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    2020, Volume 27 Issue 4
    25 July 2020
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    Comparison of the geochronological frameworks and preliminary study on key geological events during the Neoproterozoic Late Tonian period in the Hunan-Guizhou-Guangxi area
    ZHANG Jiawei, CHEN Jianshu, WU Tao, YE Taiping, CHEN Minghua, DAI Yaran, DENG Xiaojie, MU Jun
    2020, 27(4): 1-16. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.12.5

    Abstract ( 274 )   HTML ( 8 )   PDF (5016KB) ( 259 )  

    The Neoproterozoic Late Tonian stratum (the Xiajiang Group and its time-equivalent stratum) is well exposed in the Hunan-Guizhou-Guangxi area. It is an important research subject for studying the evolution of the rift basin in South China after the collision between the Yangtze Craton and the Cathaysia Block. Here, we report the zircon U-Pb ages of the tuffs and tuffite in the upper part of the Qingshuijiang Formation and the bottom and middle parts of the Pinglue Formation in the Wanshan area, Tongren City, Guizhou Province to be 763.8±5.5 Ma (N=24, MSWD=0.29), 760.2±4.1 Ma (N=25, MSWD=0.39), and 759.1±3.9 Ma (N=26, MSWD=0.38), respectively. By compiling the area's volcanic, volcanic-sedimentary and tuffeous rock ages, we further determined the deposition periods of the Xiajiang Group and its equivalence to be around 822-715 Ma. We propose that the basalt within the Sanmenjie Formation of the Danzhou Group in northern Guangxi formed in an extensional setting after the Wuling movement, as a result of maximum extension of the Hunan-Guizhou-Guangxi rift basin. A large amount of volcanic materials in the Qingshuijiang and Pinglue Formations are mainly sourced from the intermediate-acidic extrusive rocks (800-760 Ma) in the eastern section of the Jiangnan Orogen. Combined with regional stratigraphy, lithology and geochronology, we restore the Neoproterozoic Late Tonian evolutionary history of the Hunan-Guizhou-Guangxi basin and propose to establish the Xiajiang System.

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    Continued subduction of the Yangtze Plate in the Middle Neoproterozoic: new evidence based on the geochronology and petro-geochemistry of island arc volcanic rocks in the Nanhua Period
    ZHU Qiang, SHI Ke, WU Libin, JIANG Laili, HU Zhaoqi, XU Shengfa, WENG Wangfei
    2020, 27(4): 17-32. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.27

    Abstract ( 282 )   HTML ( 6 )   PDF (5194KB) ( 248 )  

    The Puling Formation in the northern Qimen area on the southeastern margin of the Yangtze Plate, and the Xileng Formation in the Zhangbaling area on the northeastern margin of the Yangtze Plate, each developed a suite of volcanic rocks. The former is continental volcanic rocks with basalt-andesite series, and the latter is marine volcanic rocks with spilite-keratophyre series. The volcanic rocks are unconformities covered with sand mudstone sedimentary. The LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age of basalt-andesite from the Puling Formation is 765±15 Ma, while quartz keratophyre from the Xileng Formation is 726.8±1.4 Ma, indicating they are formed in the Nanhua Period (Middle Neoproterozoic) after the disappearance of the “trench-arc-basin system” formed by the subduction of the Cathaysian to the Yangtze Plate in the Neoproterozoic. The whole rock geochemical analysis showed that the major elemental contents of the two volcanic rocks were quite different, but they all belonged to calc-alkaline series, and with similar trace elemental characteristics: they were enriched in LREE and large ion lithophile elements (e.g., Ba, Th, U), strongly depleted in high field strength elements (e.g., Nb, Ta, Ti), with inconspicuous δEu, Zr and Hf anomalies. These features suggest that they are similar to island arc volcanic rocks and possibly formed by the mixing of the depleted mantle wedges metasomatized by subduction-related fluids and melt of new crust. Combined with previous research results, we consider the deep subduction in the Jinning period might have lasted until ca. 700 Ma, affected by a multi-island arc collage process in the Middle Neoproterozoic, and then this area entered an intra-plate extension stage until the late Nanhua Period.

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    Late Palaeozoic-Early Mesozoic tectonic-magmatic evolution and mineralization in the eastern section of the East Kunlun Orogenic Belt
    CHEN Guochao, PEI Xianzhi, LI Ruibao, LI Zuochen, PEI Lei, LIU Chengjun, CHEN Youxin, WANG Meng, GAO Feng, WEI Junqi
    2020, 27(4): 33-48. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.20

    Abstract ( 374 )   HTML ( 8 )   PDF (5273KB) ( 302 )  

    The East Kunlun Orogenic Belt (EKOB) in the western segment of the Central Orogenic System of China experienced complex and multiple tectono-magmatic events in the past hundreds of millions of years. These tectono-magmatic events from the Late Paleozoic-Early Mesozoic magmatism are most closely related to mineralization. In researching the distribution, evolution and petrogenesis of Late Paleozoic-Early Mesozoic intrusive magmatic rocks as well as geological characteristics of deposits, we investigated the close relationship between tectono-magmatic evolution and mineralization in the eastern part of East Kunlun during this period. Overall, the tectonic evolution of the EKOB can be divided into three stages: the oceanic crust subduction stage (277-240 Ma), syn-collision stage (240-230 Ma) and post-collision stage (230-200 Ma). Crust-mantle magma mixing and mingling occurred during the entire evolutionary process of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean. The mafic plutons are most likely derived from partial co-melting of metasomatic mantle wedge and subduction fluid. Most of the granite magmatites are partial-melting products of the lower crust. The crust-mantle magmatic mixing in the subduction stage of the eastern part of the East Kunlun Orogen brings not only mineralization materials resulting in enrichment of some elements, but also heat source. Physical and chemical deformations of the ore-forming fluid cause mineral precipitation to form a large number of mineral deposits. The main metallogenic combinations are Cu, Mo and Au in small size deposits. In the syn-collision stage, magmatic rock developed rarely due to compressive stress, with ore deposits mainly distributing along the EKOB faults, containing main ore metals Cu, Mo and Au. In the post-collision stage, delamination of lithospheric mantle in an extensional environment provided a channel for mantle materials to participate in mineralization. And the conversion stage from the collision to post-collision stage, specially, is the peak period of Cu, Pb, Zn and Fe metallogenesis from the Late Paleozoic to Early Mesozoic in this area.

