New Evidence for Hydrothermal Sedimentary Genesis of the Ni-Mo Deposits in Black Rock Series of the Basal Cambrian, Guizhou Province: Discovery of Coarse-Grained Limestones and its Geochemical Characteristics

The molybdenum-nickel deposits in Shuidong District of Nayong County （Guizhou Province, Southwest China） are found mainly in black shale series of Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation, which is another Mo-Ni-rich region besides Zunyi District （Guizhou province）. Our systematic study on the Mo-Ni deposits in Tangjiaba of Nayong reveals that layered coarse-grained limestones, spherical beaded limestones concretions are hosted at the lower seam of the Mo-Ni deposits. Its strong negative carbon isotope anomaly （the carbon isotope value of the coarse-grained limestones varies from -2.148‰ to 8.223‰） is similar to that in the modern submarine black smoker chimney. The carbon in the coarse-grained limestones from black rock series of Nayong County might be deep source inorganic carbon. The seams, coarse-grained limestones, ore-bearing coarse-grained limestones and the roof and floor of the deposits are characterized by co-variation on the trace element spider diagram, showing good homology. The extraordinary enrichment of Ag, As and Sb resembles hydrothermal sedimentation. Pro-Earth＇s core elements Se is strongly enriched in Ni-Mo ore-bearing coarse-grained limestones. The ore-bearing rock series has an extremely low Th/U value （0.012-0.19）; in the logU-logTh Cartesian Coordinates, the samples of the roof and floor of the deposits and ore-bearing coarse-grained limestones are found in the East Pacific tise; and the samples of coarse-grained limestones are found between the paleo-hydrothermal dedimentary area and the East Pacific tise. The chondrite-normalized rare earth element patterns of the Ni-Mo deposits show LREE enrichment, Ce negative anomaly, and Eu negative anomaly （which is supposed to be influenced by the deep magmatic processes in an extensional environment） resembles the rare earth element distribution patterns of the fluid and its sediments in modern submarine hydrothermal system. It proves that coarse-grained limestones is characterized by typical hydrothermal limestones, being closely related with the genesis of Mo-Ni deposits in Nayong County, which provides new evidence for hydrothermal sedimentary genesis of Mo-Ni deposit and negative carbon anomaly in the basal Cambrian on a global scale.

A Potential Candidate For the Middle-Upper Cambrian Boundary Stratotype——An Introduction to the Paibi Section in Huayuan,Hunan

The Middle-Upper Cambrian boundary is one of the current stratigraphical problems which remain openin the geological world, since there have been no universally acknowledged delimiting standard and stratotype.Acting on the instruction of Profs. Lu Yanhao and An Taixiang the author studied in details the Paibi Section,which is well exposed as a continuous sequence at an easily accessible locality. The Middle-Upper Cambrianboundary strata are composed of biocalcimicrosparite, indicating the sedimentary environment of anunderwater upheaval on the gentle slope along the frontal margin of the Yangtze carbonate platform. For the upper Middle and lower Upper Cambrian agnostid trilobite zones and conodont zones are erected,and a more accurate correlation between the trilobite and conodont sequences is established. Based on these,the Middle-Upper Cambrian boundary is drawn more reasonably and precisely than what was done before. Inshort, the section studied is superior to other known sections of Middle-Upper Cambrian. and it will probablybe an ideal candidate for the Middle-Upper Cambrian boundary stratotype.

Silicalites of Hydrothermal Origin in the Lower Cambrian Black Rock Series of South China

