Spatial patterns of zooplankton abundance,biovolume,and size structure in response to environmental variables:a case study in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea

The Yellow Sea(YS)and East China Sea(ECS)are highly dynamic marginal seas of the northwestern Pacific Ocean.To gain an in-depth understanding of zooplankton community structure,zooplankton abundance,biovolume,and size structure in summer 2017 in the YS and ECS were assessed using ZooScan imaging analysis.Zooplankton abundance and biovolume ranged 2.94–1187.14 inds./m^(3)and 3.13–3438.51 mm^(3)/m^(3),respectively.Based on the biovolume data of the categorized size classes of 26 identified taxonomic groups,the zooplankton community was classified into five groups,and each group was coupled with distinctive oceanographic features.Under the influence of the Yellow Sea Cold Water Mass,the Yellow Sea offshore group featured the lowest bottom temperature(10.84±3.42℃)and the most abundant Calanoids(mainly in the 2–3 mm size class).In the Yellow Sea inshore group,Hydrozoans showed the largest biovolume and dominated in the 3–4-mm and>5-mm size classes.The East China Sea offshore group,which was affected by the Kuroshio Branch Current,featured high temperature and salinity,and the lowest bottom dissolved oxygen(2.58±0.5 mg/L).The lowest values of zooplankton abundance and biovolume in the East China Sea offshore group might be attributed to the bottom dissolved oxygen contents.The East China Sea inshore group,which was mainly influenced by the Zhejiang-Fujian Coastal Current and Changjiang Diluted Water,was characterized by high chlorophyll a and the largest biovolume of carnivorous Siphonophores(280.82±303.37 mm^(3)/m^(3)).The Changjiang River estuary offshore group showed the most abundant Cyclopoids,which might be associated with the less turbid water mass in this region.Seawater temperature was considered the most important factor in shaping the size compositions of Calanoids in different groups.

Carbon Storage Dynamics in Lower Shimentan Formation of the Qiantang Sag, East China Sea Shelf Basin: Stratigraphy, Reservoir ‒ Cap Analysis, and Source ‒ Sink Compatibility

Excessive carbon emissions have resulted in the greenhouse effect, causing considerable global climate change. Marine carbon storage has emerged as a crucial approach to addressing climate change. The Qiantang Sag(QTS) in the East China Sea Shelf Basin, characterized by its extensive area, thick sedimentary strata, and optimal depth, presents distinct geological advantages for carbon dioxide(CO_(2)) storage. Focusing on the lower section of the Shimentan Formation in the Upper Cretaceous of the QTS, this study integrates seismic interpretation and drilling data with core and thin-section analysis. We reveal the vertical variation characteristics of the strata by providing a detailed stratigraphic description. We use petrophysical data to reveal the development characteristics of high-quality carbon-storage layers and favorable reservoircaprock combinations, thereby evaluating the geological conditions for CO_(2) storage in various stratigraphic sections. We identify Layer B of the lower Shimentan Formation as the most advantageous stratum for marine CO_(2) storage. Furthermore, we analyze the carbon emission trends in the adjacent Yangtze River Delta region. Considering the characteristics of the source and sink areas, we suggest a strong correlation between the carbon emission sources of the Yangtze River Delta and the CO_(2) storage area of the QTS, making the latter a priority area for conducting experiments on marine CO_(2) storage.

Nutrient dynamics and cross shelf transport in the East China Sea

To understand the temporal and spatial variations in nutrient dynamics,as well as the potential cross-shelf transport of nutrients between the East China Sea(ECS)shelf and the northwestern Pacific Ocean,six field observations covering the ECS were conducted in spring,summer,and autumn in 2011 and 2013.Nutrient dynamics in the ECS and nutrient exchange between shelf water and the open ocean were examined.High concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients were detected in the nearshore surface layer and offshore bottom layer in different seasons,and the concentrations of dissolved inorganic nutrients in surface seawater were lower in summer and autumn than in spring.The concentrations of dissolved organic nutrients in Kuroshio surface water were slightly lower in summer than in spring,but the concentrations in Kuroshio subsurface water were slightly higher in summer than in spring.There were abundant nutrient reservoirs in the euphotic zone of the ECS,which explained the high primary productivity.The evaluation of cross-shelf transport indicated that nutrients from shelf water were transported out across the 200 m isobath through the surface layer with the density(σ)less than 23.0 kg/m^(3) in spring.The flux of dissolved inorganic nitrogen transported from the ECS shelf to the Northwest Pacific Ocean in spring was equivalent to 21%of the atmospheric nitrogen deposition in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.In summer,the onshore flux in the surface and bottom layers accounted for 80%of the total flux,and the transportation of nutrients along the surface layer to the continental shelf contributed to the nutrient storage and primary productivity of the euphotic zone in the ECS shelf in summer.