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    Evolution of ore-forming fluids in the Luobuzhen epithermal gold-silver deposit in western Gangdisi: fluid inclusion and H-O isotope evidence
    LIU Hong, ZHANG Linkui, HUANG Hanxiao, LI Guangming, OUYANG Yuan, YU Huai, LIANG Wei, ZHANG Hongming, CHEN Xiaoping
    2020, 27(4): 49-65. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.23

    Abstract ( 276 )   HTML ( 12 )   PDF (6684KB) ( 274 )  

    The newly discovered Lubuzhen gold-silver deposit in Ngamring County, Tibet is situated in the southern Lhasa microterrane and belongs to the west segment of the Gangdisi polymetallic metallogenic belt. The ore bodies, controlled by near NWW fractures, occur as veins and lens in the Eocene epoch volcanics of the Pana Formation and contain mainly breccia, quartz veins and altered rocks of coexisting ores. The major ore minerals in the deposit are natural gold, silver tellurite, etc. Moreover, based on the mineral assemblages and cutting relationship and alteration features, we identified three main types of hydrothermal veins: quartz-pyrite vein of the quartz-pyrite stage (S1), quartz-polymetallic sulfides vein of the quartz-polymetallic sulfides stage (S2), and quartz-carbonatation vein of the quartz-carbonation stage (S3). On the basis of detailed geological fieldwork, we selected quartz veins of different mineralization stages for the fluid inclusion study, including petrographic characteristic observation, micro temperature measurement, compositional analysis, and hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis. Fluid inclusions in hydrothermal veins in all three stages consist of liquid-gas (liquid- and gas-rich) biphasic and daughter mineral-bearing (carbonate minerals) multiphasic fluid inclusions, with homogenization temperature, salinity (wt%, NaCl eqv.) and density ranging in 310-330 ℃, 5.0%-10.1% and 0.60-0.80 g/cm3, respectively, in S1, in 240-280 ℃, 3.0-7.0 and 0.70-0.90 g/cm3, respectively, in S2, and in 121-215 ℃, 1.0%-5.0% and 0.85-1.00 g/cm3, respectively, in S3. According to laser Raman spectroscopic analysis, the gas phase contained small amounts of CO2, N2, and CH4, and the daughter minerals included some carbonate minerals. Hydrogen and oxygen isotopic analysis revealed that the δ${{\text{D}}_{{{\text{H}}_{2}}\text{O},\text{V-SMOW}}}$ values of fluid inclusions in quartz veins were from -106.1‰ to -97.5‰, and δ18${{\text{O}}_{{{\text{H}}_{2}}\text{O},\text{V-SMOW}}}$ values ranged from -7.33‰ to -7.13‰, which suggests that the origin of ore-forming fluids is mainly derived from circulating warm groundwater in the Pana Formation and with minor portion from magmatic activities. Our studies suggest that in the Lubuzhen Ag-Au deposit, ore-forming fluids move from the deep closed system to the shallow open system and quickly break through the critical state of decompression boiling, causing phase separation as minerals and metal sulfides precipitating from ore-bearing hydrothermal fluids. As heavy precipitation occurs, temperature and salinity of ore-bearing fluids decrease rapidly which ends the metallogenesis process for metal minerals. In brief summary, the ore-forming fluids in the Luobuzhen Ag-Au deposit contain small amounts of CO2, N2, and CH4 gases and can be characterized by low to moderate homogenization temperature, mid-range salinity and low to mid-range density, all are the characteristics of typical epithermal deposit.

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    Trace element characteristics of sphalerite in the Lishan Pb-Zn-Cu polymetallic deposit in Hunan Province and the metallogenic implications
    GUO Fei, WANG Zhilin, XU Deru, YU Deshui, DONG Guojun, NING Juntao, KANG Bo, PENG Erke
    2020, 27(4): 66-81. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.28

    Abstract ( 271 )   HTML ( 8 )   PDF (5370KB) ( 203 )  

    The northeastern Hunan Province, located in the central segment of the Jiangnan Orogen, holds one of significant Au-Sb-W-Cu polymetallic metallogenic belts in South China. In recent years the large Lishan Pb-Zn-Cu polymetallic deposit was discovered in this area. The deposit is spatially associated with the Late Jurassic-Early Cretaceous Mufushan granitoids, and orebodies are hosted within altered fracture zones. In this contribution, we analyzed the trace elemental composition of sphalerite using combined EPMA and LA-ICPMS methods. The results show that sphalerite in the Lishan deposit was enriched in Co and Ga, but depleted in Fe, Cd and Ge. Iron, Mn, Cd, Co and Ga elements occur as solid solution, while other elements, notably Cu, Pb, Ag and Sn are distributed as both solid solution and inclusions. Based on the correlation of different trace elements, we discovered some important coupled substitutions: Zn2+↔Fe2+, 4Zn2+↔2Fe2++Ge4++□ (where □ denotes a vacancy), 3 Zn2+↔2Cu+ +Ge4+, and 2Zn2+↔Ag++Sb3+. The Zn/Fe, Ga/Ge, Ge/In and Ga/In ratios, together with Fe geothermometer, indicated a low to medium mineralizing temperature (240-250 ℃) and low sulfur fugacity (lgf(S2) ranging from -13.3 to -9.6). The trace elemental components of sphalerite in the Lishan deposit revealed a significant distinction from the Jinding, SEDEX, VMS, MVT, and skarn deposits. The low Cd/Fe (0.03-0.14, av. 0.06) and Cd/Mn (1.54-6.30, av. 2.91) ratios, as well as low Ge values, suggested an association of the Lishan Pb-Zn-Cu polymetallic deposit with magmatic hydrothermalism. Based on deposit geology and regional tectonic-magmatic evolution, we propose that the Lishan Pb-Zn-Cu polymetallic deposit formed from a hydrothermal system related to the Yanshanian Mufushan pluton, in an extensional setting related to the roll back of the subducting Paleo-Pacific plate. The trace elemental compositions in this study can provide a reference for the determination of deposit genesis.