A silicalite bed was found in the hanging wall and foot wall of the sulfide-rich bed ofthe Lower Cambrian black rock series in South China. Its origin was not described before. Onthe oxide （SiO2-Al2O3, SiO-2-MgO, SiO2-K2O+ Na2O） diagrams for discriminating silicalitesof chemical, biological and volcanic origins （Liu Xiufeng, 1991）, most of the data points of silicalites fall within the areas representing silicaIites of chemical and volcanic origins. On the AlFe-Mn diagram for discriminating silicalites of hydrothermal and biological origins （Yamamoto,1987）, the data points fall within the areas representing silicalites of hydrothermal and hydrothermal-biological origins. On the SiO2-Al2O3 diagram for discriminating silicalites of hydrothermal and hydrogenous origins （Bonatti, 1975 ）, the data points mostly fall within thehydrothermal area. The ratios of SiO2Al2O3, SiO2/（K2O+Na2O）, SiO2/MgO, and K2O/Na2O in the silicalites stand between those of volcanic sediments and of sea floor hydrothermalsediments. The total amount of rareuearth elements in the silicalites is low; the North American Shale-normalized REE patterns decline leftward with obvious negative Ce anomaly. Thetrace elements Mo, Zn, As, Sb, Se, U, and Ba are higher than those in non-hydrothermalsediments and U/Th≥1. The present authors think that the silicalites are derived fromseafloor hot brines which had attracted elements from igneous rocks.

Biota and Organic Matter in the Late Sinian and EarlyCambrian Black Rock Series of West Hunan andIts Significance for Metallization

Abstract: A great amount of black rock series has been found in the Upper Sinian Members 2 and 4 of the Jinjiadong Formation, middle-upper Liuchapo Formation and the Lower Cambrian Xiaoyanxi Formation in West Hunan, which is associated with periodic sea-level changes. By the studies of relationships between the distribution and development of the biota and the abundance of Au, Ag, U, V, Ni, Mo and Cu in the Upper Sinian and Early Cambrian black rock series in Cili, Dayong, Yuanling, Xupu and Qianyang of West Hunan, central China, it has been revealed that the enrichment of Ag, V, and Mo is related with the development of multi-cell plants and vendotaenides, and that of Cu and Ni is related to flourishing of bacteria and shelly fossils. The black rock series in the study area contains abundant organic matter, among which the siliceous shale contains the highest TOC, amounting to 4.51–13.4%. All the values of the equivalent vitrinite reflectance (medium values) determinated with the IR-spectroscopic method in the area are over 2.65%, indicating that the organic evolution was at an overmature stage. Due to the effect of enhancement of organic maturation by hydrothermal fluids, the Upper Sinian and Lower Cambrian had a reverse organic maturity profile in most areas of West Hunan. The enrichment of Ag, V, Ni, Mo and U is a result of organic absorption, and that of Au might be attributed to the migration by hydrothermal fluids.

Nitrogen isotope stratigraphy of the Early Cambrian successions in the Tarim Basin:Spatial variability of nitrogen cycling and its implication for paleo-oceanic redox conditions

The Early Cambrian represents a critical time period characterized by extraordinary biological innovations and dynamic redox conditions in seawaters.Nitrogen isotopic signatures of ancient sediments have the potential to elucidate the evolutionary path of marine redox states and the biogeochemical nitrogen cycle within the water column of the Early Cambrian ocean.While existing research on this topic has predominantly focused on South China,the exploration of other continental margins has been limited,leaving contradictory hypotheses untested.In this study,pairedδ^(15)N andδ^(13)C org analyses were performed on the Lower Cambrian successions from the Shiairike section(inner ramp)and Well Tadong 2(deep shelf/basin)in the northwestern and eastern Tarim Basin,respectively.Our data from the Shiairike section reveal a discernible shift in the operation of different nitrogen cycles for the black chert-shale unit,also referred to as the black rock series in Chinese literature,of the Yurtus Formation(Fortunian stage to lower Stage 3).Oscillatingδ^(15)N values for its lower part are suggestive of alternating anaerobic assimilation of NH 4+and denitrification/anammox.This is likely attributed to a shallow,unstable chemocline consistent with the upwelling and incursion of deep,anoxic waters during a major transgression.In contrast,aerobic nitrogen cycling,indicated by positiveδ^(15)N values of>2‰,dominated the upper part alongside a reduction in upwelling intensity.On the other hand,theδ^(15)N signatures of Xishanbulake and Xidashan Formations of Well Tadong 2,which encompass a time interval from the Cambrian Fortunian Age to Age 4,are indicative of N_(2)fixation by diazotrophs as the major nitrogen source.The two studied intervals,although not time-equivalent,exhibit separated states of nitrogen cycling at least during the deposition of the Yurtus black rock series.The spatially different nitrogen cycling of the studied sections is compatible with a redox-stratified ocean during the deposition of the Yurtus black rock series.The build-up of a NO_(3)−reservoir and aerobic nitrogen cycling in seawater was largely restricted to near-shore settings whereas anaerobic nitrogen cycling dominated by N_(2)fixation served as the main nitrogen uptake pathway in off-shore settings.