Spatio-temporal variability of surface chlorophyll a in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea based on reconstructions of satellite data of 2001-2020

Chlorophyll-a(Chl-a)concentration is a primary indicator for marine environmental monitoring.The spatio-temporal variations of sea surface Chl-a concentration in the Yellow Sea(YS)and the East China Sea(ECS)in 2001-2020 were investigated by reconstructing the MODIS Level 3 products with the data interpolation empirical orthogonal function(DINEOF)method.The reconstructed results by interpolating the combined MODIS daily+8-day datasets were found better than those merely by interpolating daily or 8-day data.Chl-a concentration in the YS and the ECS reached its maximum in spring,with blooms occurring,decreased in summer and autumn,and increased in late autumn and early winter.By performing empirical orthogonal function(EOF)decomposition of the reconstructed data fields and correlation analysis with several potential environmental factors,we found that the sea surface temperature(SST)plays a significant role in the seasonal variation of Chl a,especially during spring and summer.The increase of SST in spring and the upper-layer nutrients mixed up during the last winter might favor the occurrence of spring blooms.The high sea surface temperature(SST)throughout the summer would strengthen the vertical stratification and prevent nutrients supply from deep water,resulting in low surface Chl-a concentrations.The sea surface Chl-a concentration in the YS was found decreased significantly from 2012 to 2020,which was possibly related to the Pacific Decadal Oscillation(PDO).

Differences in hydrocarbon accumulation and controlling factors of slope belt in graben basin: A case study of Pinghu Slope Belt in the Xihu sag of the east China Sea Shelf basin(ECSSB)

The Pinghu slope belt in the Xihu sag of the East China Sea Shelf Basin(ECSSB) is a crucial hydrocarbon production area in eastern China. However, due to the complex geological conditions, publications have lacked comprehensive research on the spatial-temporal coupling relationships of primary factors that impact hydrocarbon accumulation in the Pinghu slope belt. Furthermore, the hydrocarbon distribution patterns and the controlling factors across different study areas within the same slope belt are not yet fully understood. This study extensively utilized three-dimensional seismic data, well logging data,geochemical analysis, fluorescence analysis, and oil testing and production data to address these issues.Following a “stratification and differentiation” approach, the study identified seven distinct hydrocarbon migration and accumulation units(HMAU) in the Pinghu slope area based on the structural morphology characteristics, hydrocarbon source-reservoir-cap rock patterns, hydrocarbon migration pathways, and hydrocarbon supply range. Detailed analysis was conducted to examine the hydrocarbon distribution patterns and controlling factors within each migration and accumulation unit across different structural units, including high, medium, and low structural components. All data sources support a “southern-northern sub-area division, eastern-western sub-belt division, and variations in hydrocarbon accumulation” pattern in the Pinghu slope belt. The degree of hydrocarbon accumulation is controlled by the factors of structural morphology, hydrocarbon generation potential of source rocks, the spatial position of source slopes, fault sealing capacity, and sand body distribution. Furthermore, different coupling patterns of faults and sand bodies play a pivotal role in governing hydrocarbon enrichment systems across various migration and accumulation units. These observations indicate that three hydrocarbon accumulation patterns have been established within the slope belt, including near-source to far-source gentle slope with multiple hydrocarbon kitchens in the XP1-XP4 zones, near-source to middle-source gentle slope with dual-hydrocarbon kitchens in the XP5 zone, and near-source steep slope with a single hydrocarbon kitchen in the XP6-XP7 zones. These findings contribute to enhancing the theoretical system of hydrocarbon accumulation in the slope belt.

