Geological comparative studies of Japan Arc System and Kyushu-Palau Arc

Based on the published data of structure geology,geochronology,petrology and isotope geochemistry,the authors of this paper have conducted studies on the tectonic evolution history of Japan arc system and Kyushu-Palau ridge（KPR） . The studies show that the initial Japan arc system was resulted from the subduction of ancient Pacific plate beneath Eurasian Plate in Permian. It was part of an Andean-type continental volcanic arc which occurred in the offshore in the east of Asian during late Mesozoic era. The formation of tertiary back-arc basin（Japan Sea） resulted in the fundamental tectonic framework of the present arc system. Since Quaternary the system has been lying at E-W compression tectonic setting due to the eastward subduction of Amur Plate. It is expected that Japan arc system will be juxtaposed with Asian continent,which is similar to the present Taiwan arc system. The origin of Philippine Sea Plate（PSP） is still in debate. Some studies argued that it is a trapped oceanic crust segment,while the others insisted that it is a back-arc basin accompanied with ancient IBM arc. However,it is all agreed that the tectonic evolution of PSP started since 50 Ma,i.e.,PSP has drifted from the site around equator at 50 Ma to the present site,and the subduction of PSP along Nankai trough-Ryukyu Trench beneath the Japan arc system during 6–2 Ma led to the formation of the present Ryukyu arc system. Of the PSP,the KPR has been found with the oldest rocks formed at 38 Ma. Combining with its geochemical characteristics of oceanic arc tholeiite,it is suggested that KPR is an intraoceanic volcanic arc,more specifically,a relic arc（i.e.,rear arc of the ancient IBM） after rifting of ancient IBM. In addition,Amami-Daito province is of arc tectonic affinity,but has been affected by mantle plume. Therefore,based on their respective tectonic evolution history and geochemical characteristics of rock samples,it is inferred that there is no genetic relationship between Japan arc system and KPR. It is noted that rocks reflecting continental crust basement feature have been collected on the northern tip of KPR,which may be related to the process of KPR accreting on Japan arc,but the arc-continent accretion process are still at initial stage of modern continental crust accretion model. However,due to the scarcity of data of the northern tip of KPR,crustal structure of this location and its adjacent Nankai trough need to be further constrained by geophysical studies in the future.

The geomorphological features and continuity of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge (KPR)

The Philippine Basin,surrounded by a series of oceanic trenches,is an independent deep ocean basin in the West Pacific Ocean.Its middle part is divided into three marginal sea sub-basins by the Kyushu-Palau and West Mariana Ridges,namely,the West Philippine Basin,the Shikoku and Parece Vela Basins and the Mariana Trough.This paper,through the analysis of the geomorphologic features and gravity and magnetic characteristics of the basin and identification of striped magnetic anomalies,suggests that the entire Philippine Basin developed magnetic lineation of oceanic nature,and therefore,the entire basin is of the nature of oceanic crust.The basin has developed a series of special geomorphic units with different shapes.The KPR runs through the entire Philippine Basin.From the view of geomorphologic features,the KPR is a discontinuous seamount chain （chain-shaped seamounts） and subduction beneath the Japanese Island arc at the Nankai Trough which is the natural boundary between the basin and the Japanese Island arc.At the positions of 25 N,24 N,23 N and 18 N,obvious discontinuity is shown,which belongs to natural topographic discontinuity.Therefore,the KPR is topographically discontinuous.

Crustal structure and variation along the southern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge

As an interoceanic arc,the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR)is an exceptional place to study the subduction process and related magmatism through its interior velocity structure.However,the crustal structure and its nature of the KPR,especially the southern part with limited seismic data,are still in mystery.In order to unveil the crustal structure of the southern part of the KPR,this study uses deep reflection/refraction seismic data recorded by 24 ocean bottom seismometers to reconstruct a detailed P-wave velocity model along the ridge.Results show strong alongridge variations either on the crustal velocity or the thickness of the KPR.P-wave velocity model is featured with(1)a crustal thickness between 6–12 km,with velocity increases from 4.0 km/s to 7.0 km/s from top to bottom;(2)high gradient(~1 s^(-1))in the upper crust but low one(<0.2 s^(-1))in the lower crust;(3)a slow mantle velocity between 7.2 km/s and 7.6 km/s in the uppermost mantle;and(4)inhomogenous velocity anomalies in the lower crust beneath seamounts.By comparing with the mature arc in the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc in the east,this study suggests the southern part of KPR is a thicken oceanic crust rather than a typical arc crust.The origin of low velocities in the lower crust and upper mantle may be related with crustal differentiation,which implies advanced crustal evolution from normal oceanic crust to partly thicken oceanic crust.High velocities in the lower crust are related to the difference in magmatism.