Distribution of Chancelloriids in a Middle Cambrian Carbonate Platform Deposit, Taebaek Group, Korea

The onset of the Cambrian witnessed the diversification of ＂small shelly fossils （SSF）＂, which affected carbonate depositional system. One of the problematic SSF, chancelloriids, are common components of the early to middle Cambrian carbonate and shale, and their contributions toward Cambrian carbonates are not yet fully understood. This study assesses distribution patterns of chancelloriid sclerites in the Cambrian Series 3 Daegi Formation based on microfacies analysis and discusses their sedimentologic implications. In the lower part of the formation, partially articulated chancelloriid sclerites occur mainly in bioclastic packstone and grainstone facies, with isolated sclerite rays in nodular packstone to grainstone facies. In the middle part of the formation, chancelloriid fragments occur only sporadically in bioclastic wackestone to packstone, bioclastic grainstone and oolitic packstone to grainstone facies, whereas boundstone facies are nearly devoid of their fragments. There are no chancelloriid fragments in the upper part of the formation, which consists of oolitic packstone to grainstone facies. Chancelloriids are interpreted to have primarily occupied platform margin shoal environments, shedding their sclerites to surrounding areas, and thus contributed as sediment producers. The distribution of Daegi chancelloriid sclerites is similar to other Cambrian examples, with the exception of common chancelloriids in Cambrian Series 2 reefs and their apparent near absence in the Daegi and other Cambrian Series 3 reefs. This disparity resulted from changes in the ecologic niche of chancelloriids after the end-Cambrian Series 2 reef crisis, coupled with an overall decline of chancelloriids in the middle Cambrian.

Early Cambrian Ichnofossils from the Mussoorie Syncline and revision of Trace Fossil Biozonation of the Lesser Himalaya, India

A new locality bearing ichnofossils of the Cruziana Assemblage Zone-Ⅲ from the Mussoorie syncline,Lesser Himalaya,is located in rocks of Member-B of the Dhaulagiri Formation,Tal Group,exposed along the Maldewta-Chhimoli fresh road cut section.The site yielded ichnofossils Bergaueria perata,Cochlichnus anguineus,？Diplocraterion isp.,Dimorphichnus obliquus,diplichnitiform Cruziana bonariensis,Diplichnites gouldi,Glockeria isp.,Helminthopsis isp.,Monomorphichnus lineatus,Phycodes palmatum,Palaeophycus striatus,Planolites beverleyensis,Planolites montanus,Treptichnus cf.T.pedum,scratch marks and an undetermined worm impression.An Early Cambrian age （Cambrian Series 2） is assigned to the ichnofossil-bearing strata based on the stratigraphic position between the Drepanuroides and Palaeoolenus trilobite zones.A revised Cambrian ichnofossil zonation is presented for the Tal Group of the Mussoorie syncline.Together with their occurrence on rippled surfaces,and the lateral displacement of some trackways （due to current action）,a sub-aqueous shallow-marine depositional setting is proposed for the rocks of Member-B.

Cambrian Reefs in the Western North China Platform,Wuhai,Inner Mongolia

Mid to late Cambrian thrombolites and maze-like maceriate reefs from the western North China Platform, Wuhai, Inner Mongolia, northwestern China, occur in the middle of a succession dominated by thin-bedded lime mudstone-shale/marlstone alternations, and are laterally surrounded by limestone conglomerate and/or grainstone. Thrombolite, characterized by meter-scale lenticular mounds composed of millimeter- to centimeter-scale mesoclots and wackestone matrix, occurs in the lower middle part of the sequence. Thrombolite mesoclots are composed of microstromatolites with alternating dark gray and light gray micritic laminae. The maze-like maceriate reefs occur in the middle to the upper part of the sequence, commonly forming lenticular mounds up to 1 m thick. They are characterized by centimeter- to decimeter-scale branched maze-like structures, whose biogenic portions （maceria） are selectively dolomitized. The maceriae are composed of poorly preserved microstromatolites and siliceous sponges. Inter-macerial sediments consist of lime mud and scattered bioclasts. These Wuhai reefs are generally similar to but older than various other Cambrian reefs previously reported from the Shandong region, northeastern China.