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    Paleo-wind direction and paleogeographic significance of Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous anemoarenyte in the southeastern Wanggaxiu coal mine, Qaidam Basin
    CHEN Zhengyu, LIU Yongqing, JIANG Xiaojun, KONG Zhigang, GAO Wanli, QIAN Tao, KUANG Hongwei, XU Huan
    2020, 27(4): 82-97. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.21

    Abstract ( 214 )   HTML ( 5 )   PDF (8269KB) ( 130 )  

    The Qaidam Basin is one of the main petroleum basins in western China. Much progress has been made over the past 70 years in the oil and gas exploration and basic geological research in the basin. However, the restoration and structural evolution of the Mesozoic prototype basin in Qaidam are still in dispute, which has affected the petroleum exploration process. In the current project, we conducted a comprehensive geological survey on the sedimentology, petrology and sedimentary facies analysis of Mesozoic strata around the present Qaidam Basin. We first discovered a set of anemoarenyte depositions of coastal and shallow lacustrine facies in the original Cretaceous Quanyagou Formation, located 10 km southeast of the Wanggaxiu coal mine near the Delingha-Dulan Road. Our study on a 1∶100 sedimentary-structural and rock characteristics determination section showed that large tabular cross-beddings, grain and fall flow anemoarenyte structures, and a large number of traces, burrows, mud cracks and liquefied bending bedding structures of coastal and shallow lacustrine facies below the water table developed on the profile. In addition, we collected many paleowind sedimentary structural data, such as tabular cross-bedding and oblique bedding. We also conducted a systematic laboratory study using paleowind direction data correction and rose diagram. The results show that the Quanyagou Formation paleowind is NW directed, consistent with the regional research data from the Late Jurassic to Early Cretaceous in northern China. The vertical successions of the Quanyagou Formation, changing from alternation of aeolian and water laid to aeolian dominated to water laid dominated deposits, indicate climatic oscillation from relatively arid to humid conditions. Previous studies have suggested that aeolian deposition is an important hydrocarbon reservoir. Therefore, the newly discovered set of coastal and shallow lacustrine facies anemoarenyte depositions is of great significance for oil and gas exploration in the Mesozoic Qaidam Basin, and can also help advancing research on the restoration and tectonic evolution of the basin.

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    Analysis of the influence of thin interbed interference on prestack AVO attributes
    CHEN Shan, LU Rong, LIU Lihui, XU Xingyou, LIU Weibin, BAI Jing
    2020, 27(4): 98-109. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.26

    Abstract ( 238 )   HTML ( 10 )   PDF (5283KB) ( 149 )  

    Conventional AVO analysis method based on single interface can result in errors in thin layer AVO response characteristics. The Brekhovski layered propagation matrix equation takes into account reflection and transmission of layer wave and thickness, therefore it is more suitable for discussing the seismic response characteristics of thin interbeds. We conducted Brekhovski forward modeling on thin layer and found different relationship between amplitude and thickness using different offsets. The results indicate that pitch attribute has stronger linear relationship with thickness comparing with post stack, full stack amplitude, and can be a good indicator for thin interbed thickness. In different thin interbed model tests by Brekhovski forward modeling, net thickness and Poisson's ratio are two main factors affecting AVO curve characters. Poisson's ratio has less influence on pitch and gradient attributes for small net thickness. While Poisson's ratio is constant, net thickness shows near linear relationship with pitch and gradient attributes, with pitch attribute more sensitive to net thickness, which means pitch attribute could be used for net thickness prediction. Testing results demonstrated that in thin interbed area, pitch attribute is promising for sandstone percentage prediction, whereas accuracy of net thickness prediction by poststack amplitude or prestack elastic impedance inversion is poor.

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    Numerical taxonomy of Miocene Trapa L. fossil fruits from eastern Zhejiang, China
    XIAO Liang, WANG Xing, LI Xuemei, LI Xiangchuan, JIA Hui, SUN Nan, LIANG Jiaqi, WANG Qin, LI Jiangxiao, YONG Yuanyuan
    2020, 27(4): 110-123. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.24

    Abstract ( 199 )   HTML ( 2 )   PDF (4139KB) ( 136 )  

    Abundant Trapa L. fruit fossils are found in the late Miocene Shengxian Formation in Tiantai, eastern Zhejiang. The fossils are well preserved with rich three-dimensional characteristics. However, the identification and taxonomy of Trapa L. have been controversial because of its large taxonomic variations yet subtle differences in the fossil's three-dimensional features. Since the characteristics of Trapa L. fossils are distinct and easy to measure and record, we used numerical statistics methods to classify Trapa L. fossils. The main methods include cluster and principal component analyses. The purpose of this research is to identify the Trapa fossil fruits and find the guiding characters for their identification and classification. First, we performed numerical analysis on living Trapa fruits and obtained good taxonomical result. Next, we analyzed Trapa fossil fruits. We believe the analyses can classify Trapa fossils and at the same time eliminate redundant characteristics used for identification. Finally, we obtained some discrimination characteristics, including fruit body shape, with or without head, valgus head, fruit top shape, upper or lower horn growth direction, length of lower horns, and number of degenerate tuberculate lower horns. Based on these characteristics, the fossil fruits can be effectively divided into two taxa.

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    Phanerozoic multiple underplatings beneath the north margin of the North China Craton and the implications for tectono-magmatism and deep dynamics
    SHAO Ji'an, ZHOU Xinhua, ZHANG Lüqiao
    2020, 27(4): 124-134. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.6.41

    Abstract ( 184 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (2898KB) ( 213 )  

    Based on the study of underplating activities beneath the north margin of the North China Craton (NCC) in the Early Permian (P1), Late Triassic (T3), Early Jurassic (J1) and Early Cretaceous (K1), we demonstrated here that the reactivation of the NCC is caused by diapiric upwelling of deep lithospheric mantle. As revealed by comparative research, underplating in each stage shows difference and variation in its magma source depth, relationship to the tectonic framework, contribution to the vertical crustal accretion, and impulse upwelling of mantle magma, indicating a series of step by step continuous deep-seated thermal evolutionary processes and its dynamic mechanism is the deep high heat flux and upward migration of mantle materials. Mantle material upwelling must accompanied by a lithospheric structural change in mantle diapir uplift. Through discussion on the formation mechanism of the Mesozoic North China basin-range system, we suggest that the current upwelling characteristics of mantle diapirs, revealed by high resolution surface wave tomography in this area, could reflect the deep settings of the Mesozoic lithospheric intrusion.

