A Brief Discussion on the Development of the Silk-Weaving Industry Along the “Southern Silk Road” in Yunnan

Ancient Yunnan was one of the most significant regions along China’s ancient“Southern Silk Road.”During the Nanzhao period(738–902)of the late Tang Dynasty,Yunnan’s silk-weaving industry underwent a qualitative leap as skilled silk craftsmen from the Bashu area migrated to Yunnan and introduced mulberry planting,silkworm breeding,and advanced silk-weaving techniques from Sichuan to the region.Consequently,people in Yunnan gradually acquired expertise in brocade weaving and embroidery.Many even mastered complex silk-weaving techniques.The development and progress of the silk-weaving industry in the ancient Yunnan region were intricately linked to the economic function and value of silk as both a commodity and currency along the“Southern Silk Road.”The local government in ancient Yunnan was greatly motivated by the economic interests brought by the development of silk-related industries and recognized the significance of developing the local silk industry.They even initiated a campaign to capture skilled silk craftsmen from Sichuan,aiming to foster the growth of the silk-weaving industry in Yunnan.After years of dedicated efforts from the local government in ancient Yunnan,the region emerged as a significant hub for silk production along China’s ancient“Southern Silk Road.”Despite the devastation caused by the wars in other parts of the country,Yunnan’s silk industry continued to thrive and provide ample silk products to sustain trade along this renowned route.In the contemporary era,amidst the decline of the silk-weaving industry in eastern China,Yunnan has proposed an industrial development strategy known as“relocating the silk-weaving industry from east to west.”This involves introducing advanced silk production techniques from the eastern regions into Yunnan to enhance and enrich its local silk industry,thereby establishing it as a traditional national sector and securing a competitive position within the global silk market.The historical experience of Yunnan’s silk industry demonstrated that economic development opportunities can only be seized through proactive endeavors rather than passive anticipation.The modern Yunnan silk industry,which upholds its historical traditions,continues to actively engage in international high-end technical cooperation,thus ensuring the enduring vitality of the ancient“Southern Silk Road.”

Epidemiological survey of cystic echinococcosis in southwest China:From the Qinghai-Tibet plateau to the area of Yunnan

BACKGROUND Echinococcosis is prevalent in 9 provinces in Western and Northern China.An epidemiological survey of echinococcosis in 2012 and 2016 showed cases of echinococcosis in Yunnan Province.AIM To understand the spatial distribution and epidemiological characteristics of echinococcosis in Yunnan for the prevention and control of echinococcosis and to reduce the risk of infection in Yunnan Province.METHODS Based on the China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention(CISDCP),echinococcosis cases reported from 36 hospitals and 34 Centers for Disease Control were investigated and epidemiologically analyzed from 2021 to 2022.The exclusion criteria included suspected cases,same case only counted once and cases not from Yunnan.A total of 705 cases were investigated,of which 397 cases were suitable for statistical analysis.In these 397 cases,epidemiological investigation was tracked in 187 cases.All data were inputted using double entry in the Excel database,with error correction by double-entry comparison.The data on echinococcosis cases in Yunnan Province were analyzed by ArcGIS 10.1 software to generate a density map of echinococcosis distribution.All statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS 17.0,including the chi-square test,linear regression test and logistic univariate and multivariate regression analyses.RESULTS A total of 397 cases were found in 89 counties in Yunnan Province.The number of cases in the top three prefectures were Dali(38.1%),Diqing(10.1%),and Kunming(8.3%),and the top five counties were Jianchuan(9.1%),Shangri La(8.3%),Eryuan(7.6%),Heqing(6.9%),and Dali Districts(5.0%).There were significant differences between the different areas.The case reporting rate by CISDCP(33.8%)was low;the first case was reported by CISDCP in 2002,and the highest number of cases was 50(2017).Confirmed and clinical cases accounted for 62.5%and 37.5%,respectively.However,90.9%of the cases of hydatid disease were reported by the hospital system,and only 9.1%of the cases of hydatid disease were found in the community through active screening.The difference between the two methods of case detection was statistically significant.Most of the cases of echinococcosis were found in farmers/herdsmen(75.1%)and students(9.1%).In addition,Han(43.6%)and Bai(26.2%)had a higher incidence of infection than other nationalities,and the liver(87.7%)and lung(6.8%)were the most common sites of cyst formation.Among the analyzed cases,187 were epidemiologically analyzed and the clinical symptoms were not obvious in the early stage in 47.1%of cases.The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the age group,education level,presence of dogs in the family(either previously or currently),and handwashing(occasionally or not)were factors related to echinococcosis infection.55.6%of cases were in endemic areas,and 44.4%of cases were in non-endemic areas.Among 83 cases in non-endemic areas,only 4 cases had been to endemic areas and had a history of living,working,travelling,or hunting in echinococcosis epidemic areas.CONCLUSION Cases of echinococcosis were reported throughout the entire Yunnan province,with the majority distributed in Western Yunnan,suggesting that echinococcosis control should be strengthened in this area.We suggest that an epidemiological investigation should be carried out in the future,based on the clues from newly discovered cases in hospitals or from the CISDCP.The newly discovered cases in the hospital provided clues to comprehensively determine the location of cases and where epidemic spot investigation should be conducted.

