Early warning research on salt-alkalization desertification in western Songnen Plain

Desertification is an environmental issue in the world. The salt-alkalization desertification land area formed by both primary and secondary salt-alkalization has extended in a large scale, which has become a significant eco-environmental problem. Based on the characteristics of eco-environment and the situation of desertification in western Songnen plain, this paper reports the analyzes of its formation in background and cause. An early warning system on the salt-alkalization desertification is established and the GIS technology is used to abstract the information of desertification evaluation index. Supported by the integrated technology of the GIS and ANN, the orientation and quantitative result of desertification are gained, which is helpful to the eco-environment protection and resource development in western Songnen Plain.     

Pregalactic Chemistry

The evolution of the universe from times after the recombination of the first atoms is controlled by chemistry. Chemistry can also help us to learn more about the first structures. In this paper we review the chemistry and atomic physics that are important in the time shortly after recombination, including the formation of the first structures. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Radiative association in Li+H revisited: the role of quasi-bound states

The role in radiative association of narrow resonances arising from quasi-bound levels is examined. For the rate coefficient the contribution from such levels is readily calculated in terms of the Einstein A -coefficient from bound rovibrational levels generated using a suitable alternative boundary condition. By locating systematically all the quasi-bound levels, an enhancement by more than an order of magnitude of the rate coefficient for Li(2s) + H(1s) association above about 600 K is obtained. The effect on the LiH abundance in the early Universe is no more than an increase of a factor of 3 for limited ranges of values of the redshift. For the Li(2p) state the effect of narrow resonances appears to have been taken into account in previous calculations.     

Tidal and seasonal controls in the formation of Late Miocene inclined heterolithic stratification deposits, western Amazonian foreland basin

Upper Miocene strata in the Acre sub‐basin, Brazil, consist dominantly of various types of inclined heterolithic stratification and pedogenic horizons. These strata were sedimentologically and ichnologically described to: (i) study different temporal controls responsible for inclined heterolithic stratification generation and their variation in a distal–proximal trend; and (ii) delineate the depositional setting. For this purpose, nine representative outcrops were sedimentologically and ichnologically studied, and their facies associations described. Thickness variations of the heterolithic strata of various orders (lamina, lamina bundles and beds) were analysed by statistical methods (Fourier transform). The deposits were interpreted as tidally and seasonally influenced estuarine or delta‐related and continental strata. The inclined heterolithic stratification deposits represented vastly different settings ranging from tidally dominated, brackish‐water ichnofossils‐bearing channels to seasonally controlled, articulated Purussaurus (a freshwater alligator) fossil‐bearing channels. Several time cycles were distinguished in the strata, including semi‐diurnal, fortnightly and seasonal. Tidal imprint was best observed in low‐energy brackish‐water settings, whereas seasonal rhythmicity was distinguishable throughout the depositional system. However, the latter was most apparent in riverine channels proximal to the inferred fluvio‐tidal transition. The different temporal controls commonly had distinguishable impact on sedimentological and ichnological properties in the studied sediments. The differing properties included: (i) the degree and nature of lateral variability with respect to lithology and bedforms in inclined heterolithic stratification; (ii) the lateral continuity of inclined heterolithic stratification; (iii) the nature of sedimentary contacts between the inclined heterolithic stratification members; (iv) thickness variation of inclined heterolithic stratification members within a set; (v) the cyclicities observed in inclined heterolithic stratification series; (vi) the degree of bioturbation; (vii) the types of trace fossils observed; and (viii) the distribution of bioturbation in adjacent inclined heterolithic stratification members.     

