Evolution of Carbon Isotope Composition in Potential Global Stratotype Section and Point at Luoyixi, South China, for the Base of the Unnamed Global Seventh Stage of Cambrian System

This work deals with the evolution of carbon isotope composition in the Luoyixi （罗依溪） Section, a candidate of the Global Standard Stratotype-section and Point （GSSP）, defining the base of the as-yet-undefined seventh stage of Cambrian System at the first appearance of the cosmopolitan agnostoid Lejopyge iaevigata. This level is favored in a vote of International Subcommission on Cambrian Stratigraphy （ISCS） as the biohorizon for defining the base of a global stage. Two hundred and sixty-four samples for carbon and oxygen isotope analysis have been collected from the carbonate successions at an interval of 0.25 to 0.5 m in this section. Results of the carbon isotope data exhibit a remarkable disciplinarian trend. The pattern of the carbon isotope evolution is gently undulant with a relatively long period during the underlying Drumian Stage, and then the values of δ13C fluctuate sharply with a short period in provisional seventh stage. The onset of sharp fluctuation in the δ13C values begins at the proposed GSSP level, defining the base of the global seventh stage, where δ13C values change from a gentle trend to a sharp trend. Distinct covariant-relationships among δ13C,δ18O, and sea level fluctuations suggest that a warming change in paleoclimate took place during the early global seventh stage, which led to a positive shift in δ13C values.

Sedimentary Environment and Mineralization of the Black Shale Polymetallic Layer in the Early Cambrian,SW China:Constraints from in situ LA-ICP-MS Analysis of Pyrite

A polymetallic layer is usually developed at the bottom of the early Cambrian black shale in Guizhou Province.The mineral that makes up the polymetallic layer is related to the sedimentary facies.To analyze the differentiation mechanism between polymetallic deposits(Ni-Mo and V),the Zhijin Gezhongwu profile located in the outer shelf and the Sansui Haishan V deposit located in the lower slope are selected to study the in situ sulfur isotopes and trace elements of pyrite.The results show that δ^(34)S values of pyrite vary widely from−7.8‰to 28‰in the Gezhongwu profile,while the δ^(34)S values are relatively uniform(from 27.8‰to 38.4‰)in the Haishan profile.The isotopic S composition is consistent with the transition that occurs in the sedimentary phase from the shelf to the deep sea on the transgressive Yangtze platform;this indicates that the δ^(34)SO_(4)^(2−)values in seawater must be differently distributed in depositional environments.The sulfur in the Ni-Mo layer is produced after the mixing of seawater and hydrothermal fluid,while the V layer mainly originates from seawater.Overall,the Ni-Mo and V deposits have been differentiated primarily on the basis of the combined effect of continental weathering and hydrothermal fluid.

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.

Hydrocarbon Generation Potential and Organic Matter Enrichment Mechanism of the Cambrian Marine Shale in the Tadong Low Uplift,Tarim Basin

Cambrian shales in China and elsewhere contain abundant oil and gas resources.However,due to its deep burial and limited outcrop,there has been relatively little research conducted on it.The Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift in the Tarim Basin of western China,specifically the Xidashan-Xishanbulake Formation(Fm.)and overlying Moheershan Fm.provide a case study through the use of organic petrology,mineralogy,organic and elemental geochemistry,with the aim of analyzing and exploring the hydrocarbon generation potential(PG)and organic matter(OM)enrichment mechanisms within these shale formations.The results indicate that:(1)the Cambrian shale of the Tadong low uplift exhibits relatively dispersed OM that consists of vitrinite-like macerals and solid bitumen.These formations have a higher content of quartz and are primarily composed of silica-based lithology;(2)shale samples from the Xidashan-Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations demonstrate high total organic carbon(TOC)and low pyrolytic hydrocarbon content(S_(2))content.The OM is predominantly typeⅠand typeⅡkerogens,indicating a high level of maturation in the wet gas period.These shales have undergone extensive hydrocarbon generation,showing characteristics of relatively poor PG;(3)the sedimentary environments of the Xidashan-Xishanbulake and Moheershan formations in the Tadong low uplift are similar.They were deposited in warm and humid climatic conditions,in oxygen-deficient environments,with stable terrigenous inputs,high paleoproductivity,high paleosalinity,weak water-holding capacity,and no significant hydrothermal activity;and(4)the relationship between TOC and the paleoproductivity parameter(P/Ti)is most significant in the Lower Cambrian Xidashan-Xishanbulake Fm.,whereas correlation with other indicators is not evident.This suggests a productivity-driven OM enrichment model,where input of landderived material was relatively small during the Middle Cambrian,and the ancient water exhibited lower salinity.A comprehensive pattern was formed under the combined control of paleoproductivity and preservation conditions.This study provides valuable guidance for oil and gas exploration in the Tarim Basin.