Topographic and geomorphological features and tectogenesis of the southern section of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR)and its adjacent areas

The Philippine Sea is the largest marginal sea in the Western Pacific Ocean and is divided into two parts by the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR).The western part is the West Philippine Basin,and the eastern part consists of the Shikoku and Parece Vela basins.Based on surveyed data of massive high-resolution multibeam bathymetric data and sub-bottom profiles data collected from the southern section of the KPR from 2018 to 2021,this paper analyzes the topographic and geomorphological features,shallow sedimentary features,and tectonic genesis of the southern section of the KPR,obtaining the following conclusions.The southern section of the KPR has complex and rugged topography,with positive and negative topography alternatingly distributed and a maximum height difference of 4086 m.The slope of seamounts in this section generally exceeds 10°and is up to a maximum of 59°.All these contribute noticeably discontinuous topography.There are primarily nine geomorphological types in the southern section of the KPR,including seamounts,ridges,and intermontane valleys,etc.Among them,seven independent seamount groups are divided by five large troughs,forming an overall geomorphological pattern of seven abyssal seamount groups and five troughs.This reflects the geomorphological features of a deep oceanic ridge.Intramontane basins and intermontane valleys in the southern section of the KPR are covered by evenly thick sediments.In contrast,sediments in ridges and seamounts in this section are thin or even missing,with slumps developing locally.Therefore,the sediments are discontinuous and unevenly developed.The KPR formed under the control of tectonism such as volcanic activities and plate movements.In addition,exogenic forces such as underflow scouring and sedimentation also play a certain role in shaping seafloor landforms in the KPR.

Oceanic crustal structure and tectonic origin of the southern Kyushu-Palau Ridge in the Philippine Sea

A new high-resolution velocity model of the southern Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR) was derived from an activesource wide-angle seismic reflection/refraction profile. The result shows that the KPR crust can be divided into the upper crust with the P-wave velocity less than 6.1 m/s, and lower crust with P-wave velocity between 6.1 km/s and 7.2 km/s. The crustal thickness of the KPR reaches 12.0 km in the center, which gradually decreases to 5.0–6.0 km at sides. The velocity structure of the KPR is similar to the structures of the adjacent West Philippine Basin and Parece Vela Basin(PVB), indicating a typical oceanic crust. Isostatic analysis shows that some regional compensation occurs during the loading of the KPR, which implies that the KPR was built mainly by magmatism during the splitting of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc and the following back-arc seafloor spreading of the PVB during30–28 Ma BP. The absence of the thick middle crust(6.0–6.5 km/s) and high velocity lower-crustal layers(7.2–7.6 km/s) suggest that arc magmatism plays a less important role in the KPR formation.

Tectonic implications of the subduction of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge beneath the Kyushu,southwest Japan

The Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR),a remnant arc on the Philippine Sea Plate(PSP),is subducting beneath the Kyushu,southwest Japan.Influenced by the subducting KPR,the Kyushu subduction zone corresponding to the KPR is significantly different from Shikoku subduction zone in terms of gravity anomalies,seismicity,the stress state,and the subducting slab morphology.Significant negative free-air and Bouguer gravity anomalies are observed in a prolonged area of KPR,southeast of the Miyazaki Plain,indicating that this is where KPR overlaps the overriding plate.The gravity anomaly in this area is much lower than that in other areas where the inferred KPR extends,suggesting that the subduction of the buoyant KPR may cause the lower mantle density to decrease.More earthquakes have occurred in Hyuga-nada region where the KPR subducts than in Shikoku forearc and other areas in the Kyushu forearc,indicating that the subduction of the KPR enhances the local coupling between the subducting and overriding plates.The centroid moment tensor(CMT)mechanism of earthquakes shows that stress is concentrated in the accumulated crust beneath the Kyushu forearc corresponding to the KPR,and the shallow thrusting events in the obducting plate are caused by the KPR subduction.The buoyant KPR,with a large volume of low-density sediments,was responsible for the differences of the subduction depth and dip angle of the subducting Philippine Sea(PS)slab between northern Kyushu and Shikoku.The seismic gaps and the sudden change of the dipping angle of the subducting PS slab indicate that slab tear may have occurred along the west side of the KPR beneath southwest Kyushu.A two-tear model was proposed,and the subduction of the buoyant KPR was believed to play an important role in the slab tear.