Reanalysis on the Spectral Characteristics and Materials of Jade Jue Unearthed from Lijiashan Ancient Tomb in Yunnan Province, China

Jade ware Jue is one of the most fashionable ornament in ancient China from the Neolithic Age to the Han Dynasty.In this study,the remnants of jade ware Jue,from Lijiashan ancient tomb group have been tested and analyzed respectively.The samples through a light etch surface showing glass luster and those with a severe etch surface showing earthen luster.With the aid of X-ray fluorescence Spectrometer(X-ray Fluorescence)test and X-ray diffraction(XRD)detection,the results show that tremolite is not the main mineral of the sample.The main components of the tested samples with light erosion are antigorite and talc,although the main components of the samples with severe erosion are calcite containing calcium carbonate barium.Furthermore,the research on jade ware Jue in Yunnan culture has not only contributed to our further understanding of the jade objects from Yunnan culture and the variety of jade material located in the Yunnan Province.It also provides a basis for the trace of the history and culture through the distribution and evolution of burial hierarchy laws.At the same time,the microscopic observation of the tested samples manifested a residual trace of“string”at the perforation,which has played a critical role in restoring the wearing of jade ware Jue from the tombs of the ancient Yunnan State and the handicraft skills at that time.

Geological characterization and exploration potential of shale gas in the Carboniferous Jiusi Formation,northern Guizhou and Yunnan provinces,SW China

Dark mudstones and shales of the Carboniferous Jiusi Formation are widely developed in northern Guizhou and Yunnan provinces, SW China. However, the distribution, reservoir characterization, and exploration potential of organic-rich shales in this area are yet to be quantified, thus limiting the prospect of shale gas in this area. This study investigates the basic geological conditions of Jiusi shale gas, using core data, well-logs, and some other test data, obtaining the following results. The organic-rich shales are mainly composed of deltaic-to-shallow-shelf deposits, with thickness ranging from 0 to 450 m, and above 350 m around the subsidence center. The organic matter is mainly type Ⅱ kerogen with TOC content of mostly 1%–2%, indicating a moderate maturity. The argillaceous shale reservoirs are indicative of strong heterogeneity, high clay minerals content, low porosity, low permeability, high specific surface area, and relatively developed secondary porosity. The gas-log anomaly intervals obtained from the survey wells have a cumulative thickness that is apparently greater than 200 m, and a few shale intervals showing high desorbed and adsorbed gas contents. Due to complex structures in the study area, conditions responsible for shale gas occurrence and trapping are generally moderate. However, areas having wide and gentle folds with moderate depth of burial reveals relatively favorable conditions of hydrocarbon traps. In contrast with typical marine-continental transitional shales, the Jiusi shale have better geological conditions for shale gas preservation. The analysis of the geological framework and hydrocarbon potential of Carboniferous Jiusi Formation provide more insight for the exploration of Carboniferous shale gas in southern China.