Main controlling factor and mechanism of gas-in-place content of the Lower Cambrian shale from different sedimentary facies in the western Hubei area, South China

The Lower Cambrian shale gas in the western Hubei area,South China has a great resource prospect,but the gas-in-place(GIP)content in different sedimentary facies varies widely,and the relevant mechanism has been not well understood.In the present study,two sets of the Lower Cambrian shale samples from the Wells YD4 and YD5 in the western Hubei area,representing the deep-water shelf facies and shallowwater platform facies,respectively,were investigated on the differences of pore types,pore structure and methane adsorption capacity between them,and the main controlling factor and mechanism of their methane adsorption capacities and GIP contents were discussed.The results show that the organic matter(OM)pores in the YD4 shale samples are dominant,while the inorganic mineral(IM)pores in the YD5 shale samples are primary,with underdeveloped OM pores.The pore specific surface area(SSA)and pore volume(PV)of the YD4 shale samples are mainly from micropores and mesopores,respectively,while those of the YD5 shale samples are mainly from micropores and macropores,respectively.The methane adsorption capacity of the YD4 shale samples is significantly higher than that of the YD5 shale samples,with a maximum absolute adsorption capacity of 3.13 cm^(3)/g and 1.31 cm^(3)/g in average,respectively.Compared with the shallow-water platform shale,the deep-water shelf shale has a higher TOC content,a better kerogen type and more developed OM pores,which is the main mechanism for its higher adsorption capacity.The GIP content models based on two samples with a similar TOC content selected respectively from the Wells YD4 and YD5 further indicate that the GIP content of the deep-water shelf shale is mainly 34 m^(3)/t within a depth range of 1000—4000 m,with shale gas exploration and development potential,while the shallow-water platform shale has normally a GIP content of<1 m^(3)/t,with little shale gas potential.Considering the geological and geochemical conditions of shale gas formation and preservation,the deep-water shelf facies is the most favorable target for the Lower Cambrian shale gas exploration and development in the western Hubei area,South China.

Carbon-Isotope Excursions Recorded in the Cambrian System,South China:Implications for Mass Extinctions and Sea-Level Fluctuations

Cambrian carbonates with abundant fossils of agnostoid trilobites deposited on the southern slope （Jiangnan slope belt） of the Yangtze Platform and in the Jiangnan deepwater basin are well exposed in the Wangeun Section of western Hunan, South China, and in the Duibian A Section of western Zhejiang, southeastern China, respectively. To better understand the response of carbonisotope excursions to depositional environment changes, mass extinctions and eustatic events, we collected 530 carbonate samples in fresh roadcut exposures of the two measured sections for analysis of carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions. Data of δ^13C from the Wangcun Section, western Hunan, South China, demonstrate that the Cambrian carbon-isotope profile includes three remarkable positive excursions CPEwc-1, 2, 3 in the Upper Series 2, in the Lower and in the Middle Furongian Series. Three distinctive negative excursions CNEwc,-1, 2, 3 were separately tested in the Lower Terreneuvian Series, Lower Series 3 and in the Upper Furongian Series. Similarly, in the corresponding horizons in the Duibian A Section, Zhejiang Province, southeastern China, three positive excursions CPEdb-1, 2, 3 and three negative excursions CNEdb-1, 2, 3 also have been discovered. We interpret these significant carbon-isotope excursions as being associated with enhanced biogenic prodnctivity, mass extinctions and eustatic events.