Characteristics of gravity and magnetic fields and deep structural responses in the southern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge

The southern part of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR)is located at the conjunction of the West Philippine Basin,the Parece Vela Basin,the Palau Basin,and the Caroline Basin.This area has extremely complex structures and is critical for the research on the tectonic evolution of marginal seas in the Western Pacific Ocean.However,only few studies have been completed on the southern part,and the geophysical fields and deep structures in this part are not well understood.Given this,this study finely depicts the characteristics of the gravity and magnetic anomalies and extracts information on deep structures in the southern part of the KPR based on the gravity and magnetic data obtained from the 11th expedition of the deep-sea geological survey of the Western Pacific Ocean conducted by the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey,China Geological Survey using the R/V Haiyangdizhi 6.Furthermore,with the data collected on the water depth,sediment thickness,and multichannel seismic transects as constraints,a 3D density model and Moho depths of the study area were obtained using 3D density inversion.The results are as follows.(1)The gravity and magnetic anomalies in the study area show distinct zoning and segmentation.In detail,the gravity and magnetic anomalies to the south of 11°N of the KPR transition from high-amplitude continuous linear positive anomalies into low-amplitude intermittent linear positive anomalies.In contrast,the gravity and magnetic anomalies to the north of 11°N of the KPR are discontinuous and show alternating positive and negative anomalies.These anomalies can be divided into four sections,of which the separation points correspond well to the locations of deep faults,thus,revealing different field-source attributes and tectonic genesis of the KPR.(2)The Moho depth in the basins in the study area is 6-12 km.The Moho depth in the southern part of KPR show segmentation.Specifically,the depth is 10‒12 km to the north of 11°N,12‒14 km from 9.5°N to 11°N,14-16 km from 8.5°N to 9.5°N,and 16‒25 km in the Palau Islands.(3)The KPR is a remnant intra-oceanic arc with the oceanic-crust basement.which shows noticeably discontinuous from north to south in geological structure and is intersected by NEE-trending lithospheric-scale deep faults.With large and deep faults F3 and F1(the Mindanao fault)as boundaries overall,the southern part of the KPR can be divided into three zones.In detail,the portion to the south of 8.5°N(F3)is a tectonically active zone,the KPR portion between 8.5°N and 11°N is a tectonically active transition zone,and the portion to the north of 11°N is a tectonically inactive zone.(4)The oceanic crust in the KPR is slightly thicker than that in the basins on both sides of the ridge,and it is inferred that the KPR formed from the thickening of the oceanic crust induced by the upwelling of deep magma in the process of rifting of remnant arcs during the Middle Oligocene.In addition,it is inferred that the thick oceanic crust under the Palau Islands is related to the constant upwelling of deep magma induced by the continuous northwestward subduction of the Caroline Plate toward the Palau Trench since the Late Oligocene.This study provides a scientific basis for systematically understanding the crustal attributes,deep structures,and evolution of the KPR.

Structural features in the mid-southern section of the Kyushu–Palau Ridge based on satellite altimetry gravity anomaly

The Kyushu–Palau Ridge(KPR),an anti-S-shaped submarine highland at the center of the Philippine Sea Plate(PSP),is considered the residual arc of the Izu–Bonin–Mariana Island Arc,which retains key information about the cessation of the Western Philippine Basin(WPB)expansion and the Parece Vela Basin(PVB)breakup.Herein,using the new generation of satellite altimetry gravity data,high-precision seafloor topography data,and newly acquired ship-borne gravity data,the topographic and gravity characteristics of the KPR mid-southern section and adjacent region are depicted.The distribution characteristics of the faults were delineated using the normalized vertical derivative–total horizontal derivative method(NVDR-THDR)and the minimum curvature potential field separation method.The Moho depth and crustal thickness were inverted using the rapid inversion method for a double-interface model with depth constraints.Based on these results,the crust structure features in the KPR mid-southern section,and the“triangular”structure geological significance where the KPR and Central Basin Rift(CBR)of the WPB intersect are interpreted.The KPR crustal thickness is approximately 6–16 km,with a distinct discontinuity that is slightly thicker than the normal oceanic crust.The KPR mid-southern section crust structure was divided into four segments(S1–S4)from north to south,formed by the CBR eastward extension joint action and clockwise rotation of the PVB expansion axis and the Mindanao fault zone blocking effect.