Dissolved Inorganic Arsenic in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea—Distributions and Seasonal Variations

The distributions and seasonal variations of total dissolved inorganic arsenic （TDIAs, [TDIAs] = [As^5＋]＋[As^3＋]） and arsenite （As3.） in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea are presented hero based on the observations of 9 cruises carried out in 2000 - 2003. The study area covers a broad range of hydrographic and chemical properties. The emphasis is put on a southeast transect from Changjiang Estuary to the Ryukyu Islands （i.e. PN section） in the East China Sea to discuss the impact of terrestdal input on the marginal seas of China. Arsenic species （TDlAs and arsenite） are determined by selective hydride generation - atomic fluorescence spectrometry （HG-AFS）. TDIAs concentrations were high in the coastal area of Changjiang Estuary and decreased slightly towards the shelf region. High concentratiOns of TDIAs were also existed in the near bottom layer of shelf edge of the East China Sea which indicated another source of arsenic from the incursion of Kuroshio Waters. The seasonal variations of TDIAs in the study area depend on the hydrographic stages of Changjiang and the incursion intensity of Kuroshio Waters. Arsenite showed opposite distributions with TDIAs, with higher concentrations appeared at the surface layer of shelf region, which was positive correlated with the chlorophyll a. Biological conversion of arsenate into arsenite was hypothesized for the observed distribution pattern and its seasonal variations. The stoichoimetric ratios of As to P were estimated to be about 2×10^3 at PN Section in summer. The concentrations of dissolved arsenic in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea were comparable with other areas in the world.

Sedimentary Environment Analysis of Ancient Sand Ridges from Zk23 Hole in the East China Sea

Abstract： Based on the analysis of core samples from the hole of Zk23 in the East China Sea Continental Shelf and by means of sedimentary stratigraphy, biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy, the authors consider that the fine-sand deposition in borehole was part of buried ancient estuary sand ridges of the Yangtze River. The deposition history of study area around the hole before and after the glacial period as well as postglacial period is made clear after our research： （1） the estuarine sublayer -undersea delta facies strata was deposited under the fast sea level rise about 15 kaB.P; （2） sand ridges mostly consisting of fine-sand, were formed when the sea level was the fluctuant range of 60 - 80 m of isoba during the deglacial period around 15 - 12 kaB.P; （3） first silty clay and clay silt strata above the sand ridges were deposited during the period when the sea level rose fast from 12 to 7 kaB.P, and then it keeps stable to the present.

Sedimentary systems of the Oligocene Huagang Formation in the central anticline zone of the Xihu Depression,East China Sea Shelf Basin

The Xihu Depression is the largest hydrocarbon-bearing depression of the East China Sea Shelf Basin(also referred to as the ECSSB).However,the depositional systems and reservoir distribution of the Oligocene Huagang Formation in the Xihu Depression are still controversial.Under the guidance of sedimentology and stratigraphy,this study documented a marine-terrestrial transitional environment in the restricted bay setting of the Oligocene Huagang Formation through core description,well logging,and seismic data analysis.This study also revealed that the Oligocene Huagang Formation is dominated by tidal delta,estuary,and gravity flow deposits in the central anticline zone of the Xihu Depression.The new understanding of the sedimentary systems and the discovery of the transgressive gap in the eastern Diaoyu Islands uplift explain the origin of fine-grained sediments and the EW-trending sand bodies in the central depression and the sand bodies parallel to shoreline in the west slope belt,which cannot be explained by previous study results,such as southern transgression or fluvial deltas and even lacustrine deposition.Moreover,the tidal channels,tidal sand flats,and gravity flow sand bodies formed by the transgressive tides are high-quality reservoirs.The study will provide a basis for well placement and serve as guidance for the selection of favorable hydrocarbon exploration areas in the Xihu Depression.