川中北部地区寒武系第二统沧浪铺组一段孔隙特征、成因及演化模式

【目的】近年来,随着川中北部地区寒武系第二统沧浪铺组的不断勘探突破,沧浪铺组呈现出巨大的勘探潜力,而目前孔隙研究的薄弱制约了对储层发育特征的深入认识。【方法】基于岩心、铸体薄片和阴极发光等的观察与鉴定,运用图像识别软件获取岩石组分含量、孔隙参数等定量数据,对川中北部地区寒武系第二统沧浪铺组一段的孔隙特征、成因、不同岩性的孔隙演化模式开展研究。【结果】沧浪铺组一段的孔隙类型主要为粒内溶孔,与总面孔率的正相关性最好,其次是粒间溶孔。较高的鲕粒/陆源砂的含量比例是孔隙发育的重要物质基础,溶解作用是孔隙发育的最有利因素,而高能的陆棚鲕粒滩沉积是原生孔隙发育的关键。因为准同生期大气水的选择性溶解作用是形成沧一段主要鲕粒粒内溶孔的最有利的成岩作用,而准同生期—埋藏期的白云石化作用则增强岩石的抗压性、使固相体积缩小而增加岩石的面孔率,埋藏期的溶解作用则沿着构造破裂形成的裂缝和早期孔隙进行溶解扩大。陆源砂、胶结作用、压实作用和压溶作用等则不利于沧一段孔隙的发育。【结论】因此,有利的碳酸盐组分及后续的成岩—构造作用影响了孔隙的发育和演化,并形成了孔隙面孔率依次降低的岩性排序特征:亮晶鲕粒云岩、含砂鲕粒云岩、砂质鲕粒云岩、细粒岩屑砂岩、石灰岩类。

激电测深法在南秦岭苏岭沟金矿区的勘查应用

南秦岭夏家店金矿床由夏家店、苏岭沟和刘家峡3个矿区组成,是一处典型的具有重要经济价值的黑色岩系容矿的金矿床。在苏岭沟金矿区利用激电测深(IP)方法,探测了泥盆系地层覆盖地段Ⅰ号构造带和黑色含矿岩系在深部向西延伸及其倾向埋深展布情况。根据激电测深数据获得“低阻-高极化”特征的断面激电异常曲线图并结合地质资料,解译推测了深部含矿目标层及含矿构造空间赋存状况。经钻探验证,金矿化体位置与激电测深推断的极化率异常中心埋深基本吻合。同时,建立了矿区岩(矿)石电性参数的数据库。本次研究为本矿区及矿区外围开展激电测深法探寻同类型、同特征的矿床积累了数据支撑。

Rhenium-osmium isotope constraints on the age and source of the platinum mineralization in the Lower Cambrian black rock series of Hunan-Guizhou provinces, China

The shale at the bottom of the Lower Cambrian black series in South China is rich in nonferrous metals, noble metals, rare and dispersed elements and radioactive elements, known as polyelement-rich bed. In order to date and trace the source of the platinum group elements, 6 samples were collected from the Zhongnan region of Guizhou Province, and the Ganzi- ping-Sancha region of Hunan Province. The contents and isotopes of Re and Os were measured. Re and Os are positively correlated with each other and the correlation coefficient between 187Os/188Os and 187Re/188Os is 0.99856. On the 187Os/188Os-187Re/188Os diagram, 6 sample points are well-distributed along the (542±11) Ma fitting isochron in high coincidence and with 0.84±0.12 as the initial 187Os/188Os value. The result displays that the age value of the major mineralization of Re, Os and other platinum group elements is (542±11) Ma, which is identical with the stratigraphical age of the wall rocks; the polyelement beds in Hunan and Guizhou provinces bear high isochroneity; the differences of the forming times of different materials in the polyelement bed of the same area do not surpass the error limit permissible for Re-Os date fitting; there exists no distinct time interval between the formation of the diagenetic veinlets and that of the polyelement bed, or the Re-Os isotope composition has not been distinctly changed by the former process; basaltic crust might be the major source of Re, Os, other platinum group and trace elements in the Lower Cambrian polyelement bed of Hunan and Guizhou provinces.