九州-帕劳海脊南段及邻近海域典型海山形态特征及地质意义

对海山形态特征的定量分析与讨论,有助于理解海山的形成与演化,从而进一步了解与海山地貌形态有关的动力作用。基于九州-帕劳海脊南段及邻近海域的高分辨率海底地形和浅地层剖面资料,利用统计学、频谱分析及层序地层学等方法,查明了研究区40座海山的形态特征,并对海山的演化过程进行了分析推测,同时指出了海山对底流沉积动力的影响。结果表明,研究区海山平均高度为1374 m,平均体积为100 km3,宽高比为0.21±0.09,平坦度为0.16±0.18;在中央海盆裂谷北侧和九州-帕劳海脊南段海山高度与底面半径具有较好的线性关系,而在中央海盆裂谷南侧相关性较差;中央海盆裂谷南侧海山的宽高比明显大于北侧,可能是由复杂的应力背景和构造机制等因素所导致。总结火山演化的4种生长模型,分析认为研究区海山的形态演化与山顶高度和基底直径成比例增加的火山生长模型基本类似,可能是由于火山间断喷发导致海山顶部与侧翼同时成比例发育。

九州-帕劳海脊南段及邻近海域表层沉积物元素地球化学特征及其地质意义

菲律宾海地理位置特殊,蕴含着丰富的前沿地球科学问题,是研究地球多圈层相互作用的天然实验室。近年来,菲律宾海中部九州-帕劳海脊南段已成为研究热点,但对其表层沉积物物质来源和沉积环境了解尚存在不足。本文通过对采集于九州-帕劳海脊南段水深为3 900~6 100 m的69个站位样品开展沉积地球化学研究,旨在判别沉积物的物质来源和沉积环境空间变化特征。结果表明:研究区底质类型为远洋黏土和硅质软泥,不同类型沉积物的碎屑组分化学风化程度均较低,受分选和再循环的影响较小,是亚洲风尘物质和岛弧火山物质的混合产物,且以亚洲风尘物质为主;研究区不同类型站位的沉积环境基本一致,整体处于氧化沉积环境,底层水体氧化还原条件不是研究区沉积物中过渡金属(如Mo)元素富集的控制因素,铁锰(氢)氧化物是连接水体-沉积物中过渡金属元素源-汇过程的重要纽带。此外,底部氧化还原条件可能不是该海域硅藻席沉积保存的必要条件。

九州-帕劳海脊南段铁锰结壳物质组成特征及成因机制

铁锰结壳(又称富钴结壳、多金属结壳)富含Co、Cu、Mn、Ni、Ti、V、REE、Y和Zn等人类日常生活和高新技术产业亟需的关键金属,是一种重要的战略性矿产资源。本文对九州-帕劳海脊南段水深1 900~2 600 m处获得的9个站位铁锰结壳样品进行了矿物学和地球化学研究,分析了铁锰结壳的矿物组成、主微量元素和稀土元素含量,并进一步探讨了铁锰结壳的成因类型。结果表明,研究区铁锰结壳的矿物组成以水羟锰矿为主,同时含有大量非晶态铁氧/氢氧化物;Mn、Fe、Co、Ni、Cu平均含量分别为16.15%、15.38%、0.32%、0.33%、0.10%;CaO/P_(2)O_(5)均值为5.93,表明九州-帕劳海脊南段铁锰结壳样品均未发生磷酸盐化作用;铁锰结壳明显富集稀土元素(含Y,REYs),平均含量为1 194μg/g,轻稀土显著富集,稀土元素经后太古代澳大利亚页岩(PAAS)标准化后配分模式整体相对平坦,呈现Ce正异常而Eu无异常,与海水呈现镜像关系,说明铁锰结壳稀土元素主要来源于海水。铁锰结壳的矿物组成和元素判别图均表明九州-帕劳海脊南段铁锰结壳属于水成型,未受明显的成岩作用影响。