Relationship between East China Sea Kuroshio and Climatic Elements in East China

Using long term observation data in the main part of East China Sea Kuroshio, variations of Kuroshio upper layer temperature and salinity, their relationships with surface temperature and precipitation in east China are studied. Results reveal that the Kuroshio upper layer temperature experienced slight rise while salinity decreased in the past 50 years. In winter, Kuroshio upper layer temperature is closely related to the surface temperature in east China, and large area in east China shows positive correlation to the Kuroshio upper layer temperature, which might be related to the mass temperature reduction as a result of the cold air activities in winter. In summer, the increase of the precipitation causes the increase of diluted Yangtze River water into the shelf sea, thereby results in the salinity decrease of Kuroshio in the upper layer.

Study on interaction between the coastal water, shelf water and Kuroshio water in the Huanghai Sea and East China Sea

The main processes of interaction between the coastal water, shelf water and Kuroshio water in the Huanghai Sea (HS) and East China Sea (ECS) are analyzed based on the observation and study results in recent years. These processes include the intrusion of the Kuroshio water into the shelf area of the ECS, the entrainment of the shelf water into the Kuroshio, the seasonal process in the southern shelf area of the ECS controlled alternatively by the Taiwan Strait water and the Kuroshio water intruding into the shelf area, the interaction between the Kuroshio branch water, shelf mixed water and modified coastal water in the northeastern ECS, the water-exchange between the HS and ECS and the spread of the Changjiang diluted water.

Spatial and temporal variations of macro-and mesozoo-plankton community in the Huanghai Sea (Yellow Sea) and East China Sea in summer and winter

The study was conducted during two cruises of June–August 2006 （summer）,and January–February 2007 （winter） in the Huanghai （Yellow） Sea and East China Sea.Spatial and temporal variations of zooplankton abundance,biomass and community structure and its relation to currents and water masses over the continental shelf were examined.A total of 584 zooplankton species/taxa and 28 planktonic larvae were identified during the two surveys.Copepods were the most abundant component among these identified groups.Zooplankton abundance and biomass fluctuated widely and showed distinct heterogeneity in the shelf waters.Five zooplankton assemblages were identified with hierarchical cluster analysis during this study,and they were Huanghai Sea Assemblage,Changjiang Estuary Assemblage,Coastal Assemblage,East China Sea Mixed-water Assemblage and East China Sea Offshore Assemblage.Seasonal changes of zooplankton community composition and its geographical distribution were detected,and the locations of the faunistic areas overlap quite well with water masses and current systems.So we suggest that the zooplankton community structure and its changes were determined by the water masses in the Huanghai Sea and East China Sea.The results of this research can provide fundamental information for the long-term monitoring of zooplankton ecology in the shelf of Huanghai Sea and East China Sea.

Seasonal Variability of the Yellow Sea/East China Sea Surface Fluxes and Thermohaline Structure

We use the U.S. Navy's Master Oceanographic Observation Data Set (MOODS) forthe Yellow Sea/ East China Sea (YES) to investigate the climatological water mass features and theseasonal and non-seasonal variabilities of the thermohaline structure, and use the ComprehensiveOcean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS) from 1945 to 1989 to investigate the linkage between the fluxes(momentum, heat, and moisture) across the air-ocean interface and the formation of the water massfeatures. After examining the major current systems and considering the local bathymetry and watermass properties, we divide YES into five regions: East China Sea (ECS) shelf, Yellow Sea (YS) Basin,Cheju bifurcation (CB) zone, Taiwan Warm Current (TWC) region, Kuroshio Current (KC) region. Thelong term mean surface heat balance corresponds to a heat loss of 30 W m^(-2) in the ESC and CBregions, a heat loss of 65 W m^(-2) in the KC and TWC regions, and a heat gain of 15 W m^(-2) in theYS region. The surface freshwater balance is defined by precipitation minus evaporation. The annualwater loss from the surface for the five subareas ranges from 1.8 to 4 cm month^(-1). The freshwater loss from the surface should be compensated for from the river run-off. The entire watercolumn of the shelf region (ECS, YS, and CB) undergoes an evident seasonal thermal cycle withmaximum values of temperature during summer and maximum mixed layer depths during winter. However,only the surface waters of the TWC and KC regions exhibit a seasonal thermal cycle.. We also foundtwo different relations between surface salinity and the Yangtze River run-off, namely, out-of-phasein the East China Sea shelf and in-phase in the Yellow Sea. This may confirm an earlier study thatthe summer fresh water discharge from the Yangtze River forms a relatively shallow, low salinityplume-like structure extending offshore on average towards the northeast.

