Geochemical characteristics of the Paleogene shales in the Dongying depression,eastern China

Fluctuations in lacustrine sedimentary environments significantly affect distributions of organic matter (OM), uranium, and other elements in shales. In this study a high-resolution geochemical record of fluctuations in the paleo-depositional environment of a terrestrial lake basin is provided on the basis of extensive samples collected from the Member 3 of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation (Es₃) of the Niu-38 well in the Dongying Depression, Eastern China. These samples were tested for total organic carbon (TOC), element concentrations, and biomarkers to study the evolution and fluctuation in the depositional environments of an ancient lake basin and associated geochemical response. The evolution and fluctuation of the sedimentary environment from a deep lake to a semi-deep lake and then to a shallow lake delta were indicated by geochemical response. During this evolution, the values of TOC, S₁, S₂, Sr, and Ts/(Ts + Tm) remarkably decreased, whereas those of Co, Ni, Rb, Na, Fe/Mn, Fe/(Ca + Mg), and C₂₉ mortane/C₂₉ hopane significantly increased. The deep lake basin shows depositional fluctuations, as indicated by rock lithofacies and their geochemical parameters. A close interrelationship was observed among U concentration, TOC content, and inorganic element content. Uranium concentrations are positively correlated with TOC contents, Ca and Sr concentrations, and Sr/Ba and Ca/Mg ratios but negatively with K, Na, Ba, and Rb contents and Fe/(Ca + Mg) and Fe/Mn ratios. The observed increase in U concentration in the lower Es₃ section is closely related to surface adsorption by clay minerals and OM, together with some replacements of Ca and Sr by U in the shales.     

Geological evolution and hydrocarbon potential of the salt-cored Hoodoo Dome,Sverdrup Basin,Arctic Canada

The evaporite-cored Hoodoo Dome on southern Ellef Ringnes Island, Sverdrup Basin, was examined to improve the understanding of its structural geological history in relation to hydrocarbon migration. Data from geological mapping, reflection seismic, thermal maturity and detrital apatite (U–Th)/He cooling ages are presented. Five stages of diapirism are interpreted from Jurassic to Recent times:1. 180 to 163 Ma (pre-Deer Bay Formation; development of a diapir with a circular map pattern).2. 163 to 133 Ma (Deer Bay to lower Isachsen formations; development of salt wings).3. 115 to 94 Ma (Christopher and Hassel formations; ongoing diapirism and development of an oval map pattern)4. 79 Ma (Kanguk Formation; reactivation of the central diapir).5. 42 Ma to 65 Ma (Eurekan Orogeny; tightening of the anticline).During phase1, the Hoodoo diapir was circular. During phase 2, salt wings formed along its margin. During phase 3, the Hoodoo Dome geometry evolved into a much larger, elongate, doubly plunging anticline. Phase 4 is inferred from thermochronology data as indicated by a cluster of cooling ages, but the extent of motion during that time is unknown. During Phase 5 the dome was tightened creating approximately 700 m of structural relief. Denudation since the end of the Eurekan Orogeny is estimated to be about 600 m.A one dimensional burial history model predicts hydrocarbon generation from Middle and Late Triassic source rocks between 140 and 66 Ma, with majority of hydrocarbon expulsion between 117 and 79 Ma. Hydrocarbon generation post-dates salt wing formation, so that this trap could host natural gas expelled from Triassic source rocks.     

Seismic geomorphology of cretaceous megaslides offshore Namibia (Orange Basin): Insights into segmentation and degradation of gravity-driven linked systems