Biostratigraphic and isotopic record of the Cenomanian–Turonian deposits in the Ohaba-Ponor section (SW Haţeg, Romania)

The middle Cenomanian–lower Turonian deposits of Ohaba-Ponor section (Southern Carpathians) were studied from biostratigraphic and isotopic points of view. Both the qualitative and semiquantitative nannofloral analyses, as well as the stable isotope (δ¹³C and δ¹⁸O) data support significant palaeoenvironmental changes in the investigated interval. Two δ¹³C positive excursions were recognized: (1) an excursion up to 1.8‰ (PDB) within the middle/late Cenomanian boundary; (2) an excursion up to 2.2‰ (PDB) in the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval. The oldest δ¹³C positive excursion recorded (placed within the Acanthoceras jukes-brownei/Eucalycoceras pentagonum Ammonite Zone boundary interval, and in the NC11 Calcareous Nannofossil Zone respectively) could be assigned to the middle Cenomanian Event II (MCEII). During the above-mentioned event, significant increase in abundance of Watznaueria barnesae, followed by successive blooms of Biscutum constans and Eprolithus floralis, were observed. The youngest δ¹³C positive excursion was identified in the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval (in the NC12 and lower part of the NC13 Calcareous Nannofossil Zones). Even the amplitude of this δ¹³C positive excursion is lower in the Ohaba-Ponor section, as generally reported, this may represent the regional record of the OAE2. The successive peaks of the nannofossils Biscutum constans, Zeugrhabdotus erectus and Eprolithus floralis indicate episodes of cooler surface water and high fertility, which preceded and lasted the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary event. Additionally, fluctuations of δ¹⁸O values between −2 and −6‰ suggest also cooler conditions within the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary interval.     

冈底斯带东段鲁朗-墨脱地区中新世花岗岩的地球化学、年代学及成因

冈底斯东段的鲁朗-色季拉和墨脱-崩崩拉一带花岗岩的岩石类型主要为二长花岗岩、黑云母花岗岩、花岗闪长岩、石英闪长岩等。墨脱花岗岩的K—Ar年龄为19-22Ma;鲁朗花岗岩的^40Ar—^39Mr年龄为14-18Ma。岩石地球化学研究结果表明,本区花岗岩主要属于高钾钙碱性系列和钙碱性系列,同时具有某些埃达克岩的特征,表现为高SiO2（65．60％-76．40％）、Al2O3（12．32%-17．23％）、Sr／Y（2．41-86．46）、（La／Yb）。（6．65-56．14）比值,低Y（4．23×10^-6-39．40×10^-6）等特点。呈典型的LREE和LILE富集型分配模式．Eu为正到弱负异常。本区中新世花岗岩主要来源于中下陆壳的硅铝质成分和镁铁质成分的重熔,不同于具埃达克岩成分的冈底斯中新世含矿花岗斑岩。以中新世花岗岩侵位为标志,东喜马拉雅构造结地区的初始伸展可能在22Ma左右,早于冈底斯中段（20Ma左右）。     

贵州晴隆大厂晚二叠世初期河流相沉积特征——兼论与上下地层接触关系

晚二叠世初期,在晴隆大厂一带,以"大厂层"为基底的山间盆地中,形成了一条自北东流向南西的规模较大的曲流河。该河流微相发育,其沉积物包括河道砾岩、边滩砂屑岩和洪泛平原泥质岩等。这套沉积地层上与上二叠统峨眉山玄武岩下与"大厂层"或局部与中二叠统茅口组接触。此乃峨眉地幔隆起边缘的沉积效应。     

南海南部晚中新世的放射虫及其环境探讨

南海是东亚古季风产物的主要沉积盆地，保存着比陆地更加完整和连续的沉积记录。详细分析了ODP1143号钻井晚中新世的放射虫化石群，主要根据标志种Diartus petterssoni,D.hughesi和Stichocorys delmontensis等的分布特征，分别建立了南海南部晚中新世的RN6，RN7和RN8等3个放射虫化石带，并讨论了其地层年龄。探讨了以地层中放射虫的丰度变化特征等在南海南部作为东亚古夏季风活动替代性指标的可能性，初步说明东亚古夏季风可能早于8．7Ma B.P．出现，约在8．24Ma B.P.强化达到高峰，认为与印度季风的出现几乎同步或略早。