A New Species of the Genus Hebius Thompson,1913(Serpentes:Natricidae)from Yunnan,China

A new keelback snake of the genus Hebius,H.jingdongensis sp.nov.,is reported from Jingdong in Yunnan,China based on a combination of molecular and morphological evidence.Although closest to H.khasiensis and H.boulengeri phylogenetically,this new species is genetically distinct amongst congeners with the mitochondrial Cyt b uncorrected p-distance ranging from 9.5%(vs.H.octolineatus)to 14.8%(vs.H.andreae).In addition,this new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters:(1)body cylindrical,tail relatively short,TaL/TL 0.235–0.243;(2)dorsal scale rows 19-19-17;(3)ventrals 163–166,cloacal plate divided,subcaudals 71–74 pairs;(4)supralabials 8,the first two contact with the nasals;(5)infralabials 9 or 10,preocular 1,postoculars 3;(6)body dorsum sandy beige with the sides yellowish-brown decorated with two brick-red stripes on the dorsolateral scale rows in life;(7)sutures between the labials brick-red in life and taupe in preservative;(8)ventral light yellow with the outer part of each scale brick-red in life;(9)ventrolateral stripes present.

Latest Neogene Paleoclimate Variation in Yunnan,Southwest China,Revealed by Fossil Leaf Physiognomy

Yunnan Province,located in the southeastern margin of the Tibetan Plateau,can provide important information on how climate change was influenced by global cooling.However,its variation patterns in temperature and precipitation during the latest Neogene are not well-understood.Based on the 357 specimens assigned to 31 morphotypes of plant fossils from the upper Pliocene Ciying Formation in Yiliang County,Yunnan Province,Southwest China,paleoclimate was estimated by Leaf Margin Analysis and Climate Leaf Analysis Multivariate Program.Compared to the present climate,the mean annual temperature and coldest month temperature have not changed significantly since the late Pliocene,whereas the warmest month temperature has decreased significantly.All precipitation-related parameters have decreased,particularly winter precipitation.Combined with the climatic data of the same period in other areas of Yunnan,the western and eastern Yunnan has shown a similar pattern in temperature variation since the late Pliocene except for central Yunnan;whereas the variation in precipitation does not follow a common law except for a consistent decrease in winter precipitation.Our study reinforced the fact that under the background of global cooling and intensified monsoon systems,different areas of Yunnan exhibit different climatic responses to these changes because of their topographic heterogeneities.

Inferring Human-elephant Coexistence Based on Characteristics of Human-elephant Interactions in Nangunhe of Yunnan,China

Human-wildlife conflict(HWC)negatively impacts both humans and wildlife.Attitudes of local residents have been critical in promoting wildlife conservation.It is therefore necessary to understand the characteristics of HWC and identify influential factors on attitudes towards conservation to implement conservation strategies efficiently.This research focused on features of human-elephant interactions,while attitudes and values regarding the small population of Asian elephants(Elephas maximus)in Nangunhe National Nature Reserve(NNR),Yunnan,China.The total of 327 valid questionnaires were gathered around the area where Asian elephants were distributed.Logistic regression models were employed to analyze the correlations among five predictor variables(‘Area’,‘Family size’,‘Annual income’,‘Quantity of family members in non-primary industries’and‘Experiencing loss or not’)and three response variables(‘Attitude towards elephants’,‘Perception of the values of elephants’and‘Attitude towards tourism development’).The study area was densely forested with tea plants,rubber trees,corns and sugarcane.There,25.99%of respondents reported the experience of human-elephant conflict(HEC),with crop raiding and cash crop damages being the major conflict types.To demonstrate respect for elephants and to mitigate HEC,a unique custom called‘Giving tribute to elephants’was developed long ago.Respondents’township with an official annual festival of‘Giving Tribute to Elephants’(odds ratio(OR)=2.75,P=1.73×10^(-6))and higher annual income(OR=2.09,P=5.45×10^(-5))significantly contributed to forming a more positive attitude towards elephants,whereas HEC itself have contributed to a more negative attitude(OR=0.50,P=3.29×10^(-3)).Therefore,we propose that:1)reducing human-elephant conflict by testing multiple mitigation measures and adopting the most effective one of them;2)enhancing local livelihoods through the development of ecological products and ecotourism;and 3)preserving and developing the Wa culture in this region.The study area deserves more attention and further research to explore and obtain endorsement from the public to achieve coexistence between human and wildlife.