This study applies modern seismic geomorphology techniques to deep-water collapse features in the Orange Basin (Namibian margin, Southwest Africa) in order to provide unprecedented insights into the segmentation and degradation processes of gravity-driven linked systems. The seismic analysis was carried out using a high-quality, depth-migrated 3D volume that images the Upper Cretaceous post-rift succession of the basin, where two buried collapse features with strongly contrasting seismic expression are observed. The lower Megaslide Complex is a typical margin-scale, extensional-contractional gravity-driven linked system that deformed at least 2 km of post-rift section. The complex is laterally segmented into scoop-shaped megaslides up to 20 km wide that extend downdip for distances in excess of 30 km. The megaslides comprise extensional headwall fault systems with associated 3D rollover structures and thrust imbricates at their toes. Lateral segmentation occurs along sidewall fault systems which, in the proximal part of the megaslides, exhibit oblique extensional motion and define horst structures up to 6 km wide between individual megaslides. In the toe areas, reverse slip along these same sidewall faults, creates lateral ramps with hanging wall thrust-related folds up to 2 km wide. Headwall rollover anticlines, sidewall horsts and ramp anticlines may represent novel traps for hydrocarbon exploration on the Namibian margin.The Megaslide Complex is unconformably overlain by few hundreds of metres of highly contorted strata which define an upper Slump Complex. Combined seismic attributes and detailed seismic facies analysis allowed mapping of headscarps, thrust imbrications and longitudinal shear zones within the Slump Complex that indicate a dominantly downslope movement of a number of coalesced collapse systems. Spatial and stratal relationships between these shallow failures and the underlying megaslides suggest that the Slump Complex was likely triggered by the development of topography created by the activation of the main structural elements of the lower Megaslide Complex.This study reveals that gravity-driven linked systems undergo lateral segmentation during their evolution, and that their upper section can become unstable, favouring the initiation of a number of shallow failures that produce widespread degradation of the underlying megaslide structures. Gravity-driven linked systems along other margins are likely to share similar processes of segmentation and degradation, implying that the megaslide-related, hydrocarbon trapping structures discovered in the Namibian margin may be common elsewhere, making megaslides an attractive element of deep-water exploration along other gravitationally unstable margins.     

Marine science and technology transfer: Can the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission advance governance of biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction?

Marine scientific research is crucial to forge solutions in the development of a new international legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction (ABNJ) under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea . The transfer of marine technology, capacity development and marine genetic resources are key issues. This paper examines how the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), as a competent international organisation for marine scientific research and technology transfer, can inform the development of the instrument. Synergies between marine technology transfer and non-monetary benefit sharing of genetic resources are illustrated. Four key lessons from the IOC are examined: 1. Coordinating international cooperation in marine scientific research; 2. Enabling open access to data and knowledge; 3. Facilitating capacity development through scientific training and education; and 4. Governance of marine scientific research. Realising the potential of the IOC to advance governance solutions for ABNJ will depend on increased political will from Member States and strengthened partnerships to reduce resource constraints and enhance the IOC's capacity at global and regional scales.     

西北印度洋中脊玄武岩源区地幔特征

利用全球岩石地球化学数据库(Pet DB)中有关卡尔斯伯格洋脊(CR)、北中印度洋脊(NCIR)及南中印度洋脊(SCIR)玄武岩的微量元素及同位素组成数据,分析了玄武岩的元素地球化学特征及其沿脊轴的变化,旨在探讨玄武岩源区地幔的(不)均一性及岩浆作用过程的差异。初步研究结果表明:CR、NCIR及SCIR玄武岩组成相近,仅在个别脊段表现有微量稀土元素和同位素组成上的差异,玄武岩整体与N-MORB组成特征相近,与先前通常认为的典型印度洋中脊玄武岩不同。玄武质岩浆主要源自尖晶石二辉橄榄岩地幔的熔融,岩浆源区主要由两个地幔端元构成,即以亏损型地幔(DMM)为主(69%),其次为富集型地幔(EMⅡ,27%)。富集组分可能源自古老陆壳物质的混染。自CR经NCIR到SCIR整个印度洋中脊西北分支玄武岩的Sr、Nd及Pb同位素组成表现出均一性,表明岩浆源区地幔组成相近。在SCIR 19°S附近脊段岩浆源区地幔存在有不均一性,有EMⅡ型地幔端元混入的迹象。在CR 3.5°N附近脊段,玄武岩明显富集K、Ba、La及U等微量元素,但由于缺少同位素数据,源区地幔特征有待进一步研究。在上述研究成果的基础上,提出了该区大比例尺的调查填图及密集采样和精细室内分析是CR深入研究的基础,同时加强Sr、Nd、Pb及Re、Os、Be等同位素分析测试,可提供揭示CR地幔不均一性的可靠依据,而厘清印度洋型地幔对CR的影响程度则有助于深入认识地幔不均一性的成因及地幔动力学过程。     

