史:碳酸盐台地和盆地的演化

西伯利亚克拉通或古西伯利亚台地,其面积4000000km2以上,是亚洲北部最主要的大陆地块之一.它以寒武系分布区域极为广瑟、层序非常完整为特色.寒武系构成了遍及全区的下沉积盖层和出嚣在大的正向构造内。寒武纪时,研究区是重要的碳酸盐沉积区,有碳酸盐一硅质碎屑的混合沉积、蒸发盐、礁和深水盆地的碳酸盐沉积.半个多世纪来,区内进行了各种大型的旨在找烃的地质调查及有关的寒武系层理、古地理和古构造的重建,以及沉积环境的重塑.但关于沉积物内部构造的研究工作一直主要是根据传统地层学的。连续地层柱"概念.有些工作者认为,古深度和地貌史或排列的各式各样的恢复不强调瞬时.只有最近10-15年,地下调查配合成因地层学和盆地分析概念的发展。使得有可能将生物群演化、沉积体边界的形状和类型以及它们的成因和对各种因素(诸如以上所述各种及相对海平面变化之类)的影响综合为统一的系统.这种区域继承观点的研究方法在60年代后期由Grachevsky (1969)提出,然后由Savlstky (1979)和Astashkiu (1984)详尽阐述,其目的是重建西伯利亚克拉通盆地充填和发展中的动力学.     

Development of a terrestrial reference frame in the Russian Federation

The present article is written in response to the recent call of the United Nations for the enhanced international cooperation of different countries on global geodesy to build the Global Geodetic Reference Frame (GGRF). It reviews historical landmarks in the development of the State Geodetic Reference Frame on the territory of Russia over the last two centuries. It discusses major steps in creating the Russian terrestrial reference frame by both the ground-based and space geodesy methods relying upon the satellite observation techniques. Currently the State Geodetic Reference Frame undergoes a radical improvement in order to effectively implement the potential of modern satellite technologies through the use of the Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). We outline the current status of the National Geodetic Network in Russia, its hierarchical structure and accuracy. We pay a particular attention to the high-precision State Geodetic Coordinate System (GSK-2011), created simultaneously along with the global reference-ellipsoid, and designed for various types of users to conduct the land surveying and mapping in Russia. We also present the geocentric coordinate system (PZ-90.11) used for navigating space missions, solving various problems of global geodesy, and supporting the continuous operation of GLONASS.     

Sicilian serpentinite xenoliths containing abiotic organics with nanodiamond clusters as key model for prebiotic processes

Rock fragments from the deepest parts of a buried hydrothermal system belonging to the Mesozoic Tethys Ocean entered as xenoliths in a Miocenic diatreme,hence brought to the surface,in the Hyblean Plateau(Sicily).Some xenoliths consist of strongly serpentinized ultramafic rocks bearing blebs of abiotic organic matter,where clusters of amorphous carbon nanoparticles,including nanodiamonds,are immersed.Such an occurrence conjures up established hypotheses that diamond surfaces are suitable catalytic platforms stimulating the assemblage of complex bio-organic molecules relevant to the emergence of life on Earth.The appearance of bio-organic molecules under primitive Earth conditions is one of the major unsolved questions on the origin of life.Here we report new micro-Raman spectra on blebs of abiotic organic matter from a selected xenolith.Diamond bands were related to hydrogenated nanocrystalline diamonds,with size of nearly 1-1.6 nm,formed from organics at low pressures and temperatures.In particular,diamond surfaces can give rise to crystalline interfacial water layers that may have played a fundamental role in the early biosphere evolution as a good medium for rapidly transporting positive charges in the form of hydrated protons.Nowadays,proton gradients in alkaline hydrothermal vents along oceanic ridges are generally viewed as key pre-biotic factors.In general,serpentinites span the entire geological record,including prebiotic times.These hydrous ultramafic rocks often display evidence of abiotic carbon species,both organic and inorganic,including nanodiamonds,being also capable to give rise to chemiosmotic processes and proton gradients necessary to the organisms,such as the"Last Universal Common Ancestor"(LUCA),in the prebiotic Earth.     

Numerical Computation of Hansen-like Expansions

Fourier expansions of elliptic motion functions in multiples of the true, eccentric, elliptic and mean anomalies are computed numerically by means of the fast Fourier transform. Both Hansen-like coefficients and their derivatives with respect to eccentricity of the orbit are considered. General behavior of the coefficients and the efficiency (compactness) of the expansions are investigated for various values of eccentricity of the orbit. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.