九州-帕劳海脊13°20′N海山铁锰结壳生长过程中Si、Al、Ca的含量变化及对碎屑物质供给的指示

作为深海铁锰结壳的重要组成部分,碎屑物质类型多样,不仅影响关键金属富集成矿,而且还可以指示结壳形成过程中的古海洋环境和重大地质历史事件。本文对九州-帕劳海脊13°20′N海山铁锰结壳样品进行了扫描电镜和激光剥蚀微区分析,并结合前期研究工作,发现大颗粒的碎屑物质主要由亚洲大陆风尘来源的石英、长石或两者的聚集体,以及主要分布在结壳外层的有孔虫壳体所组成,而细颗粒的碎屑物质包括陆源风尘沉降和周边岛弧物质风化搬运共同带入的黏土矿物,以及各种形态的生物体及其残片。结壳形成的早期其碎屑物质的供给量处于高峰阶段,晚期则降低到谷底,该趋势与Si、Al在结壳各层位中的含量分布特征一致,且可能有相当数量的细颗粒生物硅进入了铁锰氧化物纹层。结壳内早期被动增生的钙质生物体在中后期会遭受破碎和溶解,但其中的Ca并没有完全从结壳内迁移出去,而是大量被铁锰氧化物所吸附。结壳中的Ca主要赋存在细颗粒碎屑物质中,使得Ca在各层位全样样品和铁锰氧化物微区纹层中的含量极为相近,这与Si、Al的特征完全不同。研究区结壳样品属于典型开阔大洋海山型结壳,但因为受亚洲大陆风尘物质和硅藻供给的影响,其内部关键金属的富集在一定程度上受到了制约。

九州-帕劳脊南段基底玄武岩的单斜辉石矿物化学及成因意义

九州-帕劳脊是古伊豆-小笠原-马里亚纳弧的重要组成,对其上基底岩石开展矿物学和岩石学研究可为理解洋内岛弧演化早期的岩石成因和岩浆活动特点提供重要线索。本文对九州-帕劳脊南段基底玄武岩中的单斜辉石斑晶和微晶开展详细的岩相学和原位主微量元素分析,结果表明,单斜辉石斑晶与微晶整体上具有相似的化学组分,为普通辉石及透辉石等种属,且亏损轻稀土元素,Eu负异常不明显。多数单斜辉石斑晶具有环带结构,可划分为简单环带及韵律性环带两类;从辉石核部到边部,MgO、FeO、Al_(2)O_(3)、TiO_(2)含量与核部镁指数Mg#等呈现复杂的高低变化,指示了多期次的岩浆混合与补给事件。单斜辉石的结晶温度、压力分别为1151~1210℃和1.3×10^(8)~4.2×10^(8)Pa。通过单斜辉石组分反演获得的母岩浆含水量为0.8%~2.3%(以湿质量计)。最后,我们提出,形成于典型的洋内岛弧背景下的九州-帕劳脊南段熔岩的母岩浆为亚碱性岛弧拉斑玄武质熔体,具有高温、中压、高氧逸度的特征,岩浆房深度较浅并存在多期次原始岩浆的补给和混合。

西菲律宾海盆的构造沉积特征及对海盆演化的指示--来自地球物理大断面的证据

菲律宾海发育了全球最典型的沟弧盆体系,新老俯冲系统众多,是研究大洋板块扩张过程的理想场所。本文主要利用2015年中科院海洋所在西菲律宾海采集的1400km地球物理大断面,并结合最新的重力数据,对比、分析了西菲律宾海内部古扩张中心(中央海盆裂谷)和残留弧(九州-帕劳海脊)的沉积地貌和地壳结构特征。研究表明:(1)中央海盆裂谷内部发育远洋沉积为主的沉积物,沉积层序分布不均,局部盆地内沉积物厚度可达300m。九州-帕劳海脊附近发育与火山碎屑物源有关的厚层沉积物;(2)以129°30′E处的转换断层为界,裂谷东西部洋壳结构分别体现"慢速"和"快速"扩张特征,东部洋壳岩浆供应较少,厚度较小,断裂较为发育,其附近可能发生水岩作用;西部洋壳岩浆供应较多,厚度较大,结构相对均一;盆地西部的小规模地幔柱可能控制了裂谷东西部不同洋壳结构的发育;(3)九州-帕劳海脊内的角度不整合面代表岛弧裂解事件,张裂与挤压构造共同发育反映了裂解过程的复杂性。