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    Geological characteristics and tectonic significance of Carboniferous adakite-like granite in the Boketu area of eastern Inner Mongolia
    DONG Yang, LIU Jingdang, LIU Jin, DOU Shiyong, LIU Su, ZHANG Yanfei, LIANG Shuai, YANG Peiqi, LIANG Tianyi
    2020, 27(4): 135-149. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.8.23

    Abstract ( 183 )   HTML ( 5 )   PDF (3561KB) ( 156 )  

    In this paper, we introduced petrographical, petrogeochemical and geochronological characteristics of the Erzhigou rock mass in the Boketu area of Eastern Greater Khingan Mountains. We studied its formation age, petrogenesis and tectonic setting. Based on LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating, we found that the emplacement age of the Erzhigou rock mass ranged from 317.2±2.2 to 319.2±2.3 Ma, consistent with a Late Carboniferous magmatism event in the study area. The lithology of Erzhigou rock mass included granodiorite, with petrogeochemical characteristics of high silicon content, rich alkaline and quasi-aluminous to peraluminous and low MgO, CaO. The 10000 Ga/Al series diagram, as well as P2O5-SiO2correlation, showed that the Erzhigou rock mass was high-K calc-alkaline I-type granite. Some results were obtained as follows: Ba/Nb=70.44-98.20; Ba/La=17.85-28.12; δEu appeared to be negative anomaly, implying crustal source region, where a small amount of mantle substances mixed with strongly oxidative fluids. Besides, since the contents of SiO2 exceeded 56%, with MgO lower than 3%, these rocks belonged to high-K calc-alkaline series, with Al2O3 content higher than 14%. For trace REE, Sr concentration was higher than 400×10-6, with Y and Yb concentrations lower than 18×10-6and 1.9×10-6, respectively. These rocks were rich in large ion lithophile elements (LILE) (e.g., Rb, K, Ba, Th), and relatively depleted in high field-strength elements (HFSE) (e.g., Ta, Nb, P, Hf, Zr). δEu appeared to be negative anomaly. LREE/HREE=4.14-6.19 and (La/Yb)N=12.05-18.03, showing enrichment of LREE and depletion of HREE. These rocks had the characteristics of adakite, but they were much richer in potassium than typical adakite, indicating C-type adakite characteristics of the Erzhigou rock mass. The Rb and Ba contents, and the ratios Rb/Yb (51.49-148.93) and Ba/Yb (430.17-698.83) in these rocks, were obviously higher than that in MORB, but similar with those in adakite of the Hailar Basin and Kailas in Tibet, suggesting a petrogenesis mechanism of granite generation through fusion of lower basaltic crust generated and thickened by underplating. Late Carboniferous magmas in the study area were formed in the compression environment during the orogenic stage. The tectonic setting of the Honkirnaur-Xing'an and Songnen massifs in the Late Carboniferous period (younger than 317.2±2.2 Ma), is that compression and crustal thickening in the late collision orogenic stage is transformed to extension-collapse environment in the post orogenic stage, followed by more stable intraplate tectonic environment through evolution.

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    Plate reconstruction based on fractal theory
    ZHU Pingping, CHENG Qiuming, ZHOU Yuanzhi, ZHANG Yuwei, SUN Jiazhen
    2020, 27(4): 150-157. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.45

    Abstract ( 169 )   HTML ( 5 )   PDF (1581KB) ( 211 )  

    The refinement and regionalization of global plate reconstruction is currently a hot topic in geological study. However, determination of shape distribution of reconstruction plates has not been fully carried out. Based on the existing plate reconstruction models, we analyzed the relationship between fractal dimensions of the reconstruction plates and frequency of global porphyry copper deposits since the Mesozoic. The results showed that the fractal dimensions of 250-65 Ma plates has a minimum at 65 Ma, which reflects the switching process from Pangea breakup to Amasia assembly. Moreover, the frequency anomalies of global porphyry copper deposits correspond well with the fractal dimension anomalies of reconstruction plates since 250 Ma, which suggests that the rapid change of plate morphology may affect the formation of porphyry copper deposits. Our findings provide new insights into evaluating authenticities of reconstruction plates and restricting morphology of ancient plates. Meanwhile, they can also provide reference data for the genesis of porphyry copper deposits.

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    Geochronology, geochemistry and geological characteristics of granites from the Meixian zinc-lead polymetallic deposit in central Fujian Province
    XIAO Xiaoniu, XIAO E, CHEN Zhenning, GONG Bin, JU Weiwei
    2020, 27(4): 158-171. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.11

    Abstract ( 171 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (3835KB) ( 150 )  

    The Meixian lead-zinc deposit in central Fujian Province is one of the important metallogenic regions in the Meso-Cenozoic megatectonic-magmatic belt along the Pacific Ocean. The intrusive rocks associated with metallogenic processes in the area mainly consist of granite-porphyry, porphyritic biotite granite, K-feldspar granite, and biotite-bearing K-feldspar granite. In this study, based on geological investigation, we performed zircon U-Pb dating using LA-ICP-MS to obtained the diagenetic ages of granites from the Meixian ore deposit. The results showed that the ages ranged from 158 to 155 Ma, indicating granite production by Late Jurassic tectonic-magmatic action in the middle Yanshanian Period. The rock specimens were characterized by high silicon, alkali and potassium contents, high aluminum saturation index, iron rich and magnesium poor, enrichment of LILE and HFS, such as Cs, Rb, K, Pb, Th, U, Zr, Hf, etc., depletion of Ba, Sr, P, Ti, and low Ga/Al ratio. These characteristics are consistent with that of crust source, suggesting the highly-differential I-type granites as the rock genetic type. We further show that granites from the Meixian ore field are formed by the subduction and extension of the Paleo-Pacific Plate, and posited in the extensional orogenic stage within the plate. Magmatic hydrothermal activities played a strong role in tectonic magmatic hydrothermal superimposition and transformation for early submarine volcano-eruption and deposition, and are of great significance for mineral elemental enrichments and prediction of ore bodies.

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    Petrogeochemistry and geochronology of biotite monzonitic granites in the Horqin Right Front Banner area, Inner Mongolia and the geological significance
    CHEN Zehan, ZHANG Jia, ZHAO Zhidan, HAO Sen, ZHANG Liqiang, CAO Yuanbao
    2020, 27(4): 172-183. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.9

    Abstract ( 287 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (3491KB) ( 168 )  

    The Xing-Meng orogenic belt has very complex structural and distribution patterns. Its evolutionary process, especially the final time limit for the closure of the “scissors” type of the Paleo-Asian Ocean and the subsequent land-land collision process have not been determined. The study area is located in the eastern section of the Xing-Meng orogenic belt, where the geotectonic position is clamped between the Hegenshan-Heihe and Solon-Siramulon-Changchun fault zones. It provides an important window for studying the geological evolution of the eastern section of the Central Asian orogenic belt. The Qianqi biotite monzogranite body in the right wing of Horqin, Inner Mongolia has the shape of a rock plant, with a 400 m NE-trending long axis and a 150-250 m short axis. The north side intrudes into the Dashizhai Formation, and the south part is in fault contact with the Linxi Formation. The granite rocks had medium to fine-grained granitic and massive structures. They were mainly composed of potash feldspar (40%), plagioclase (25%), quartz (20%), biotite (14%) and a small amount of chlorite (1%), and had the LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb age of 221.1±2.1 Ma, consistent with formation in the Late Triassic. The geochemical characteristics of rocks were high in SiO2(68.46%-70.38%) and K2O+Na2O(9.02%-9.39%) and low in P2O5(0.09%-0.17%), MgO(0.60%-0.80%), TiO2(0.54%-0.58%) and medium K2O/Na2O(0.90-1.54) contents, with obvious fractionation of light and heavy rare earth elements (LREE and HREE), relative enrichment of LREE (ΣLREE content (163.55-226.55)×10-6) and depletion of HREE (ΣHREE content (11.96-21.67)×10-6). The granite type is peraluminous high-k calc alkaline I-type, indicating a post collisional/orogenic tectonic environment of the Late Permian Triassic magmatic rocks on the northern margin of the North China block. Based on previous research results and regional geological data, we infer that the Qianqi biotite monzogranite was formed under a lithosphere delamination and asthenosphere upwelling environment.