Study on Urban Construction Land Suitability Evaluation in Southwestern Mountainous Areas of Yunnan Province Based on the Strategy of "Protecting Farmland in Flatland Areas and Constructing Mountainous Cities" : A Case in Lianghe County

According to the particularity of towns＇ construction in the southwestern mountainous areas of Yunnan Province, this study has built constructive land suit- ability evaluation index system which is different to flat area. Then this study deter- mined single evaluation factors index and comprehensive suitability index using ＂ex- treme conditions method＂ and ＂suitability index method＂, and analyzed and assessed the constructive land suitability on each evaluation unit polygons and its suitability level by using GIS software. Taking Lianghe County of Dehong Dai-Jingpo Au- tonomous Prefecture as an example to evaluate land suitability in Lianghe County＇s main towns around the gentle slope, the results show, in the evaluation area, the area of land suitable for construction and unsuitable for construction respectively ac- count 73.58% and 26.42%. And first-class, second and third-class of land suitable for construction should be composited at the ratio of about 11：49：40. The suitability evaluation index system and method developed in this paper is applicable for evalu- ating the construction land suitability in mountainous areas of southwest Yunnan Province, and will provide theoretical and technical support for land policy measures which strengthen the protection of farmland and promote the scientific development of urbanization in Yunnan Province and even similar mountainous areas of the whole China.

Biological Characteristics and Rumen Microorganisms of Gayal(Bos frontalis)in Yunnan Province

[Objective]The paper was to provide reference for further study and development of gayal（Bos frontalis）.[Method]According to the research status at home and abroad,the biological characteristics and rumen microorganisms of gayal in Yunnan Province was studied.[Result]Gayal in Yunnan had typical body form and very good meat production performance,its muscle fiber diameter was significantly less than other kinds of cattle;the water holding ratio,muscle tenderness and muscle succulency were significantly higher than others;its amount,shape and structure of chromosome were different from yellow cattle（Bos taurus）and wild cattle（Bos gaurus）,and the amounts of those chromosomes（2n）were 58,60 and 56,respectively.It could create hybrid with yellow cattle;the gayal＇s special diet was bamboo,its in vitro dry matter digestibility（IVDMD）on various crude forage was significantly higher than yellow cattle in Yunnan;the viable bacteria and cellulolytic bacteria in rumen were 4.51×109 and 1.63×109 CFU/ml,which was significantly higher than yellow cattle in Yunnan,its dominant bacteria in rumen mainly was cellulolytic bacteria.[Conclusion]Gayal not only had high academic value,but also had a great development value.

Relation between Economic Development Level and Resource and Environment Carrying Capacity of Central Area of Yunnan Province Based on Decoupling Analysis

Based on the decoupiing theory and method, an indicator system was built for the relation between economic development level and resource and environment carrying capacity. And the study was carried out on decoupling degree and temporal changes of economic development level and resource and environment carrying ca- pacity in the central area of Yunnan Province. Results indicated that （i） the economic development level and resource and environment carrying capacity in the central area of Yunnan Province mainly experienced strong decoupling, weak decoupling, and ex- pansive negative coupling, and in general it was strong decoupling, and it took on re- verse ＂N＂ in temporal changes. （ii） Change rate of economic development level in the central area of Yunnan Province was greater than zero, but the amplitude of change was not large, while the change rate of resource and environment carrying capacity was negative in 2007-2008, and it was positive in the rest years; from 2007, it took on gradual expansion trend, and scissors difference gradually increased after experi- encing reverse ＂V＂ change. （iii） The strong decoupling was the main situation and it reached the peak value in T5 period and T6 pedod.