Sedimentology of reefal buildups of the Xiannüdong Formation(Cambrian Series 2),SW China

The reefs in the Xiannüdong Formation(Cambrian Series 2) are the oldest archaeocyathan–microbial bioconstructions in China,but the details of their microbial structures have not been previously described.However,a new section at Tangjiahe site,northern Sichuan Province,contains very well-preserved microbial fabrics that provide these details,and is described in this study.The Tangjiahe section contains three levels of reefal buildups that were constructed by a consortium of archaeocyaths and calcimicrobes in varying proportions.The lowest(oldest) reefal buildup is a calcimicrobial biostrome,possibly in the form of a wide mound with a low relief(unconfirmed due to outcrop limitation),which was formed by Epiphyton with rare small archaeocyaths,and is sandwiched by flat-pebble conglomerates.The middle reefal buildup is a high-relief calcimicrobial mound,enclosed by oolites,that was built by intergrown Renalcis and Tarthinia.Archaeocyath fossils are uncommon,and were bound into the framework by microbial carbonates.The uppermost(youngest) reefal buildup is a low-relief archaeocyathan mound lacking calcimicrobes but partly having microbially-clotted textures attached on archaeocyaths.Calcimicrobes built or aided archaeocyaths to form the framework of Tangjiahe reefs.The three buildups formed in low-energy lagoons behind ooid shoals,and the environment was nutrient-rich due to terrigenous influx from adjacent lands.Tangjiahe reefs thus resemble most Early Cambrian reefs,in settings consistent with eutrophic,calm environments,and are characterized by the domination or aid of calcimicrobial components in framework construction.

The Cambrian sedimentary characteristics and their implications for oil and gas exploration in north margin of Middle-Upper Yangtze Plate

Using data from tens of measured and observed outcrop successions,thin rock slices and sample analyses,we comprehensively studied the Cambrian sedimentary environments and evolutionary characteristics in the north margin of the Middle-Upper Yangtze Plate.During the Cambrian,platform,slope,and deep sea basin environments were developed in the study area.On the platform,both clastic rocks and carbonate rocks were deposited.Clastic rocks mainly occur in the Lower Cambrian,and were deposited in marine shore and shelf environments.Carbonate rocks are dominant in the Middle and Upper Cambrian,and were deposited in the open platform,restricted platform,tidal flat,beach,and reef environments.Carbonate gravity flow deposits were developed on the slope.In the basin,mainly black shales and chert beds were deposited.The Cambrian represents one large transgression-regression cycle,and maximum transgression occurred in the Qiongzhusi Age of the Early Cambrian.Tectonics and sea level fluctuations had important impacts on sedimentary environments.The Chengkou-Fangxian-Xiangfan Fracture controlled the position of the platform,slope and basin,as well as the silica supply for chert deposition in basin.Sea level fluctuations controlled types of sediments and sedimentary facies on the platform.In the study area,there are good reservoir rocks,including dolomites,grainstones,debris flow deposits,sandstones,and conglomerates;there are good source rocks,including black shales,dark micrites,and chert beds;and there are also good reservoir-source rock assemblages.The hydrocarbon potential of the study area is great.

Discovery of SPICE and carbon isotope stratigraphic correlation of the Cambrian Furongian Series in Tarim Craton, NW China