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    Zircon U-Pb geochronology and geochemistry of the Kekebieketi basic complex in Fuyun, Xinjiang and the geological significance
    PEI Shengliang, DING Rufu, SHAN Lihua, YANG Wusheng
    2020, 27(4): 184-198. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.9.3

    Abstract ( 173 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (5056KB) ( 147 )  

    The Kekebieketi basic complex is located in the south of Xinjiang Erqisi metallogenic belt. The copper-nickel ore body was discovered in 2016, with good metallogenic potential. In this paper, we report the petrographic, geochemical and chronological characteristics of the complex in order to understand its formation age, tectonic environment and petrogenesis. The complex is mainly controlled by NW and NWW trending structures. The main petrofacies are hornblende pyroxenite, gabbro and a few diorite. Hornblende pyroxenite is mainly ore-bearing facies, and the pyrite and chalcopyrite are stellate, veined and disseminated. The complex had a magnesia ferro ratio between 0.8 and 2.0, containing mainly iron basalts. Trace elements results showed that the complex is depleted in compatible (Cr, Co, Ni) and high field strength (Nb, Ta, Zr, Hf, Th) elements, and enriched in large-ion lithophile element (Ba, U, K, Pb, Sr) elements. The total rare earth elements (ΣREE) content was (29.77-148.02)×10-6 and decreased with increasing basicity. The distribution patterns of REE in each petrofacies were roughly parallel, and fractionation between light and heavy REE showed strong right leaning. Sulfur isotope δ34S of sulfide varied from -0.6‰ to -0.4‰, with typical mantle-sourced sulfur characteristics. The results of La-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircon showed that the ages of Kekebieketi gabbro and diorite were 330.3±0.7 and 328.9±0.6 Ma, respectively. Combined with the regional geological background, we considered the magmatic emplacement and crystallization occurred in the mid- and late-stage of the Early Carboniferous in a post-collisional extension setting. In addition, we speculated that the Kekebieketi basic complex is the product of moderately evolving magma, and it may have experienced fractional crystallization of olivine in the deep magma chamber. After that, the middle and upper magma rose and experienced fractional crystallization of orthopyroxene. At the same time, the addition of silicon in the upper crust led to magmatic sulfur saturation to form chalcopyrite.

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    Mechanisms of rock- and ore-controlling structures and the implications for deep prospecting in the Huangshaping Cu-Sn polymetallic deposit, southern Hunan Province, China
    HAN Runsheng, ZHAO Dong, WU Peng, WANG Lei, QIU Wenlong, LONG Yunqing, LIU Fengping, DENG Anping, ZONG Zhihong
    2020, 27(4): 199-218. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.6.33

    Abstract ( 235 )   HTML ( 14 )   PDF (9276KB) ( 228 )  

    The Huangshaping Cu-Sn polymetallic deposit is a typical magmatic-hydrothermal polymetallic deposit formed in the superimposed tectonic background of the Qinzhou-Hangzhou and Nanling metallogenic belts. This region is characterized by the compounding of Cu and Sn rich polymetallic metallogenic systems, combination of multi-period tectonic systems, and coupling between deep W-Sn and shallow Pb-Zn orebodies. However, the complex ore-controlling structural systems and position of deep Cu-Sn polymetallic orebodies are unclear. In this report, we carried out an in-depth study on the ore- and rock-controlling mechanisms, based on a detailed analysis of the deep-spreading pattern of the ore field structures. The results showed that the intrusive contact zone structural systems and the interlaminar fault-fracture systems, in two flanks of the overturned anticlines, control the distribution of the vein-irregular skarn type Cu-W-Sn polymetallic orebodies, and the hydrothermal vein type Pb-Zn-Ag-(Au) orebodies occurring along the NNE-NEE-trending interbedded and NW-trending faults, respectively. These orebodies have different lateral transverse features. By dissecting different combinations of ore-controlling structures for ore field, mineral deposits and orebodies, we revealed the hierarchical rules of rock- and ore-controlling structures and their central symmetry metallogenic effect, clarified the pre-mineralization and ore-forming periods and the post-mineralization structural systems, and established a rock- and ore-controlling structural model for the Huangshaping-Baoshan ore field. At the same time, we further clarified the dynamic background of the ore-forming process in the ore fields as follows: Since the Mesozoic era, the tectonic stress action of the ore-field experienced a ‘clockwise-style’ movement. In the early stage of the Yanshanian movement, the collision between the Pacific and the Cathaysia Plates resulted in the SEE-EW-trending principal compressive stress field. As a result, the ore related medium acidic magmatic intrusion and ore forming system are formed. This understanding provides important inspirations for deep prospecting and exploration in southern Hunan Province.

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    Study on the two-stage garnets and their indication of mineralization in the Zhuxi W(Cu) deposit, northeastern Jiangxi Province
    OUYANG Yongpeng, ZHOU Xianrong, YAO Zaiyu, RAO Jianfeng, SONG Shiwei, WEI Jin, LU Yi
    2020, 27(4): 219-231. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.9.6

    Abstract ( 215 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (3858KB) ( 197 )  

    We present in this study our research on two types of coexisting scheelite-bearing garnet from the giant Zhuxi W(Cu) deposit. The results showed that the coexisting scheelite-bearing garnets are different from paragenetic garnets in other skarn deposits, as these two types of garnet commonly formed at different evolutionary stages from the same hydrothermal fluid in the Zhuxi deposit. The early-stage garnet was rich in Fe (Ad37.17-41.84Gr54.83-59.57Sp3.10-4.62); whereas the late-stage one was rich in Al (Ad12.69-14.42Gr77.56-79.03Sp0.44-0.92), close to grossularite with higher U and lower Sn concentrations, and exhibited obvious positive Eu anomalies in the chondrite-normalized REE patterns. These results indicated that the oxygen fugacity of the late-stage garnet is lower than that of the early-stage one. The late-stage garnet was characterized by having higher Cu, Pb, Zn, Li, Be, B, Rb, Cs and Sr and lower W, Mo, Ga and Ge concentrations. It had normalized rare earth elemental patterns roughly subparallel to the ore-related granite in the Zhuxi deposit, indicating its genetic relation with the residual magma hydrothermal fluid. These two types of coexisting scheelite-bearing garnet are the products of different ore-forming hydrothermal fluid, suggesting that at least two periods of metallogenic events related to the granitic magma are present in the Zhuxi deposit.