Geological characteristics of the southern segment of the Late Sinian–Early Cambrian Deyang-Anyue rift trough in Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the latest drilling, seismic and field outcrop data, the geological characteristics(e.g. strata, development and sedimentary evolution) of the southern segment of the Late Sinian–Early Cambrian Deyang–Anyue rift trough in the Sichuan Basin are analyzed. First, the strata in the southern segment are complete. The first to second members of Dengying Formation(Deng 1 + Deng 2) are found with relatively stable thickness(400–550 m), and the third to fourth members(Deng 3+ Deng 4) show great thickness difference between the marginal trough and the inner trough, which is up to 250 m. The Cambrian Maidiping Formation and Qiongzhusi Formation in southern Sichuan Basin are relatively thin, with the thickness changing greatly and frequently. Second, the Deyang–Anyue rift trough extended southward during the Deng 4 period, affecting southern Sichuan Basin. Compared to the middle and northern segments of the rift trough, the southern segment is generally wide, gentle and shallow, with multiple steps, and alternating uplifts and sags, which are distributed in finger shape. Third, the Deng 1 + Deng 2 in southern Sichuan Basin records the dominance of carbonate platform and unobvious sedimentary differentiation, and the Deng 4 exhibits obvious sedimentary differentiation, namely, basin–slope–secondary slope–slope–secondary slope–platform margin–restricted platform, from the inner trough to the marginal trough. Fourth, the rift trough in southern Sichuan Basin has evolved in four stages: stabilization of Deng 1–Deng 2, initialization of Deng 3–Deng 4, filling of Maidiping–Qiongzhusi, and extinction of Canglangpu Formation.

Three-step modernization of the ocean:Modeling of carbon cycles and the revolution of ecological systems in the Ediacaran/Cambrian periods

Important ecological changes of the Earth （oxidization of the atmosphere and the ocean） increase in nutrient supply due to the break-up of the super continent （Rodinia） and the appearance of multi-cellular organisms （macroscopic algae and metazoan） took place in the Ediacaran period, priming the Cambrian explosion. The strong perturbations in carbon cycles in the ocean are recorded as excursions in carbonate and organic carbon isotope ratio （δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg） from the Ediacaran through early Cambrian periods. The Ediacaran-early Cambrian sediment records of δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg, obtained from the drill-core samples in Three Gorges in South China, are compared with the results of numerical simulation of a sim- ple one-zone model of the carbon cycle of the ocean, which has two reservoirs （i.e., dissolved organic carbon （DOC） and dissolved inorganic carbon （DIC）. The fluxes from the reservoirs are assumed to be proportional to the mass of the carbon reservoirs. We constructed a model, referred to here as the Best Fit Model （BFM）, which reproduce δ13Ccarb and δ13Corg records in the Ediacaran-early Cambrian period noted above. BFM reveals that the Shuram excursion is related to three major changes in the carbon cycle or the global ecological system of the Earth： （1） an increase in the coefficient of remineralization by a factor of ca. 100, possibly corresponding to a change in the dominant metabolism from anaerobic respiration to aerobic respiration, （2） an increase of carbon fractionation index from 25‰, to 33‰, possibly corresponding to the change in the primary producer from rock-living cyanobacteria to free-living macro algae, and （3） an in- crease in the coefficient of the organic carbon burial by a factor of ca. 100, possibly corresponding to the onset of a biological pump driven by the flourishing metazoan and zooplankton. The former two changes took place at the start of the Shuram excursion, while the third occurred at the end of the Shuram excursion. The other two excursions are explained by the tentative decrease in primary production due to cold periods, which correspond to the Gaskiers （ca. 580 Ma） and Bikonor （ca. 542 Ma） glaciations.

