Study on the Temporal-Spatial Evolution of Prehistoric Settlements and Its Correlation with Subsistence Strategy and Climate History in the Western Liao River Area

Western Liao River area is one of the most important birthplaces of agricultural civilization in northern China. With recent works like relics survey, site excavation and environmental archaeology going further, the time sequence, cultural content and subsistence strategy history of this area are getting explicit. Questions like ancient exploiting history of natural resources, climate background and cultural impact of subsistence strategy have been paid great attention. Traditional environmental archaeology methods like plant and animal remains analysis are mostly utilized to conduct in-site investigation, current studies rarely adopt quantitative methods to examine the sites’ macro temporal-spatial distribution and aggregation pattern. Based on abundant digitized relic survey data, GIS methods like kernel density analysis are utilized to indicate the temporal-spatial distribution and aggregation pattern of prehistoric cultures in Western Liao River area. The latitudinal, longitudinal and altitudinal migrations of site distributional core are indicated by 3D perspective shift and elevation statistics. By referencing existing studies on subsistence strategy and paleoclimate history, results of spatial analysis are used to reveal the correlation among sites’ temporal-spatial distribution, subsistence strategy adopted and climate variation. This also contributes to our understanding and utilization of massive locational information of prehistoric sites in ancient man-land relationship study.     

Characteristic and Geological Significance of Microbially Induced Sedimentary Structures(MISS) in Terrestrial P-T Boundary in Xingyang,Western He’nan Province

Microbially Induced Sedimentary Structures (MISS) are primary sedimentary structures that arise syndepositionally from microbial community activity. Especially valuable are MISS for the analysis of early Archean (and extraterrestrial) deposits. However, most reports of MISS have focused on the Precambrian and Phanerozoic mass extinction marine sediments, and only a few and terrestrial MISS have been studied. The MISS presented in this paper, which mainly consists of mat growth feature, mat destruction feature and mat decay feature, are well preserved in terrestrial clastic rocks around the P-T boundary in Xiyang area, western Henan. Large U ridges, oriented sand quartz, mica grains and thin clayey laminae arranged parallel to bedding plane are the main features visible under the microscope. Several lines of evidence indicate that the Xingyang MISS are of biogenic origin. Abundant MISS in Xingyang may indicate the degradation of terrestrial ecosystems and proliferation of microbial mats immediately after the severe Permian-Triassic mass extinction. Study aiming at MISS helps to analyze their space distribution in the globe and to probe into links between microbial proliferation and environmental stresses following the end-Permian mass extinction in terrestrial ecosystems.     

西天山Muruntau金矿床地质和S-Pb同位素示踪

Muruntau金矿床位于乌兹别克斯坦卡拉库姆板块北缘,是世界规模最大的金矿床。赋矿地层为一套发生绿片岩相浅变质作用的含炭复理石建造。矿区主要经历了四期变形变质作用(D1-D4),矿体受构造控制明显,就位于桑格龙套-塔姆德套与穆龙套-道古兹套剪切带的构造交汇部位,金矿化主要产于次级韧脆性断裂中。对矿床的矿石硫化物及地层开展了系统S、Pb同位素研究,结果表明石英脉型及蚀变岩型矿石中硫化物的δ34S变化范围较大,集中于2.2‰~6.1‰,其中蚀变岩型矿石中毒砂样品δ34S值集中于2.2‰~4.6‰,含金石英脉中硫化物样品δ34S值集中于3.0‰~6.1‰,方解石-石英脉中硫化物样品δ34S值集中于3.5‰~4.0‰,表明矿石中硫主要来源于地层,可能有少量岩浆硫加入。2件黑色页岩中毒砂206Pb/~(204)Pb为19.906~20.378,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb为15.730~15.750,208Pb/~(204)Pb为38.388~39.894;3件含金石英脉中黄铁矿206Pb/~(204)Pb为18.848~19.431,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb为15.669~15.736,208Pb/~(204)Pb为38.346~38.879;2件方解石脉中毒砂206Pb/~(204)Pb为18.715~19.563,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb为15.639~15.740,208Pb/~(204)Pb为38.640~39.295。6件地层岩石样品的铅同位素组成206Pb/~(204)Pb为19.416~20.600,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb为15.675~15.746,208Pb/~(204)Pb为38.876~39.431。矿石铅与地层铅均落于上地壳与造山带之间,矿石铅显示较大的跨度,且与地层岩石铅具有部分重合,显示成矿物质具有双重来源,与赋矿地层及造山期变质流体均表现出密切成因联系。结合矿床地质特征总结分析,沉积地层的物质准备+多期构造运动驱动变质流体运移(D1-D4)+岩浆热液的后期叠加应该是Muruntau巨量金属富集的关键控制因素。     