九州帕劳海脊地壳结构及其形成演化的研究综述

九州-帕劳海脊(KPR)位于菲律宾海中央,近南北走向。形成于太平洋板块向西的俯冲,裂离于帕里西维拉海盆和四国盆地的弧后扩张,是老的伊豆-小笠原-马里亚纳岛弧(IBM)的残留弧。裂离期间同时受到垂向旋转应力和水平挤压力的共同作用,这是形成九州-帕劳海脊现今狭长的几何形态的主要原因之一。九州-帕劳海脊南北部地壳结构可总结为P波波速为7.1～7.3km/s下地壳;P波波速为6.1～6.3km/s的中地壳;P波波速为4.5～5.5km/s上地壳。九州-帕劳海脊北段,30°N以北区和25°N以南区的地壳厚度普遍在10～15km,25°～30°N之间的地壳厚度普遍大于15km。九州-帕劳海脊的中段的地壳厚度变化较大,而且未识别出中地壳的存在,为不成熟的岛弧地壳。海脊南段与北段相似,具三层的地壳结构,但地壳厚度小于北侧,基本上大于10km。整个九州-帕劳海脊处的地壳厚度普遍厚于两侧海盆的地壳厚度。

Structural characteristics of the KPR-CBR triple-junction inferred from gravity and magnetic interpretations,Philippine Sea Plate

The intersection of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge(KPR)and the Central Basin Rift(CBR)of the West Philippine Basin(WPB)is a relic of a trench-trench-rift(TTR)type triple-junction,which preserves some pivotal information on the cessation of the seafloor spreading of the WPB,the emplacement and disintegration of the proto-Izu-Bonin-Mariana(IBM)Arc,and the transition from initial rifting to steady-state spreading of the Parece Vela Basin(PVB).However,the structural characteristics of this triple-junction have not been thoroughly understood.In this paper,using the newly acquired multi-beam bathymetric,gravity,and magnetic data obtained by the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology,China Geological Survey,the authors depict the topographic,gravity,and magnetic characteristics of the triple-junction and adjacent region.Calculations including the upward continuations and total horizontal derivatives of gravity anomaly are also performed to highlight the major structural features and discontinuities.Based on these works,the morphological and structural features and their formation mechanisms are analyzed.The results show that the last episode amagmatic extension along the CBR led to the formation of a deep rift valley,which extends eastward and incised the KPR.The morphological and structural fabrics of the KPR near and to the south of the triple-junction are consistent with those of the western PVB,manifesting as a series of NNE-SSW-and N-S-trending ridges and troughs,which were produced by the extensional faults associated with the initial rifting of the PVB.The superposition of the above two reasons induced the prominent discontinuity of the KPR in deep and shallow crustal structures between 15°N‒15°30′N and 13°30′N‒14°N.Combined with previous authors’results,we propose that the stress produced by the early spreading of the PVB transmitted westward and promoted the final stage amagmatic extension of the CBR.The eastward propagation of the CBR destroyed the KPR,of which the magmatism had decayed or ceased at that time.The destruction mechanism of the KPR associated with the rifting of the PVB varies along strike the KPR.Adjacent to the triple-junction,the KPR was destroyed mainly due to the oblique intersection of the PVB rifting center.Whereas south of the triple-junction,the KPR was destroyed by the E-W-directional extensional faulting on its whole width.

Benthodytes palauta,a new species of deep-sea holothuroid(Elasipodida:Psychropotidae)from the western Pacific Ocean

A new species of Psychropotidae holothuroid,Benthodytes palauta sp.nov.,was collected from the Kyushu-Palau Ridge at a depth of 2666 m.This new species is characterized by a leathery body wall,red-violet skin,five pairs of dorsal papillae,nineteen pairs of tube feet,and a narrow brim.The internal organs include one Polian vesicle,two tufts of gonads,and no respiratory trees.Ventral ossicles are large and spinous,with crosses of four arms with central bipartite apophyses.Papillae ossicles are crosses with four arms with bipartite apophyses.The dorsal ossicles were few and large,and cross-shaped with four arms and central bipartite apophyses.Tentacle ossicles were large and rod-shaped or slender rods.Gonad ossicles were primary crosses of four arms and brim ossicles were cross-shaped with spines.The phylogenetic analyses of this species support that B.palauta sp.nov.belongs to Benthodytes.Furthermore,the paraphyletic relationships were confirmed;however,a revision of the genus Benthodytes is needed to resolve its phylogenetic relationship.