Superimposed hydrocarbon accumulation through multi-source and multi-stage evolution in the Cambrian Xixiangchi Group of eastern Sichuan Basin:A case study of the Pingqiao gas-bearing anticline

The Xixiangchi Group in eastern Sichuan Basin has great potential for natural gas exploration.However,there is a lack of in-depth studies of the hydrocarbon sources and the formation and evolution of gas reservoirs in this Group.Systematic investigation about the gas reservoir in Pingqiao anticline was consequently carried out in terms of characteristics of reservoir bitumen,the geochemical characteristics of natural gas,diagenetic minerals,and fluid inclusions.Based on this,combined with the reconstruction of the burial history,thermal evolution history and uplifting history of strata,and analysis of the regional tectonic settings,the hydrocarbon sources were identified and the formation and evolutionary processes of the gas reservoirs in Xixiangchi Group was revealed in this study.It was shown that the gas reservoirs have mixed gas sources from the shale source rocks in the Lower Cambrian Qiongzhusi Formation and in the Upper Ordovician Wufeng Formation-Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation,and experienced several evolutionary stages,including the paleo-oil reservoir stage from the Late Siliurian to the Middle Permian,the paleo-gas reservoir stage from the Late Permian to the Early Cretaceous,and the superimposed accumulation and mixed-source gas reservoir stage since the Late Cretaceous.The mixed-source gas reservoir is formed by the adjustment of the Xixiangchi Group paleo-gas reservoirs and depressurization of the overpressure Wufeng-Longmaxi shale gas reservoirs and the charging of gas into the Xixiangchi Group reservoir of the Pingqiao anticline since the Late Cretaceous,which show obvious superimposed accumulation characteristics.There are different accumulation patterns in different geological periods.The accumulation pattern of the“old source-young reservoir”(i.e.hydrocarbons generated from older source rocks accumulating in younger reservoirs)dominates before the Late Cretaceous,and that of“juxtaposed young source-old reservoir”(i.e.hydrocarbons generated from younger source rocks accumulating in juxtaposed older reservoirs)dominates after the Early Cretaceous.Moreover,faults acted as critical vertical pathways for hydrocarbon migration during the evolution of the Xixiangchi Group gas reservoirs.This model provides new insights and theoretical basis for evaluation and mapping of the Xixiangchi Group play fairway in eastern Sichuan Basin.

Helcionelloids from the Cambrian Fortunian of the Northern Yangtze Platform,China

A study of the morphological and microstructural characteristics of helcionelloids from the Nanjiang area(north Sichuan,China)at the northern Yangtze Platform was undertaken,in order to understand their phylogenetic position.Helcionelloids fossils from the Kuanchuanpu Formation of the Changtanhe–Maolinzi section include 7 genera and 11 species.There are distinct differences in the degree of shell bending,the apical morphology and apex position,the outline of the aperture and the height of the shell,all of which constitute important identification features.Although helcionelloid apices exhibit varying degrees of rotation towards the aperture,they do not show any signs of evident distortion.A pair of basally-symmetrical muscle scars are discovered on the shells of helcionelloids(such as Bemella simplex),showing a distinct difference when compared with those of the stem-group gastropod(e.g.,Pelagiella).The prismatic shell layer of helcionelloids has been observed,which are common components in Cambrian molluscs,but differ significantly from the dense layer microstructure found in contemporary molluscs.The microstructures,muscle scars and morphological characteristics demonstrate that helcionelloids represent a stem-group of molluscs.

Distribution and geochemical significance of trace elements in kerogens from Ediacaran–Lower Cambrian strata in South China

Some trace elements(TEs),both bio-essential and redox-sensitive,are promising tracers of Earth’s surface processes.As an essential sedimentary organic matter,kerogen may have inherited and retained the key TEs from organisms.In this study,the distribution of TEs in kerogens from two sections(Dongkanshang and Fengtan) in South China was analyzed to explore its biogeochemical significance during Ediacaran-Lower Cambrian.Compared with V and Zn,the relative concentrations of Co,Ni,Cu,and Mo were generally higher in kerogens than in the whole rocks.Enrichment of TEs in the kerogen was involved in the selective utilization of TEs by different organic precursors and the competition of sulfide in the depositional environment.The significant content of TEs in the kerogens from deep-water facies corresponded to a more negative δ^(13) Ckeras a result of the dominant taxa of chemo autotrophs with tremendous bioaccumulation potential for trace metals and the reduction conditions favorable for organic matter preservation.Furthermore,the content variations of trace elements in the kerogens coincided with the rise and fall of the Ediacaran biota,implying that the trace elements might have played an important role in early life evolution.