新疆西天山铁木里克铁矿床火山岩锆石U-Pb年代学、岩石地球化学特征及地质意义

铁木里克铁矿位于西天山阿吾拉勒铁铜成矿带中段,矿床围岩为一套以粗面安山岩、安山岩和流纹岩为主的连续变化的中酸性火山岩。本文通过对铁木里克铁矿床火山岩进行LA-ICP-MS锆石U-Pb定年,并且结合Hf同位素和岩石地球化学研究,对火山岩的形成时代以及大地构造背景进行探讨。锆石LA-ICP-MS测年结果显示,粗面安山岩、安山岩以及流纹岩的测年结果分别是318.8±2.3Ma、320.8±2.5Ma和319.1±3.5Ma。地球化学分析表明该套火山岩属于高钾钙碱性-钾玄岩系列,富集轻稀土元素(LREE)和大离子亲石元素(LILE;如Rb、Th、K),重稀土元素(HREE)配分平坦,同时具有Nb、Ta的强烈亏损,具有明显的岛弧火山岩地球化学特征。在火山岩的大地构造判别图解上,样品点都落在了大陆弧部分。锆石的Hf同位素显示εHf(t)具有一致的变化范围(+6.2~+12.0),指示火山岩具有相同的岩浆来源,都是来源于早古生代新生陆壳的重熔,形成于相同的构造岩浆背景下。结合区域地质资料,本文认为铁木里克铁矿床出露的这套高钾钙碱性-钾玄岩系列火山岩可能是南天山洋闭合末期到陆陆碰撞早期大陆弧岩浆作用的产物。     

西天山巴音布鲁克地区早古生代成矿地质环境:岩浆岩及其时代和元素同位素约束

西天山位于中亚造山带(CAOB)西南部,是其重要组成部分。CAOB晚古生代金属成矿环境和过程尤为典型,但早古生代成矿地质环境还不甚清楚。新疆巴音布鲁克地区出露(原定时代晚志留世)巴音布鲁克组火山岩夹浅海相碎屑岩和灰岩,是认识西天山早古生代成矿地质环境的难得对象。巴音布鲁克组出露于Nikolaev-那拉提山北缘断裂与Atbash-Inylchek-那拉提山南缘断裂之间的中天山,在巴音布鲁克地区典型发育,火山岩包括玄武岩、玄武安山岩、英安岩、流纹岩及相应的火山碎屑岩,其中侵入岩有正长斑岩和花岗闪长岩。LA-ICP-MS测得玄武安山岩、英安岩、正长斑岩、花岗闪长岩、流纹岩锆石U-Pb年龄分别为455.6±8.1Ma、444.5±1.9Ma、441.4±1.6Ma、455.4±5.3Ma、424±1.9Ma,岩浆活动于晚奥陶-早志留世,喷出和侵入时代接近,原定巴音布鲁克组地层时代晚志留世应改为晚奥陶-早志留世。这些岩浆岩具有相似的稀土元素地球化学特征,微量元素相比原始地幔均亏损Nb、Ta、P、Ti。玄武岩正的ε(t)=+1.6~+6.7,低的(~(87)~Sr/~(86)NdSr)i=0.70377~0.70489,指示岩浆源区具有亏损地幔特征,弱的Zr-Hf负异常,低的Th/Nb比值,较窄的同位素变化范围暗示地壳混染并不显著,微量元素及铅同位素特征(~(206)Pb/~(204)Pb=18.26~18.77,~(207)Pb/~(204)Pb=15.63~15.69,~(208)Pb/~(204)Pb=38.21~38.34)表明岩浆源区可能是俯冲流体及洋底沉积物交代的地幔楔橄榄岩部分熔融成因。西天山巴音布鲁克地区早古生代岩浆岩应是南天山洋晚奥陶-早志留世向北向中天山陆块之下俯冲在中天山-伊犁板块南缘活动大陆边缘的岩浆产物,指示了陆缘岩浆弧环境。这种陆缘弧环境有利于斑岩铜金成矿系统发育,值得高度关注相关铜金矿的地质找矿。     

Distribution and relative density of cetaceans in the Hauraki Gulf,New Zealand

Understanding species distributions, and how they change in space and time, is vital when prioritising conservation or management initiatives. We assessed the distribution and density patterns of common dolphins (Delphinus sp.), bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and Bryde’s whales (Balaenoptera edeni) in the Hauraki Gulf, New Zealand. Dedicated boat-based surveys were conducted in the inner Hauraki Gulf (IHG) and off Great Barrier Island (GBI) during 2010–2012. Generalised linear models were used to investigate temporal changes in relative densities and kernel density estimation was implemented to examine spatial trends. Common dolphins were widely distributed during all seasons, with higher densities observed during winter and spring in the IHG but during autumn off GBI. There was inter-annual variation in Bryde’s whale distribution, with high densities recorded off GBI in 2011. Bottlenose dolphins were infrequently sighted in the IHG but regularly encountered off GBI, with the highest densities during spring and summer.     

The MV Rena shipwreck: time-critical scientific response and environmental legacies

ABSTRACT

The sinking of the MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef (Otaiti) in the Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, resulted in the release of oil and ship debris, including dangerous goods carried as cargo. Two key questions of concern to the public and environmental managers were posed immediately: what was the impact of the Rena oil spill and how long would it take for the marine environment to recover? The research that began immediately after the ship grounded provided answers, as documented in this special issue.     