Geochemical and isotopic characteristics of volcanic rocks from the northern East China Sea shelf margin and the Okinawa Trough

Volcanic rocks both from the northern East China Sea （NECS） shelf margin and the northern Okinawa Trough are subalkaline less aluminous,and lower in High Field Strength Elements （HFSE）.These rocks are higher in Large Ion Lithophile Elements （LILE）,thorium and uranium contents,positive lead anomalies,negative Nb-Ta anomalies,and enrichment in Light Rare Earth Elements （LREE）.Basalts from the NECS shelf margin are akin to Indian Ocean Mid-Ocean Ridge Basalt （MORB）,and rhyolites from the northern Okinawa Trough have the highest 207 Pb/ 204 Pb and 208 Pb/ 204 Pb ratios.The NECS shelf margin basalts have lower 87 Sr/ 86 Sr ratios,ε N d and σ 18 O than the northern Okinawa Trough silicic rocks.According to 40 K– 40 Ar isotopic ages of basalts from the NECS shelf margin,rifting of the Okinawa Trough may have been active since at least 3.65–3.86 Ma.The origin of the NECS shelf margin basalt can be explained by the interaction of melt derived from Indian Ocean MORB-like mantle with enriched subcontinental lithosphere.The basalts from both sides of the Okinawa Trough may have a similar origin during the initial rifting of the Okinawa Trough,and the formation of basaltic magmas closely relates to the thinning of continental crust.The source of the formation of the northern Okinawa Trough silicic rocks was different from that of the middle Okinawa Trough,which could have been generated by the interaction of basaltic melt with an enriched crustal component.From the Ryukyu island arc to East China,the Cenozoic basalts have apparently increasing trends of MgO contents and ratios of LREE to Heavy Rare Earth Elements （HREE）,suggesting that the trace element variabilities of basalts may have been influenced by the subduction of the Philippine Sea plate,and that the effects of subduction of the Philippine Sea plate on the chemical composition of basaltic melts have had a decreasing effect from the Ryukyu island arc to East China.

Numerical simulation and preliminary analysis of typhoon waves during three typhoons in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea

In this study,typhoon waves generated during three typhoons(Damrey(1210),Fung-wong(1416),and Chan-hom(1509))in the Yellow Sea and East China Sea were simulated in a simulating waves nearshore(SWAN)model,and the wind forcing was constructed by combining reanalyzed wind data with a Holland typhoon wind model.Various parameters,such as the Holland fitting parameter(B)and the maximum wind radius?,were investigated in sensitivity experiments in the Holland model that affect the wind field construction.Six different formulations were considered and the parameters determined by comparing the simulated wind results with in-situ wind measurements.The key factors affecting wave growth and dissipation processes from deep to shallow waters were studied,including wind input,whitecapping,and bottom friction.Comparison with in-situ wave measurements suggested that the KOMEN scheme(wind input exponential growth and whitecapping energy dissipation)and the JONSWAP scheme(dissipation of bottom friction)resulted in good reproduction of the significant wave height of typhoon waves.A preliminary analysis of the wave characteristics in terms of wind-sea and swell wave revealed that swell waves dominated with the distance of R to the eye of the typhoon,while wind-sea prevailed in the outer region up to six to eight times the R values despite a clear misalignment between wind and waves.The results support the hypothesis that nonlinear wave-wave interactions may play a key role in the formation of wave characteristics.