Environmental Effects on Differential Organic Matter Enrichment of the Lower Cambrian Shale,Tarim Basin,NW China

Early Cambrian shale is an important petroleum source rock around the world.Because of little drilling data and poor seismic data,until recently,organic matter enrichment of the Lower Cambrian Yuertusi and Xishanbulake formations shale is still an enigma in the Tarim Basin,northwestern China.Total organic carbon(TOC),major and trace element data of Cambrian shale samples from five boreholes have been analyzed to decipher the mechanism of the organic matter enrichment.The results show that the shales deposited in the western restricted intraplatform have much higher TOC contents(3.2%-19.8%,on average 11.0%)than those from the eastern basin(2.2%-10.2%,on average 4.5%).The paleoproductivity proxies(Ba,Ba/Al,P/Al)in the western restricted platform are much higher than those in the eastern basin.The trace element indicators such as V/Cr,Ni/Co,Mo-TOC and Mo_(EF)-U_(EF)suggest an anoxic environment across the basin,but a more restricted environment in the western intraplatform.The paleoproductivity rather than anoxic condition and hydrothermal activity are concluded to have resulted in the differentiation of the organic matter enrichment from the western intraplatform to eastern basin in the early Cambrian shales;the restricted environment was favorable for paleoproductivity and preservation of organic matter.

Copper Mineralization in the Lower Cambrian Cover of Jbel N’Zourk (Central Anti Atlas, Morocco): Tectonic-Mineralizations Relationships

The Moroccan Anti-Atlas is a vast geological region composed of a Precambrian basement covered by a late-Neoproterozoic to Paleozoic sedimentary sequences. More than 200 copper occurrences are listed in these sequences. The copper mineralization of the Jbel N’Zourk (Central Anti-Atlas) is observed into the lower Limestones of the lower Cambrian (Adoudou formation), just above the volcanic formations of the Jbel Boho between Bou Azzer El Graara and Zenaga inliers. The region is by an E-W shortening resulting in an overlapping structure with vergence associated with folds. Generally, the mineralization is hosted along the principal fault of Jbel N’Zourk and sometimes in the anticlines hinges. The petrographic study showed that the mineralization can be observed in several aspects, either in the fractures and veins, in small karsts or rarely disseminated in calcite and dolomite minerals. These observations host new arguments who contribute to a later reconcentration of the copper mineralization of Jbel N’Zourk, trapped on faulted and folded structures attributed to Variscan deformation.

四川盆地南部下寒武统筇竹寺组页岩孔隙结构特征与页岩气赋存模式

近年来,四川盆地南部地区(以下简称川南地区)下寒武统筇竹寺组页岩气勘探开发取得了实质性的突破,但是,关于筇竹寺组页岩气储层孔隙结构特征及其对页岩气赋存模式影响的研究还较为薄弱。为此,以川南地区W207井筇竹寺组页岩为例,以总有机碳含量(TOC)不小于1.0%为界,将筇竹寺组页岩划分出4个高有机碳页岩层段(H1—H4层),并基于大视域扫描电镜、流体注入法孔隙定量表征、三维分子结构建模与分子模拟等方法,研究了不同富有机质层段页岩孔隙特征,并着重分析了H3层页岩孔隙发育特征与页岩气赋存模式。研究结果表明:(1)筇竹寺组页岩纵向上孔隙发育差异较大,其中H3层页岩孔隙系统最为有利,发育粒缘缝—有机质纳米连通孔隙—有机质基质分子内孔隙3级孔隙网络,其矿物粒缘缝与有机质纳米孔隙提供了较大的游离气储集空间,页岩有机质分子结构中普遍发育微孔,提供了较大的吸附空间;(2)微孔对总吸附量的贡献随压力增高而降低,但在30.0 MPa时仍贡献了56%以上的总吸附气量;(3)高温高压下(30.0 MPa、70℃),页岩中游离气甲烷含量占总含气量的57%,当压力由30.0 MPa降低至16.5 MPa,游离气贡献总开采气量超过80%;(4)粒缘缝、有机质纳米连通孔隙和有机质基质分子内孔隙良好的配置关系为页岩气富集及开发提供了良好的连通体系,远离风化壳的超压层段有利于页岩孔隙发育。结论认为,川南地区筇竹寺组H3层页岩孔隙系统发育,具备页岩气高产地质条件,是筇竹寺组下一步重点关注层段,在此基础上寻找远离风化壳、孔隙发育的超压页岩储层是筇竹寺组选区选层的关键。