The Furongian Series of the Cambrian in the Tarim Craton(NW China)is mainly composed of crystalline dolostones,and is an important target for oil and gas exploration.The chronostratigraphic framework of the Furongian Series in the Tarim Craton has not yet been established due to the scarcity of fossils and the absence of the Steptoean Positive Carbon Isotope Excursion(SPICE),which is the primary global carbon isotope excursion of the Furongian Series.In this study,the SPICE was discovered by examining the carbon isotopes of the representative drilling wells in the West Platform and East Basin.A positive carbon isotope anomaly withδ13C values ranging from 1.5‰to 1.9‰(PDB),were found in the middle of the Xiaqiulitag Formation of the three drilling wells in the West Platform,and a positive excursion withδ13C values up to 4.0‰(PDB),which is correlated with the SPICE,was found in the lower limestone of the Tuershaketag Formation in the East Basin.Based on the carbon isotopic data and chemostratigraphic correlation,the chronostratigraphic framework of the Furongian Series across different facies in the Tarim Craton is preliminarily established.The basal boundary of the Furongian Series was preliminarily defined by the occurrence of the SPICE.Aweak positive anomaly ofδ13C was observed at the base of the Penglaiba Formation of the three boreholes in the West Platform and the top of the Tuershaketag Formation of Tadong-2 well.We propose that the positive anomaly of the carbon isotope above the weak negative anomaly at the base of the Penglaiba Formation and the top of the Tuershaketag Formation can be used to define the Cambrian-Ordovician boundary in the Tarim Craton.

Radiolarian fauna from the Chiungchussuan Shuijingtuo Formation(Cambrian Series 2) in Western Hubei Province, South China

Little is known regarding characteristics and evolution of radiolarian fossils in the early Cambrian due to its rarity and poor preservation. Here we report a new radiolarian fauna from the Cambrian Shuijingtuo Formation corresponding to the Chiungchussuan Stage(Cambrian Series 2) in western Hubei, China. It contains over 300 radiolarian tests and these fossils belong to 4 morphotypes, including Paraantygopora porosa gen.et sp. nov., Braunosphaera sinensis gen.et sp. nov., Tetrasphaera? sp. and incertae spherical radiolarians. In taxonomy, Spumellaria predominates in the fauna and comprises 92% of the total. In shell structure, about 73% of all specimens are similar to the early Ordovician radiolarian fossils, with the shell walls characterized by perforated plate structures. The spherical radiolarians with latticed shells constitute another feature of the early Cambrian radiolarian fauna. The radiolarian fauna reported here contains many fossil specimens and covers different taxonomical taxa. These specimens usually consist of distinctive concentric multi-layers with complex structure. These characteristics indicate that Radiolaria had already thrived during the Cambrian Chiungchussuan Stage(Series 2, Stage 3), which may have occurred synchronously with the explosion and prosperity of macrobiota recorded in the strata deposited in shallower water condition.

Biomarker evidence for biotic and environmental change across the Cambrian Series 2–Series 3 boundary at the Wuliu- Zengjiayan section, Guizhou, China

The Wuliu-Zengjiayan section in Jianhe County, Guizhou Province, China has been suggested as a potential Global Stratotype Section and Point(GSSP) for the defined base of Cambrian Series 3. A molecular organic geochemical study on the Cambrian Series 2Series 3 boundary interval was carried out to reveal the biotic and environmental change during this transition. The hydrocarbons extracted from the Kaili Formation were proved to be indigenous. The various geochemical proxies such as biomarker parameter, δ13Corg, atomic H/C value of kerogen, and TOC content, co-vary along with the sedimentary column, and show a quick and significant change just across the Cambrian Series 2Series 3 boundary. The less abundance of isoprenoid hydrocarbons, the relative enrichment of midchain monomethyl branched alkanes(mmb-alkanes), the relatively negative value of δ13Corg, and the higher TOC contents may suggest that the upper Cambrian Series 2 was deposited in a relatively reducing environment with a higher organic input from cyanobacteria-predominated benthic microbial mats. On the other hand, the relative enrichment of isoprenoid hydrocarbons, the less abundance of mmb-alkanes, the relatively positive value of δ13Corg, the lower TOC contents, and the lower atomic H/C values of kerogen are combined to indicate an enhanced phytoplankton production and an increased oxygen content and nutrients in the ocean during the early Cambrian Series 3, which could have benefited the explosion of the Kaili Biota. The Wuliu-Zengjiayan section may provide a typical case to understand the co-variation of marine microbe, animal, and environment.