Species composition and diversity of Euphausiacea in the East China Sea

Based on the data of four seasonal oceanographic censuses in the East China Sea （23°30＇-33°00＇N, 118°30＇-128°00＇E） in 1997-2000, the species composition and the diversity of Euphausiacea were discussed as well as their relations with environmental variables. Results showed that there were totally 23 different species of Euphausiacea, in which 16 occurred in spring and autumn respectively; 15 were present in summer and only 10 were observed in winter. According to the calculated alternation fraction （R）, the species composition showed a clear seasonal alternation with the changes of seasons. Moreover, the environmental variables had different impacts on the distribution of Euphausiacea in different seasons. The distribution in summer was not significantly related to water temperature and salinity. However, the surface salinity was a major determinant of the distribution in spring. In autumn, both surface and bottom temperatures were influencing factors. The distribution in winter depended on salinity at the surface and 10 m depth as well as the temperature at 10 m depth. Regarding to the seasonal variation of species composition, the variations in spring, summer and autumn were not so significant as those in winter. Except in summer, the species number changed with synchronous water temperature and salinity, as a result of the presence of warm currents in the East China Sea and the habitability of the dominant species. Since Euphausiacea tend to agglomerate, the distribution of different species was uneven, which was the major reason for the low diversity of Euphausiacea in the East China Sea.

Analysis on the indicator species and ecological groups of pelagic ostracods in the East China Sea

Ecological adaptation and ecological groups of pelagic ostracods were examined in the East China Sea （23°30′-33°00′N, 118°30′ -128°00′E）, in relation to temperature and salinity. The data were collected in four surveys conducted from 1997 to 2000. The density, yield density, or negative exponent models were used to determine the optimal temperature and salinity of water for the thriving growth of pelagic ostracods. Thereafter, ecological groups and potential distribution patterns of pelagic ostracods were determined based on the predicted parameters such as optimal temperature and salinity, consulting the geographic distribution. The analytical results indicate that, among the numerical dominant pelagic ostracods in the East China Sea （ECS）, Euconchoecia aculeata, E. elongata, E. chierchiae, E. maimai, and Cypridina dentata, etc. are offshore subtropical water species. These species are widely distributed in the area, and they can be brought by the warm current to north offshore during spring and winter. The predicated optimal temperature （OT） and optimal salinity （OS） for Paraconchoecia decipiens, P. echinata, P. spini- fera, P. oblonga, Conchoecia magna and Porroeciaporrecta are all greater than 25℃ and 34 separately. These species are mainly distributed in the waters of the Kuroshio, the Taiwan Warm Current, and the Taiwan Strait, and therefore are designated as ocean- ic tropical water species. On the other hand, Pseudoconchoecia concerttrica is considered as offshore subtropical water species based on its geographical distribution although its OT is 19℃. The other species, though their OSs are approximately 34 and with OTs ranging from 20° to 25℃, are considered as offshore subtropical water species because they were found to be widely distributed from the South China Sea to the East China Sea.

An estimation of nutrient fluxes to the East China Sea continental shelf from the Taiwan Strait and Kuroshio subsurface waters in summer

According to historical mean ocean current data through the field observations of the Taiwan Ocean Research Institute during 1991–2005 and survey data of nutrients on the continental shelf of the East China Sea（ECS） in the summer of 2006, nutrient fluxes from the Taiwan Strait and Kuroshio subsurface waters are estimated using a grid interpolation method, which both are the sources of the Taiwan Warm Current. The nutrient fluxes of the two water masses are also compared. The results show that phosphate（PO4-P）, silicate（SiO3-Si） and nitrate（NO3-N） fluxes to the ECS continental shelf from the Kuroshio upwelling water are slightly higher than those from the Taiwan Strait water in the summer of 2006. In contrast, owing to its lower velocity, the nutrient flux density（i.e., nutrient fluxes divided by the area of the specific section） of the Kuroshio subsurface water is lower than that of the Taiwan Strait water. In addition, the Taiwan Warm Current deep water, which is mainly constituted by the Kuroshio subsurface water, might directly reach the areas of high-frequency harmful alga blooms in the ECS.

Phosphorus speciation and distribution in surface sediments of the Yellow Sea and East China Sea and potential impacts on ecosystem