塔北隆起南斜坡带三道桥气田寒武系裂缝型白云岩储层裂缝期次差异与分布规律

塔里木盆地北部三道桥气田在深层寒武系发育典型的裂缝型白云岩储层。在岩心、显微镜下、成像测井等多尺度多视角下均显示白云岩储层溶蚀作用弱,构造裂缝是研究区白云岩储层储集空间及物性的主控因素。本研究综合岩心、镜下、显微CT视角下的裂缝交切关系、声发射实验对古构造强度的分析以及区域成岩与埋藏史,得到了研究区主要发育的两期裂缝的差异特征。结果显示:第一期为雁列式高角度裂缝,裂缝宽度大,缝面粗糙,充填胶结严重,主要形成期为加里东晚期—海西早期;第二期呈中高角度裂缝,裂缝宽度小,缝面平直,多呈半充填,推测形成期为海西晚期—印支期;第二期裂缝交切了先期裂缝,局部错位位移现象明显。通过岩心裂缝线密度和单井裂缝发育段定量参数的统计分析,定量表征了不同构造部位白云岩储层裂缝发育程度,指出了在三道桥气田寒武系白云岩古潜山的挤压褶皱背斜翼部高部位具有最高的裂缝发育程度,挤压褶皱背斜的翼部低部位与挤压向斜裂缝发育程度较低,并建立了研究区非对称挤压褶皱剖面裂缝发育模式。本研究对裂缝期次差异和分布规律的认识可为区域上的裂缝发育期次、有效裂缝识别及特征、裂缝定量分布预测和有利区的评价起到一定的参考意义。

New Macroalgal Fossils from Middle Cambrian Kaili Biota in Guizhou Province, China

Abundant and well-preserved remains of noncalcareous algae and soft-bodied metazoans were collected from Middle Cambrian Kaili biota in Taijiang county, Guizhou Province, China. These remains provide further evidence for the wide geographic distribution of many Burgess Shale taxa. Among the algae, 5 genera (including two new genera) and 5 species are described. They are Marpolia spissa Walcott, Acinocricus stichus Conway Morris and Robison, Udotealga erecta Yang, Eosargassum sawata Yang, and Rhizophyton zhaoyuanlongii Yang. Contrasting the macroalgal fossil assemblage in the Kaili biota with one in the Burgess Shale biota, it is clear that similarity of the Kaili biota and the Burgess Shale biota is reflected by the same content of not only the soft-bodied metazoans, but also the noncalcareous algae.

Recently Ratified and Proposed Cambrian Global Standard Stratotype-section and Points

This paper briefly summarizes an officially ratified Global Standard Stratotype-section and Point （GSSP） and a proposed GSSP for global stages of the Cambrian System. The Luoyixi section near Luoyixi town, Guzhang, northwestern Hunan is ratified as the boundary stratotype for the base of the global Guzhangian Stage, which is the upmost stage of an unnamed series termed provisionally as Cambrian Series 3. The GSSP position lies 121.3 m above the base of the Huaqiao Formation in the section, coinciding with the first appearance of the cosmopolitan agnostoid trilobite Lejopyge leavigata.The Duibian B section at Duibian village, Jiangshan, western Zhejiang, is proposed as the boundary stratotype for the base of the proposed global Jiangshanian Stage that is the second stage of the Furongian Series. The proposed GSSP position lies 108.12 m above the base of the Huayansi Formation in the section, coinciding with the first appearance of the cosmopolitan agnostoid trilobite Agnostotes orientalius. This horizon is also with the first appearance of the cosmopolitan polymerid trilobite lrvingella angustilimbata.