Study on the Major and Trace Elements in Soil of Yunnan Farmland

In order to investigate the distribution of soil available micronutrients, and provide a theoretical basis for management of fertilizing reasonably on crops, the contents of major and trace elements （P, K, Ca, Mg, Cu, Fe, Zn, and Mn） in farm- land soil collected from Yunnan Province were determined by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry （ICP-MS）, the contents and distribution of major and trace elements were also studied. The results showed that the contents of available P, K were balance, available Ca, Mg were deficient, and available Cu, Fe, Zn, Mn were very plentiful. Major and trace elements distribution of different landform areas were obviously different. The contents of trace elements （Fe, Zn and Mn） of central Yunnan Red Plateau were significantly higher than those of Hengduan Mountains in western Yunnan and those of karst plateau in eastern Yunnan. The contents of available P, K, and Ca gradually declined from west to east, while the content of available Cu rose gradually from west to east. The results are reference value to elements determination and agricultural production in farmland soils.

The Model of Poverty Alleviation and Income Growth by Developing Plateau-characterized Agriculture and Its Achievements Analysis in Yunnan Province——a Case Study in Midu County, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture

The policy of taking the targeted poverty alleviation measures has been the mission of the age in propelling the 13th Five-year Plan and building moderately prosperous society. A good poverty alleviation model is of significance for the goal. The research introduced a poverty-stricken county-Midu County, Dali Bai Au- tonomous Prefecture, analyzed the basic approaches and the main achievements of ＂the model of poverty alleviation and income growth by developing plateau-charac- terized agriculture＂, and proposed some suggestions to promoting and applying this model. The research provides references for plateau-characterized agricultural devel- opment and targeted poverty alleviation strategy.

Assessment of Genetic Diversity of Yunnan,Tibetan,and Xinjiang Wheat Using SSR Markers

A total of 206 SSR （Simple Sequence Repeats） primer pairs were used to detect genetic diversity in 52 accessions of three unique wheat varieties of western China. A total of 488, 472, and 308 allelic variants were detected in 31 Yunnan, 15 Tibetan and 6 Xinjiang wheat accessions with an average of PIC values 0.2764, 0.3082, and 0.1944, respectively. Substantial differences in allelic polymorphisms were detected by SSR markers in all the 21 chromosomes, the 7 homoeologous groups, and the three genomes （A, B, and D） in Yunnan, Tibetan, and Xinjiang wheat. The highest and lowest allelic polymorphisms in all the 21 chromosomes were observed in 3B and 1D chromosomes, respectively. The lowest and highest allelic polymorphisms among the seven homoeologous groups was observed in 6 and 3 homoeologous groups, respectively. Among the three genomes, B genome showed the highest, A the intermediate, and D the lowest allelic polymorphism. The genetic distance （GD） indexes within Yunnan, Tibetan, and Xinjiang wheat, and between different wheat types were calculated. The GD value was found to be much higher within Yunnan and Tibetan wheat than within Xinjiang wheat, but the GD value between Yunnan and Tibetan wheat was lower than those between Yunnan and Xinjiang wheat, and between Tibetan and Xinjiang wheat. The cluster analysis indicated a closer relationship between Yunnan and Tibetan wheat than that between Yunnan and Xinjiang wheat or between Tibetan and Xinjiang wheat.