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    Geological characteristics and prospecting of the Bada Cu-Au deposit in Mangkang County, East Tibet
    YANG Fucheng, LI Wenchang, ZHU Xiangping, JIANG Xiaojun, LIU Jun, LIAO Zhongli, LIU Hongfei, YANG Houbin, LI Yong
    2020, 27(4): 232-243. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.12

    Abstract ( 450 )   HTML ( 6 )   PDF (4592KB) ( 251 )  

    The Bada Cu-Au deposit, a newly discovered large Cu-Au deposit, is located in the southern part of the alkali-rich porphyry belt in East Tibet. The metallogenic features of the Bata Cu-Au deposit are not yet clear. Based on detailed field observation, geological logging and systematic microscopic examination, we studied the geological characteristics of the Bada Cu-Au deposit. The deposit developed within the quartz monzonite porphyry intrusion while the surrounding sandstones are controlled by a NW-striking thrust fault. We identified the alteration types, including potassic, phyllic and propylitic alterations, and delineated the alteration zones. We also found small quantity of localized secondary minerals such as kaolinite, opal and montmorillonite. The Cu-Au orebody mainly occurs in the potassic and phyllic alteration zone, showing positive correlation between Cu and Au mineralization. Copper mineralization mainly produces chalcopyrite, while gold occurs primarily as fine Ag-Au grains in dolomite±quartz+pyrite±chalcopyrite vein. Both alteration and mineralization are centralized along the NW-striking thrust fault. Unlike typical porphyry and epithermal deposit, mineralization in the Bada Cu-Au deposit mainly occurs in dolomite±quartz+pyrite vein, resembling the low temperature alteration assemblage. The alteration and mineralization associated minerals, such as carbonate, illite, sericite, galena, pyrite, chalcopyrite and tetrahedrite, are found in the ore district, consistent with intermediate sulfidation epithermal deposits. Moreover, hematite is ubiquitous, indicating an alkaline porphyry system. Thus, we conclude that the Bada Cu-Au deposit belongs to alkali-rich porphyry related epithermal deposit. Its metallogenic mechanism can be used to guide the next prospecting exploration.

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    Discovery and geological significance of gold-silver bearing minerals and tellurides in the Yongxin gold deposit in the northeastern Great Xing'an Range
    LI Chenglu, YU Yuanbang, YUAN Maowen, LI Shengrong, XU Wenxi, ZHU Jing, LI Shisheng
    2020, 27(4): 244-254. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.8.20

    Abstract ( 146 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (10322KB) ( 318 )  

    The Yongxin gold deposit, formed during the Early Cretaceous, is an epithermal type deposit. We performed EPMA analysis which showed that the Au-Ag bearing minerals in the Yongxin gold deposit contained 65.092%-90.713%(mass fraction) Au (averaged at 83.942%) and 5.652%-16.632% Ag (averaged at 11.285%). The gold deposit mainly contained 10-20 μm natural gold and electrum grains (fineness ranged from 870.2 to 941.3 with an average of 881.1) occurring in inclusions, intergranular pores and crevices. Telluride is mainly composed of tetradymite, petzite, hessite and altaite. Hessite (5-20 μm) is the most common telluride in the Yongxin gold deposit, occurring in the interior or fracture of pyrite grains often associated with natural gold and galena. We studied telluride assemblage, fineness of gold and Te/Au values at different elevation. The results showed that the lgf(Te2) and lgf(S2) values during telluride formation ranged from -15.2 to -9.4 and from -16.7 to -14.0, respectively, which revealed that the mineralization in the Yongxin gold deposit is associated with volcanic or subvolcanic hydrothermal fluid and with characteristics of shallow mineralization, suggesting great mineralization potential still at depth.

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    Proto-type basin evolution of the East Mediterranean Sea
    GAO Huahua, TONG Xiaoguang, WEN Zhixin, WANG Zhaoming
    2020, 27(4): 255-271. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.8.22

    Abstract ( 322 )   HTML ( 10 )   PDF (9044KB) ( 180 )  

    The Eastern Mediterranean Sea experienced an extension-convergence tectonic cycle, accumulating abundant oil and gas resources. Based on 2D seismic data, ODP Leg160, IHS and Tellus commercial database as well as published papers, we constructed the tectonic-stratigraphic framework of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea and its adjacent area, and restored prototype basins in 12 critical geological periods. We also discussed basin evolution mechanism from the perspective of plate tectonics. The Upper Triassic-the Quaternary in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea can be divided into three regions: the onshore and shallow water region at the Neotethys passive continental margin, deep water region at the Neotethys passive continental margin and the Cyprus forearc fold belt. The first two stratigraphic regions consist of a set of rift-passive continental margin stratum system. However, significant differences in lithofacies and unconformity are in these two regions. A set of oceanic basin-forearc basin stratum system developed in the Cyprus forearc fold belt. The results show that the evolution of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea can be divided into three phases: the Permian-Early Jurassic rifting phase, the Middle Jurassic Bajocian-Late Cretaceous Turonian drifting phase and the convergence and transformation phase since the Late Cretaceous Senonian. The last phase can be subdivided into four stages, including the “double subduction zones” during the Late Cretaceous Senonian, the subduction-collision at the north during the Paleogene, the subduction-collision at the south of the Cyprus Arc and reactivity of the Levant margin during the Miocene, and the “arc-seamount” collision and plate escaping since the Miocene Messinian. The basin evolution was controlled by rifting of continental fragments, including the Tauride-Anatolian plate and the micro-plates (Kyrenia, Troodos and Eratosthenes) from Gondwana, as well as by northward drifting and collision of Eurasia and these continental fragments.