The Occurrence of Longfengshania in the Early Cambrian from Haikou, Yunnan, China

Well preserved Early Cambrian small individual megascopic carbonaceous algal fossils have been found from the Chengjiang Biota. This paper deals with the new megascopic algal fossils in the Early Cambrian also from Chengjiang Biota at Ercai Village, Haikou, Kunming, Yunnan, southwest China. Two new taxa, Longfengshania cordata sp. nov. and Plantulaformis sinensis gen. et sp. nov. are described here in detail. These new findings show that the Chengjiang Biota is high in species diversity of fossil algae and might offer new evidence for a better understanding of the Cambrian explosive biological evolution. Moreover, the fossils described here might belong to the megaalgal fossils according to detailed morphological study on the relationships of Longfengshania. Additionally, the occurrence of Longfengshania in the early Cambrian and the Neoproterozoic probably indicates a wide ecological tolerance and flexibility and apparently reflects its evolutionary conservation and a high degree of inherent genetic stability.

天然氢气规模生成的成因类型与成藏特点

目前对全球天然氢气资源的估量十分巨大,寻找天然氢气的规模聚集区有赖于对其形成机理和富集规律的不断认识。通过对国内外典型天然氢气显示的数据统计,系统总结了全球天然氢气规模聚集的成因类型、并分析了天然氢气藏的分布和成藏特征。研究结果表明:①天然氢气的成因复杂多样,主要包括水岩反应、地幔脱氢、水的辐解、岩石破碎、有机质热解以及微生物作用等,其中,水岩反应生氢和地幔脱气生氢在自然界中普遍发生,在各种地质环境中广泛存在,且其生氢速率高、生氢量大,因此是天然氢气规模生成最重要的2种成因类型。②天然氢气藏的赋存环境集中体现于三大地质背景中:板块俯冲带、前寒武纪富铁地层发育区以及裂谷构造系统。③天然氢气藏的盖层条件受多个因素的影响,不仅要考虑盖层本身的封盖能力,还要考虑由于氢活跃的物理化学性质导致盖层机械性能发生的变化,影响其脆性-韧性行为形成新的裂缝而产生氢气的逃逸。④地下微生物利用氢气进行代谢活动、中深层的加氢生烃作用等耗烃作用不利于氢气规模聚集,因此在寻找天然氢气生成有利区时,应该避开氢被大量消耗的区域。⑤天然氢气的生成时间尺度短和易扩散性等因素,使得天然氢气成藏表现出动态成藏的特征,只要氢生成与散失始终处于一种动态平衡,就能够富集成藏。地下水是水岩反应生氢的必要条件,国外发现的很多天然氢气藏都分布在地下水循环较好的地区。

New Discoveries of Phaeophycean Fossils in the Early Cambrian, Haikou, Kunming,Yunnan, Southwest China

The paper deals with the new phaeophycean fossils in the Early Cambrian from Chengjiang Biota at Ercai Village of Haikou, Kunming, Yunnan, Southwest China. Three new taxa, Punctatiopsis latifolia gen. et sp. nov., P. simplex gen. et sp. nov. and Vendotaenia cf. antiqua Gnilovskaya axe described here in detail. These new findings show that the Chengjiang Biota is high in species diversity of fossil algae and might offer new evidence for a better understanding of the Cambrian explosive biological evolution. The fossil genus described here is found to have a close relationship with the living Punctatia based on similar morphology. The results suggest that the Chengjiang Biota in Haikou area of Kunming was living in an intertidal and subtidal seawater environment.