Identification and evolution of tectonic units in the Philippine Sea Plate

The Philippine Sea Plate is located at the convergence zone of the Eurasian Plate,the Pacific Plate,and the Indo-Australian Plate.This paper divides the Philippine Sea Plate into two second-order tectonic units and eight third-order tectonic units by summarizing the marine geological,geophysical,and submarine geomorphological data of the Philippine Sea Plate collected for years and referring to the seafloor spreading theory and the trench-arc-basin system.The two second-order tectonic units are the West Philippine Sea block and the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc-basin system.The former includes the West Philippine Basin,the Huatung Basin,the Daito Basin,and the Palau Basin,while the latter consists of the Kyushu-Palau Ridge,the Shikoku-Parece Vela Basin,the Izu-Bonin Arc,and the Mariana Arc.Furthermore,this study concludes that the Philippine Sea Plate has undergone three stages of tectonic evolution,namely the early stage of the evolution of marginal basins with Cretaceous basement(Early Cretaceous),the middle stage of the spreading of the West Philippine Basin(Eocene),and the late stage of the subduction of the Izu-Bonin-Mariana arc-basin system(Oligocene-present).The Kyushu-Palau Ridge is a window to discover the tectonic evolution of the Philippine Sea Plate due to its unique geographical location.

九州-帕劳海脊南段共生多金属结核与富钴结壳地球化学特征及其资源意义

深海多金属结核与富钴结壳富含Mn、Co、Ni、Cu及稀土等元素,极具资源潜力,因而广受关注。选择采集自九州-帕劳海脊南段水深约3000 m的6个多金属结核和2个富钴结壳样品进行地球化学特征研究。结果显示本区样品Mn/Fe比值为0.88~1.07,Co及稀土元素含量高,与库克群岛多金属结核元素特征相似,表现出典型的水成成因特征。与其他地区水成结核、结壳相比,样品具有较高的Ca含量,可能和其所在位置海脊部位水深较浅、位于碳酸盐补偿深度(CCD)以上有关。样品表现出Y负异常、Nd含量高等水成结核的特点,但微弱的Ce正异常特征与其他地区水成多金属结核/壳的强烈Ce正异常特征不同,这表明其生长于弱氧化环境。本区结核分布在CCD以上,最小溶氧层(OMZ)以下,是一种水成成因、贫氧生长的新型多金属结核,其物质来源、成矿模式将为揭示多金属结核的形成分布规律提供一条全新的认识途径。同时研究区结核、结壳Co及稀土元素含量较高,且分布位置较浅,易于开采,具有一定的资源潜力。

九州-帕劳海脊中段及两侧盆地构造沉积特征及俯冲起始:多道反射地震综合研究

九州-帕劳海脊及两侧的盆地是研究边缘海形成演化和板块俯冲起始机制的理想区域。利用最新采集的深反射地震数据并结合钻孔数据,研究了九州-帕劳海脊及其东西两侧盆地的构造沉积特征及地壳结构,探讨了西菲律宾海的起源及沿古伊豆-博宁-马里亚纳弧的俯冲起始机制。地震剖面和钻孔岩心揭示西菲律宾海盆发育上、下两套不同来源的沉积物盖层,其中下部地层厚度差别大,多为火山物质,来源于九州-帕劳海脊的岛弧火山作用,表现为向海脊方向的持续增厚,靠近海脊的山脚下发育火山碎屑岩裙;上部地层厚度较为稳定,为一套大洋的深水细粒沉积物。西菲律宾海盆和帕里西维拉海盆的地壳厚度约为6~8 km,接近全球平均洋壳厚度;西菲律宾海盆的莫霍面呈宽缓的褶皱状,与沉积物之下的洋壳基底基本同步起伏。西菲律宾海盆在中生代可能位于南半球澳大利亚的北缘,是在陆缘弧(包含部分大陆碎片)的基础上,因古近纪弧间伸展和海底扩张而逐步发展起来的。西菲律宾海盆的地震剖面和钻井均揭示了始新世时期的构造挤压事件,沿古伊豆-博宁-马里亚纳弧的俯冲起始可能是印亚碰撞的远场效应引起的诱导俯冲,俯冲过程伴随着侧向传播和持续的挤压应力场,直到约30 Ma开始岛弧裂离。该研究对揭示东南亚板块构造演化过程和板块俯冲起始机制具有一定的理论意义。