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    Paleoceanographic environment in Gyangzê, South Tibet during the Jurassic-Cretaceous boundary interval
    GAO Lianfeng, LI Puzhuang, ZHANG Zhenguo, WAN Xiaoqiao, XIA Shiqiang, DONG Guiyu, WANG Zhaosheng, LENG Chunpeng, ZHANG Ying, YAO Jiming, ZHANG Linting, YU Jiangtao, YIN Shiyan
    2020, 27(4): 272-281. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.8.24

    Abstract ( 189 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (1946KB) ( 136 )  

    In order to investigate the evolution of marine sedimentary environments during the Jurassic-Cretaceous transition in the Gyangzê area, South Tibet, we collected samples from the Jiabulagou section, and performed major, trace and rare earth element analysis. The discrimination diagrams (Fe2O3+MgO vs. TiO2 or Al2O3/SiO2) showed that, from the Late Jurassic Weimei Formation to the Early Cretaceous Jiabula Formation, the tectonic setting in the study area is mainly oceanic island arc. The index elements of Mn, Fe, V, Co, Ni and REE, and U/Th, V/Cr, Sr/Ba, Lan/Ybn and V/(V+Ni) ratios showed that the deposition conditions evolved from the Weimei Formation environment, characterized by shallow sea, oxygen-enriched, high-salt and high deposition rate, to the Early Cretaceous Jiabula Formation environment, featuring deep sea, water stratification and decreasing sedimentation rate, with obvious characteristics of deep sea sedimentary environment. The geochemical data were consistent with tectonic discrimination diagram, i.e., shallow sea facies sediment, indicated by sandstone in the Weimei Formation, and siltstone in the lower and calcareous mudstone in the upper Jiabula Formation, experienced water changes from shallow to deep.

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    Sedimentary characteristics of the pre-Nanhua epi-metamorphic rock series in southern Anhui Province and the tectono-paleogeographic implications
    HAN Yao, ZHANG Chuanheng, LI Liyang, JIANG Xianqiang, LIU Zihui
    2020, 27(4): 282-293. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.42

    Abstract ( 207 )   HTML ( 1 )   PDF (4517KB) ( 109 )  

    The pre-Nanhua epi-metamorphic stratum in southern Anhui Province is an important part of the Jiangnan oregenic belt. Based on the sedimentary study of the Huansha and Niuwu formations, we can identify turbidite and deep sea-bathyal facies that both belong to the active type of sedimentary formation. Our research revealed that the sedimentary environment of the Huansha Formation reflects a shallow-deep sequence, while the Niuwu Formation features an upward-shallowing sequence. The sedimentary diffusion of the Huansha and upper Niuwu formations is northward directed, suggesting the provenances for the two formations must be from the south. Ternary plots of the sandstone point-count data showed that the Huansha and upper Niuwu formations were plotted in the magmatic-arc and recycled orogen fields, respectively. Combined with the geochemical research on granite intrusion in the Niuwu Formation, we conclude that the proto-basin of the Huansha Formation is back-arc basin, whereas the lower and upper Niuwu formations are marginal sea and peripheral foreland basins, respectively.

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    Genesis of bird's-eye structure in the Triassic Dongmaanshan Formation in Chaohu, Anhui Province
    XU Liang, CHEN Tianhu, GAO Yang, CHEN Ping, XIE Qiaoqin, ZHOU Yuefei
    2020, 27(4): 294-301. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.4.46

    Abstract ( 310 )   HTML ( 18 )   PDF (2222KB) ( 165 )  

    Bird's-eye structure is a special structure in carbonate stratum indicative of the sedimentary environment of supratidal-intertidal zone. A layer of bird's-eye structure is widely developed in the bottom of the Triassic Dongmaanshan Formation in Chaohu, Anhui Province, but its mineralogy, geochemistry and genesis are still poorly understood. Here, we used optical microscope, X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy and LA-ICP-MS to investigate the mineralogy and geochemical characteristics of bird's-eye structure in the Dongmaanshan Formation. The results showed that the major mineral in bird's-eye structure was calcite, enriched in Sr, REE, etc., with decreasing crystalline size from the core to edge; while the major matrix mineral was dolomite, containing enriched Fe, Cu, Ti, etc. The contents of quartz, clay minerals and organic matters in matrix were higher than in bird's-eye core. These results demonstrated that bird's-eye structure in the Dongmaanshan Formation developed as a result of calcite formation, from matrix re-precipitation in cavities formed by accumulation and decomposition of sedimentary organic matters after Ca separation in the diagenetic stage due to dolomitization.

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    Theoretical analysis of sounding anomaly and field application of the natural electric field frequency selection sounding method in groundwater exploration
    YANG Tianchun, CHEN Zhuochao, LIANG Jing, DAI Shixin, ZHOU Lin, YANG Zhui
    2020, 27(4): 302-310. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.6.34

    Abstract ( 402 )   HTML ( 38 )   PDF (1627KB) ( 278 )  

    The frequency selection method is a further development of the audio frequency telluric electricity field method. In this report, we illustrate the usefulness of the method in shallow groundwater exploration through field application examples. We studied the relationship between potential electrode spacing MN and groundwater depth and carried out preliminary theoretical analysis. Firstly, under the combined action of horizontal alternating electric and magnetic fields, we established a simplified geophysical model of low resistivity conductive sphere in homogeneous half space, and performed forward calculation on the sounding curve. We then recorded water yields of 131 rural drinking wells in Guangxi Province. In addition, we performed detailed tabular statistical analysis of 98 drilling wells, and compared the relationship between potential electrode spacing MN in abnormal sounding curve and actual drilling water depth. Theoretical analysis and field application show that the frequency selection method can be very useful in shallow groundwater exploration for determining shallow groundwater well location. At the same time, the tabular statistics show that there is 1∶1 approximation between the size of potential electrode spacing MN in the anomaly curve and actual drilling water depth, validating the theoretical simulation results. Moreover, we show that the observed value of telluric electric field is related not only to the Earth's resistivity and signal frequency, but also to the potential electrode spacing in a shallow (< 200 m) magnetotelluric exploration.