Research on Purification Effect of Jian Lake Zizania latifolia Wetland Lakefront Zone in Northwest of Yunnan Plateau on Nitrogen and Phosphorus of Agricultural Non-point Source

As the main external pollution source of lake,nitrogen and phosphorus from agricultural non-point source make a great contribution to the lake eutrophication pollution.Wetland lakefront zone which plays a key role in externally agricultural non-point source pollution is considered as the biggest barrier for controlling external pollution.In this research,the Jian lake plateau Zizania latifolia wetland lakefront zone was selected for agricultural non-point source pollutions control with the systematic field research,and the lakefront zone was approved to have an effective purification effect on nitrogen and phosphorus from Jinlong River; the theoretical mechanism of lakefront zone removing nutrient was also investigated.Z.latifolia wetland lakefront zone could remove nitrogen and phosphorus from Jinlong River and the removal ratio can reach 55.8-62.52% and 59.47-69.81% respectively.So,we can indicate that the Jian Lake plateau Z.latifolia wetland lakefront zone had a good effect on controlling agricultural non-point source pollution and protecting the environment.

Analysis of Land Use Characteristics in Mountainous Areas in Yunnan Province Based on Second National Land Survey

Abstract Based on Second National Land Survey during 2007-2009 and land use type survey in ftatland areas, status quo of land use in mountainous areas in Yun- nan was measured, and analysis was made on land use in mountainous areas in terms of land use structure, degree and development potential, providing references for rational use of land in mountainous areas in Yunnan.

Genetic differentiations between randomly and selectively bred pig populations in Yunnan,China

To assess the genetic diversity between randomly and selectively bred populations,we sequenced 438 bp of the mitochondrial DNA control region from 102 pigs.These samples represented four native pig breeds,one nucleus and one conservation herd from Yunnan,China.Twenty haplotypes with sixteen polymorphic sites were identified.The number of haplotypes in the nucleus herd of Saba pig and the conservation herd of Banna miniature pig were restricted to three and one,respectively,while the randomly bred pig populations exhibited over six haplotypes.Notably,haplotype diversity in randomly bred populations was significantly greater than the selectively bred populations（h=0.732 vs.0.425 and 0,exact test,P≤0.0036）.These findings demonstrate that selective breeding generated low genetic diversity compared to randomly bred pig breeds.A timely intervention and well programmed breeding approach would stop further genetic diversity reduction in the nucleus and conservation herds of native pig breeds.Otherwise,selective breeding would dramatically reduce genetic diversity in only several years,indicating that sharp contradictions exist between breeding,conservation and genetic diversity.Genetic relationships are discussed based on net genetic distances among pig populations.

A New Species of the Genus Garra from Nujiang River Basin, Yunnan, China (Teleostei: Cyprinidae)

A new species of the subfamily Labeoninae, Garra nujiangensis Chen and Yang, sp. nov. is recognized from a secondary branch of Nujiang River （upper Salween） in Zhenkang county, Yunnan province, China. It can be distinguished from other beardless Garra species by the following combination of characters： 12 - 14 circumpedunele scales; 48 - 50 lateral- line scales; a pair of rudimentary rostral barbels present in little individuals; 8 - 9 branched dorsal-fin rays; 5 - 6 scales between dorsal-fin origin and lateral line and 3 - 4 scales between pelvic-fin origin and lateral line; caudal peduncle relatively stouter; length between snout tip to posterior margin of eye longer than body depth at anal fin origin; head length longer than body depth at dorsal fin origin; prepelvic length 50.0% - 53.7% of standard length; pre-anus length 58.9% - 63.9% of standard length; body width 16.7% - 19.6% of standard length; body depth at dorsal fin 19.2% - 22.6% of standard length. The present study also verified that the presence of tiny barbells is a juvenile character in some beardless Garra species, such as G. nujiangensis and G. alticorpora.

Suitability Assessment of Mononychellus tanajoa(Acari:Tetranychidae) in Yunnan Based on Maxent Model

[Objective] This study aimed to analyze the potential geography distribution of M.tanajoa in Yunnan.[Method] The suitability of M.tanajoa in Yunnan was studied in this paper using Maxent and ArcGIS,based on the biological data and known distribution of M.tanajoa,and meteorological data from years of 1950-2000 in WorldClim.[Result] The results showed that there were four levels of suitability assessment of M.tanajoa in Yunnan,in which western and eastern areas are in the most suitability,including part areas of Simao,Lincang,Baoshan,Nujiang,Diqing,Qujing and Wenshan areas.[Conclusion] The potential geographic distribution of M.tanajoa in Yunnan defined in this paper constructed the theory basis and technical support for scientifically forming of quarantine policy and measure for M.tanajoa in China.