The Ocean Redox State Evolution and Its Controls during the Cambrian Series 1–2: Evidence from Lijiatuo Section, South China

Well-exposed Lijiatuo Section was chosen to explore the temporal evolution and controls of the oceanic redox state, primary productivity and seawater sulfate levels during the Cambrian Series 1-2, South China. This section consists of Xiaoyanxi Formation（Fm.） mudstones and Liuchapo Fm. cherts that deposited in the slope and basin environment. Five oxic-anoxic cycles were identified based on V/Sc, Th/U and the enrichment factors of Mo, U, V, Ni and Cu. The Middle-Upper Liuchapo Fm. and the Middle Xiaoyanxi Fm. were deposited under oxic-suboxic conditions, and the rest of the strata were under anoxic conditions. The Re/Mo ratio demonstrated that the oxic-suboxic conditions in the Middle Xiaoyanxi Fm. were accompanied by transient sulfidic conditions, and the rest of the section was underanoxic and non-sulfidic conditions. All the TOC and the enrichment factors of Ba, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd demonstrated that both the sinking and burial flux of organic matter（OM） in Liuchapo Fm. were lower than that in the overlying Xiaoyanxi Fm. The highest sinking and burial flux of OM in the Xiaoyanxi Fm. appeared at its lower parts; however, the lowest sinking and burial flux of OM in the Xiaoyanxi Fm. appeared in its middle parts. TOC/TS, TS and the vertical trend of δ^（34）S_（py） demonstrated that the seawater was dominated by low oceanic sulfate levels, which resulted in the absence of free H_2S. The rise of the atmospheric oxygen content may be the principal driver for the associated, transient suboxic-oxic and nearly sulfidic environment in the middle Xiaoyanxi Fm.

塔里木盆地西北缘寒武系第二统肖尔布拉克组内的颤藻化石

通过岩石切片观察,在新疆塔里木盆地西北缘寒武纪第二世的肖尔布拉克组白云岩中发现大量丝状蓝菌化石,共鉴定出可归入颤藻目的丝状蓝菌类化石3属4种,包括Obruchevella meishucunensis,Oscillatorio-psis longa,Oscillatoriopsis sp.和Siphonophycus typicum,均为肖尔布拉克组内的首次发现。化石保存精美,可以观察到Obruchevella内清晰的三层结构,即钙化的胶质鞘、有机质的管体壁和管内黑色丝状物,对这类化石的内部结构和鉴定特征起到补充作用。此次发现的颤藻化石丰富了肖尔布拉克组的生物多样性,为塔里木盆地的化石研究和生命演化研究提供了新材料。

Giant ooids of microbial origin from the Zhangxia Formation(Cambrian Miaolingian Series)in North China

The role of microorganisms in the formation of giant ooids is one of the areas of long-term controversy in ooidal research,but it has not been confirmed conclusively.Abundant giant ooids developed in the Zhangxia Formation of the Cambrian Miaolingian Series in North China.Giant ooids in the study area were examined by using Polarized Light Microscopy and Field Emission Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy.The nuclei of the ooids consist of micritic pellets or radial ooids with diameters less than 2 mm and are formed in a weak-agitating seawater environment.Their cortices are concentric,and are characterized by the alternations of the dark laminae of micritic calcite or Girvanella filaments and light laminae of microsparry calcite.In the environments of inter-bank sea with the alternating development of medium and low energy and chiefly weak-agitating conditions,giant ooids were formed under the joint action of Girvanella filamentous growth,biologically-induced calcification and/or biologically-influenced calcification and inorganic calcium carbonate precipitation.The microfossils of Girvanella are distributed in inner and outer cortices of giant ooids,especially dense in the latter.This distinctly indicates that microbes play a significant role in the formation of giant ooids,and also provides a vital example for discussing the microbial origin of giant ooids.

黔东震旦系-下寒武统黑色岩系稀土元素地球化学特征

通过对黔东丹寨南皋剖面和三都渣拉沟剖面的稀土元素分析发现:两条剖面的梅树村期与筇竹寺期分界处大量稀土元素明显富集,黑色页岩中存在明显的Ce负异常和Eu、Y正异常,表明为缺氧和热水沉积的产物。这套黑色岩系总体沉积于缺氧和具热水注入的环境中,但发生缺氧和热水注入的时间和强度在不同地方会有不同的表现。