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    Analysis of key geological factors and the “dual evaluation” method for land space optimization
    ZHANG Maosheng, LIU Jiang, DONG Ying, WANG Yao, ZHANG Ge, ZHANG Xinshe, GUO Chihui
    2020, 27(4): 311-321. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.5.30

    Abstract ( 374 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (4704KB) ( 227 )  

    Geological analysis theory has been widely used in the field of territorial space planning. In order to further optimize the territorial spatial pattern of the Guanzhong Basin, and by taking the steps of identifying key factors, making quantitative evaluation, using well-founded threshold standards and obtaining credible results, we developed a new method based on the wooden barrel theory, risk theory, and marginal theory. The theoretical framework is centered on the evaluations of the resource environmental carrying capacity and land space developmental suitability (referred to as “dual evaluation”). Here, we applied this “dual evaluation” method to the Guanzhong Basin. We identified four key factors, including active faults in the Guanzhong Plain, geological hazards, selenium-rich land, and water resources transfer from Hanjiang to Weihe, according to the wooden barrel theory. We carried out resource carrying capacity assessment based on the marginal theory, and evaluation of geological environmental carrying capacity, land space developmental suitability and geological risks based on the risk theory. After completing the above single-factor evaluation, we performed a comprehensive evaluation and analyzed the results in conjunction with the current developmental status or planning of regional land space to adjust and optimize the so-called “three zones and three lines” of regional development. The final results showed that the “dual evaluation” method can be feasibly applied and the evaluation results are credible. Specifically, the results showed that 87% of land space in the Guanzhong Basin are suitable for agricultural production and urbanization. And the plain has become the best area for population and GDP growths in eastern China. In the development and protection of land space, concentrated and contiguous selenium-rich lands should be protected as permanent farmlands, while construction is prohibited in the active fault and high geohazardous areas. With the focus on territorial space planning and usage control, we can mitigate earthquake hazards and geological risks from the source.

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    Effects of Y3 seamount on nutrients influencing the ecological environment in the Western Pacific Ocean
    MA Jun, SONG Jinming, LI Xuegang, YUAN Huamao, LI Ning, DUAN Liqin, WANG Qidong
    2020, 27(4): 322-331. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.8.16

    Abstract ( 219 )   HTML ( 3 )   PDF (2372KB) ( 102 )  

    Seamount is a typical landform in the ocean, yet its surrounding habitat is poorly understood. Here, we report our study on the coupling relationships between nutrients and ecological environment through a comprehensive investigation on the Y3 seamount area of the Tropical Western Pacific Ocean in the winter of 2014. The results showed that the Y3 seamount area is a typical tropical oligotrophic region. At 50-125 m depth, the combined effects of thermocline and high-salt area hinder the upward transport of high-concentration nutrients from the sea bottom, causing nutrient depletion in the upper part of the euphotic zone. Meanwhile, consumption of phytoplankton and heterotrophic bacteria also reduces nutrients in this region. However, the abrupt topography of seamount plays an important role in nutrient distribution. The Y3 seamount obstructs the current to form an upwelling, which promotes the upward transport of high-concentration nutrients from the sea bottom to break through the barriers of thermocline and high-salt area; as a result, the average nutrient concentrations are higher around the seamount than further away. The correlation analysis showed that in the euphotic zone, the signs of correlation between nutrient concentration and temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a concentration or heterotrophic bacteria abundance were (-), (+), (-) (except NO2-N) and (-), respectively. Its distinct nutrient distribution, coupled with the ecological environment, makes seamount an important factor for the unique ocean ecosystem.

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    Cause and control strategy of total phosphorus pollution in the Minjiang River Basin based on pollution load analysis
    WEN Quan, MA Yingqun, SHI Yao, CHI Minghui, QIN Yanwen, LIU Zhichao, YANG Chenchen
    2020, 27(4): 332-339. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.5.29

    Abstract ( 328 )   HTML ( 4 )   PDF (1458KB) ( 106 )  

    Total phosphorus (TP) is the main water environmental pollutant in the Yangtze River Basin. Serious TP pollution in the Minjiang River, the largest tributary of the upper reaches of the Yangtze River, contributes greatly to the TP flux in the Yangtze River. In order to understand the TP pollution in the Minjiang River Basin, we used the discharge coefficient method to calculate the TP inflow of pollution sources in the basin in 2016, which turned out to be 1154 ton. The results also revealed that the main source of TP in the basin was rural life (51.3%), followed by urban life (28.7%), industrial (9.57%) and agricultural (8.24%) sources, livestock (1.12%), and urban runoff (0.99%). The pollution load order was middle reaches (64.2%)>lower reaches (32.6%)>upper reaches (3.1%), consistent with TP concentration change in the main stream of the Minjiang River. The highest load was found in Chengdu (51.2%), related to its high population density, intensive production and living activities. Based on collected data and field investigation, we consider the main causes of TP pollution in the Minjiang River are insufficient treatment for rural living waste, lack of infrastructure for urban waste treatment, dense industrial enterprise, serious TP pollution in some tributaries, and lack of guidance for water pollution control. In consideration of the characteristics and causes of TP pollution in the Minjiang River Basin, we concluded that in order to improve the level of environmental protection and control in the river basin, we need to develop different strategies for the upstream, midstream and downstream of the Minjiang River Basin, as well as an overall strategy for the entire river basin.

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    Alteration minerals in Martian surface rocks: a comparative study of Martian meteorites and in-situ exploration in the Gale crater
    FU Xiaohui, LING Zongcheng, ZHOU Qin, Bradley L.JOLLIFF, YIN Qingzhu, WANG Alian, LI Bo, WU Zhongchen, ZHANG Jiang
    2020, 27(4): 340-354. 
    DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2019.8.21

    Abstract ( 540 )   HTML ( 12 )   PDF (2847KB) ( 195 )  

    Alteration minerals record the aqueous conditions and climate changes in Mars geological history. They are key to revealing the habitable environments on Mars, as well as the most signification objects of Mars exploration mission and Martian meteorite investigations. We present here detailed studies of alteration minerals in a Martian regolith breccia NWA7034, a Nakhlite meteorite MIL03346, and Sheepbed mudstone detected by Mars Curiosity rover. We compared the inventory of hydrous minerals in these rocks, and determined the formation mechanisms and conditions of smectite, Fe-oxides/hydroxides, and CaSO4 found in these rocks. We concluded that NWA7034, MIL03346, and Sheepbed mudstone were all altered during diagenesis or after lithification. However, the secondary alteration processes they experienced are distinct with each other. NWA7034 were mostly altered by oxidization and heating. For the meteorite MIL03346, secondary minerals are mostly present in veining within brittle fractures in the mafic minerals and mesostasis. This indicates the vein-filling alteration products result from hydrothermal fluid introduced by an impact event. Compared with two Martian meteorites, the Sheepbed mudstone in Gale crater is more altered with Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) of 47 and 50. The original debris with basaltic mineral composition experienced at least two stages of secondary alterations: olivine altered to smectite and magnetite during diagenetic processes, and CaSO4 veins formation after lithification. This result suggests aqueous conditions in various geological setting are different, and chemical weathering under different climate conditions could produce diverse alteration mineral assemblages. This study summarized the secondary mineral found by Mars missions and in Martian meteorites and their possible origins. It could help understand the formation of secondary minerals and future data interpretation in the China Tianwen-1 Mars mission.

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