Geochronology and Petrogenesis for the Protolith of Biotite Plagioclase Gneiss at Lianghe,Western Yunnan

In this paper,we report an integrated study of U-Pb age and Hf isotope compositions of zircons from biotite plagioclase gneiss at Lianghe in western Yunnan.The zircons preserved inherited core and rim texture.Igneous zircon grains and rims yielded a weighted mean ^（206）Pb/^（238）U age of 120.4±1.7 Ma,theirε_（Hf）（120 Ma）values were mainly negative ranging from-13.9 to-10.7,with Hf model ages between 1.9 Ga and 2.0 Ga,some zircons had positiveε_（Hf）（120 Ma）values ranging from 0.2 to 2.1.The inherited cores showed the wide variations in the U-Pb age of 375-1315 Ma.One of them showed theε_（Hf）（506 Ma）value of-4.2,it was similar to the gray gneiss of old crust,whichε_（Hf）（500 Ma） values were negative ranging from-4.5 to-3.3.Combining geological feature and geochemical data,we concluded that the protolith of biotite plagioclase gneiss was old crust-derived tonalitic magma during the early Cretaceous.

Tectonic Evolution of the Palaeo——Tethys in Changning——Menglian Belt and Adjacent Regions,Western Yunnan

The Changning - Menglian belt , located between the Baoshan - Gengma massif and the Simao - Lincang massif in Western Yunnan , preserves the complete record of a suture zone and the most continuous record of deep water sedimentation , representing the main branch of the Palaeo - Tethys polyisland ocean in the Hercynian - Indo-sinian stage .This belt could be further subdivided into three tectono - lithofacies zones . In the east zone , terrigenous elastics , argillaceous ,marl-argillaceous and silicate sedi-ments lie on the metamorphosed Early Palaeozoic base ment in concealed unconformity , representing deep water sediments on a passive continental margin . The central zone , although the basement rocks are absent from outcropping here , includes a contemporary complex of various sedimentary types , among them one type is of deep ocean sediments represented by radiolarian bedded chert , appearing from at least early Early Devonian to the Middle Triassic . Another type includes pure carbonates of the Early Carboniferous to the Late Permian , a type of shallow water carbonate platform on seamount or oceanic plateau within an ocean basin . In the west zone , the Permo - Carboniferous terrigenous elastics , argillaceous and silicate sediments appear again -representing the passive continental slope sedimentation in the east of the Baoshan - Gengma massif .As the Permo-Carboniferous rock types,sedimentary environments and palaeontological characters of the east and west zones are quite similar , we hold that these two zones were originally formed all on the eastern continental slope of the Baoshan - Gengma massif , and were separated due to eastward thrust later in the Indosinian orogeny . Intense thrust compacting also resulted in tectonic melange in the central zone , which is displayed by shallow water carbonates overlapping on or embedded in deep water volcanics . In the Lancangjiang belt , the Permo - Carboniferous are very complicated in sedimentary types which include island arc volcanics , deep water turbidites, silicolites and shallow water carbonates , representing the active continental margin in the west of the Simao massif. Whether there existed by Early Permi an, a Lincang magma tic arc still awaits further evidence . From the Late Permian,both the Changning-Meng-lian belt and the Lancangjiang belt experienced important sedimentary and volanic events which took place contemporaneously or penecontemporaneously but with different characters . Evidence for the Lincang magmatic arc began to be apparent , and the turbidite deep water basin in the Lancangjiang belt closed . Nevertheless , the Palaeo - Tethys oceanic basin , represented by the Changning - Menglian suture zone , existed until the Mid-dle Triassic . In the Late Triassic . massifs of Baoshan -Gengma ,Simao - Lincang ,collided and aggregated ,resulting in the disappearance of the Palaeo - Tethys ocean .