The wreck of the MV Rena: spatio-temporal analysis of ship-derived contaminants in the sediments and fauna of Astrolabe Reef

ABSTRACT

The October 2011 sinking of the container ship MV Rena on Astrolabe Reef, New Zealand, provided a rare opportunity to examine the fate of shipwreck-derived contaminants on an offshore rocky reef and food chain. Analyses of trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and organotins indicated significant but localised contamination of Astrolabe Reef but not of nearby Mōtītī Island. Three years after the grounding, PAH concentrations were greater in sediments at Astrolabe (up to 131?mg kg^?1) than at control locations, while organotins from the ship's antifouling hull paint were found exclusively in Astrolabe Reef sediments and biota. Over 80% of Astrolabe sediment samples contained tributyltin at concentrations above guideline sediment levels (>0.07?mg kg^?1). Tributyltin and its decomposition products were also recorded in sea urchins, gastropods, lobster and fishes at concentrations up to 0.2?mg kg^?1. Wreck and cargo-derived metals, particularly copper, tin and zinc, were present in some Astrolabe sediment samples above Australia and New Zealand Environment and Conservation Council guideline concentrations. However, there appeared to be only limited transmission of metals through the food chain. Copper, tin and zinc were recorded at greater concentrations in Astrolabe sea urchins and gastropods compared to control specimens, while metal concentrations in other biota were comparable across impact and control sites. Despite over 3 years having passed since the Rena grounding, the data series does not show any upward or downward trends in contaminant concentrations on Astrolabe Reef. Consequently, there is uncertainty about the long-term implications of the Rena grounding for the ecology of Astrolabe Reef.     

In situ sampling reveals rapid uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by surf clams (Paphies subtriangulata) affected by the Rena oil spill

ABSTRACT

To investigate the uptake and depuration of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons associated with the Rena oil spill we sampled the surf clam Paphies subtriangulata at two open coast locations (6?km apart) just prior to oil coming ashore (7 October 2011), then at 1–3 week intervals for the next 4 months. Total polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (tPAH) increased at both sites from 1 to 96–124?µg?kg^?1 (wet weight) by 18 October before declining to low levels (<4?µg?kg^?1) by February 2012. Ongoing sampling throughout 2012–2014 included three additional sites to the north east (up to 30?km away) and a site 5?km to the south east revealing tPAH levels generally <10?µg?kg^?1 except in October 2013 where levels ranged between 39–45?µg?kg^?1 at all sites. A comparison of PAH component profiles with oil-contaminated beach sediment indicated that the high levels observed in surf clams between October–December 2011 were clearly associated with the Rena spill. However, the October 2013 peak had a PAH profile inconsistent with weathered Rena oil, suggesting an alternative source of contamination. Our results highlight the potential for P. subtriangulata as a PAH monitoring tool but recognise more study is needed to better quantify baseline levels and uptake and depuration dynamics.     

Origin of organic matter and paleoenvironment conditions of the Late Jurassic organic-rich shales from shabwah sub-basin (western Yemen): Constraints from petrology and biological markers

Late Jurassic organic-rich shales from Shabwah sub-basin of western Yemen were analysed based on a combined investigations of organic geochemistry and petrology to define the origin, type of organic matter and the paleoenvironment conditions during deposition. The organic-rich shales have high total sulphur content values in the range of 1.49–4.92 wt. %, and excellent source rock potential is expected based on the high values of TOC (>7%), high extractable organic matter content and hydrocarbon yield exceeding 7000 ppm. The high total sulphur content and its relation with high organic carbon content indicate that the Late Jurassic organic-rich shales of the Shabwah sub-basin were deposited in a marine environment under suboxic-anoxic conditions. This has been evidenced from kerogen microscopy and their biomarker distributions. The kerogen microscopy investigation indicated that the Late Jurassic organic-rich shales contain an abundant liptinitic organic matter (i.e., alginite, structureless (amorphous organic matters)). The presence of alginite with morphology similar to the lamalginite alga and amorphous organic matter in these shale samples, further suggests a marine origin. The biomarker distributions also provide evidence for a major contribution by aquatic algae and microorganisms with a minor terrigenous organic matter input. The biomarkers are characterized by unimodal distribution of n-alkanes, low acyclic isoprenoids compared to normal alkanes, relatively high tricyclic terpanes compared to tetracyclic terpanes, and high proportion of C₂₇ and C₂₉ regular steranes compared to C₂₈ regular sterane. Moreover, the suboxic to anoxic bottom water conditions as evidenced in these Late Jurassic shales is also supported based on relatively low pristane/phytane (Pr/Ph) ratios in the range of 0.80–1.14. Therefore, it is envisaged here that the high content of organic matter (TOC > 7 wt.%) in the analysed Late Jurassic shales is attributed to good organic matter (OM) preservation under suboxic to anoxic bottom water conditions during deposition.