基于HJ-1A/1B的2014年黄海海域浒苔灾害时空分布

自2007年以来, 黄海海域每年的5月初～8月中下旬浒苔(Ulva prolifera)会周期性地暴发与消亡,导致海洋生态环境被破坏以及经济损失。利用2014 年的HJ-1A/1B遥感影像, 利用神经网络监督分类及RULE规则影像重分类动态阈值法, 对2014年的浒苔的漂移路径、各时期影响的海域面积、分布面积以及暴发高峰期的最大面积进行了动态监测。结果表明, 2014年浒苔持续时间为101 d, 5月中旬开始在江苏省盐城市近海出现零星斑点, 分布面积为2.299 km², 影响面积为1 744.799 km²; 6月初到6月中旬浒苔广泛分布于黄海海域, 分布面积扩大至1 367.145 km², 达到当年的峰值; 从6月下旬开始, 浒苔进入衰退期, 浒苔分布面积、相对聚集密度均急剧缩小, 但影响面积的峰值出现在该时期; 8月初消亡于青岛附近海岸, 8月20日遥感影像已难以监测到浒苔的存在。2014年黄海海域浒苔经过了“出现—发展—暴发—衰退—消亡”5个发展阶段。     

南海中尺度涡强度的季节和年际变化分析

为了研究南海中尺度涡强度的季节和年际变化规律,利用Matlab提取50 a(1958~2007年)简单海洋资料同化(Simple Ocean Data Assimilation,SODA)月平均数据集中流场和海表面高度场数据,应用一个涡旋自动探测算法对南海中尺度涡初始生成位置进行分析,并分析了海表面高度异常均方根值的季节变化和年际变化。结果表明:50 a里南海中尺度涡主要分布在吕宋岛西北海域、吕宋岛西南海域和越南以东广大海域,秋、冬季中尺度涡能量较高,春季中尺度涡最弱,中尺度涡强度高值区年际变化明显。从季节变化上看,海面高度异常均方根春、夏季最小,秋冬季最大;从年际变化上看,与同时期Nino3指数有显著负相关,周期大约为3 a。     

黄海海浪季节变化的数值模拟研究

利用第三代海浪数值模式SWAN,研究了黄海海浪有效波高的季节变化特征及相关的物理过程。结果表明,在黄海的大部分区域,混合浪有效波高的最大值出现在冬季,而最小值则基本出现在夏季。北黄海北部和山东半岛南岸的近海海域呈现稍微不同的季节变化,有效波高的最大值出现在春季。全年4个季节中混合浪有效波高的空间分布基本一致:均在济州岛西南最大,沿黄海中部区域向北和由中部区域向近岸区域逐渐减小。黄海海浪为风浪占主,涌浪有效波高远小于风浪有效波高。在黄海的大部分区域,白冠耗散和四波非线性相互作用对黄海海浪的季节变化均至关重要;对于外海区域,四波非线性相互作用更为重要,而对于近海区域,白冠耗散则影响更大。本研究旨在研究黄海海浪的季节变化特征及其物理过程,为进一步探讨该海域海浪在其他时间尺度上的变异特征和动力学过程提供研究基础。     

海滩养护工程质量评价研究进展

由于自然因素和人类活动的影响等原因,世界很多海滩经受着侵蚀和破坏。而利用人工养护工程来保护和恢复海滩具有养护效果较明显、干滩面积明显增加以及不破坏环境景观的优点,目前得到越来越多国家的认可。国外由于养滩历史较久,养滩工程后的监测和质量评价不仅开展得早,而且已经成为工程的一个重要部分。评价指标已经比较完善,甚至有些国家已经将养滩效果评价列入法规框架之中。我国的海滩养护工程在十几年前才开始,虽然工程量逐年增长,但是对海滩养护工程施工后的工程监测和工程评价却较少涉及。本文对美国、荷兰、英国、丹麦以及我国等国家的海滩养护工程的工程评价工作进行总结,从而提出适用于我国工程特点的养滩工程质量评价因子和方法。     

John Turnbull Thomson,Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society: An early New Zealand geographer

John Turnbull Thomson is more known in New Zealand for his work as Chief Surveyor of Otago Province (1856–1876) and first Surveyor General of New Zealand (1877–1879). He was also a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London from 1848 until his death in 1884. Thomson was an important and early self‐declared ‘does’ of geographer in New Zealand, prior to the establishment of university geography in 1937. Thomson's contribution included survey and mapping but he also gave public lectures on geography and contributed to debates about glaciation.