For better understanding the phosphorus （P） cycle and its impacts on one of the most important fishing grounds and pressures on the marine ecosystem in the Yellow Sea （YS） and East China Sea （ECS）, it is essential to distinguish the contents of different P speciation in sediments and have the knowledge of its distribution and bioavailability. In this study, the modified SEDEX procedure was employed to quantify the different forms of P in sediments. The contents of phosphorus fractions in surface sediments were 0.20–0.89μmol/g for exchangeable-P （Exch-P）, 0.37–2.86μmol/g for Fe-bound P （Fe-P）, 0.61–3.07μmol/g for authigenic Ca-P （ACa-P）, 6.39–13.73μmol/g for detrital-P （DAP） and 0.54–10.06μmol/g for organic P （OP）. The distribution of Exch-P, Fe-P and OP seemed to be similar. The concentrations of Exch-P, Fe-P and OP were slightly higher in the Yellow Sea than that in the East China Sea, and low concentrations could be observed in the middle part of the ECS and southwest off Cheju Island. The distribution of ACa-P was different from those of Exch-P, Fe-P and OP. DAP was the major fraction of sedimentary P in the research region. The sum of Exch-P, Fe-P and OP may be thought to be potentially bioavailable P in the research region. The percentage of bioavailable P in TP ranged from 13%to 61%. Bioavailable P burial flux that appeared regional differences was affected by sedimentation rates, porosity and bioavailable P content, and the distribution of bioavailable P burial flux were almost the same as that of TP burial flux.

Characteristics of Clay Minerals in the Northern South China Sea and Its Implications for Evolution of East Asian Monsoon since Miocene

Clay mineral assemblages, crystallinity, chemistry, and micromorphology of clay particles in sediments from ODP Site 1146 in the northern South China Sea （SCS） were analyzed, and used to trace sediment sources and obtain proxy records of the past changes in the East Asian monsoon climate since the Miocene, based on a multi-approach, including X-ray diffraction （XRD） and scanning electron microscopy combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry （SEM-EDS）. Clay minerals consist mainly of illite and smectite, with associated chlorite and kaolinite. The illite at ODP Site 1146 has very well-to-well crystallinity, and smectite has moderate-to-poor crystallinity. In SEM the smectite particles at ODP Site 1146 often appear cauliflower-like, a typical micromorphology of volcanic smecites. The smectite at ODP Site 1146 is relatively rich in Si element, but poor in Fe, very similar to the smectite from the West Philippine Sea. In contrast, the chemical composition of illite at ODP Site 1146 has no obvious differences from those of the Loess plateau, Yellow River, Yangtze River, and Pearl River. A further study on sediment source indicates that smectite originates mainly from Luzon, kaolinite from the Pearl River, and illite and chlorite from the Pearl River, Taiwan and/or the Yangtze River. The clay mineral assemblages at ODP Site 1146 were not only controlled by continental eathering regimes surrounding the SCS, but also by the changing strength of the transport processes. The ratios of （illite＋chlorite）/smectite at ODP Site 1146 were adopted as proxies for the East Asian monsoon evolution. Relatively higher ratios reflect strongly intensified winter monsoon relative to summer monsoon, in contrast, lower ratios indicate a strengthened summer monsoon relative to winter monsoon. The consistent variation of this clay proxy from those of Loess plateau, eolian deposition in the North Pacific, planktonic, benthic foraminifera, and black carbon in the SCS since 20 Ma shows that three profound shifts of the East Asian winter monsoon intensity, and aridity in the Asian inland and the intensity of winter monsoon relative to summer monsoon, occurred at about 15 Ma, 8 Ma, and the younger at about 3 Ma. The phased uplift of the Himalaya-Tibetan plateau may have played a significant role in strengthening the Asian monsoon at 15 Ma, 8 Ma, and 3 Ma.

Concentration and Characterization of Colored Dissolved Organic Matter in the Surface Microlayer and Subsurface Water of the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea

The distribution and chemical properties of colored dissolved organic matter(CDOM) in the Yellow Sea and the East China Sea during December 2011-January 2012 were investigated. The input of freshwater and biological activities had an evident influence on the CDOM levels(characterized by the light absorption coefficient at the wavelength of 355 nm a_(355)) in the study area. The spatial distribution of CDOM levels displayed a gradually decreasing trend from the coastal waters(0.37 m^(-1)) to the open sea(0.18 m^(-1)). The spectral slope ratio(the slope ratio S_R defined as S_(275-295):S_(350-400)) during the cruise was correlated with salinity, and exhibited a large variation from inshore(average of 2.515) to offshore sites(average of 5.327) compared with the distribution of a_(355). The values of S_R were related to CDOM molecular weight(MW). The a_(355), S_R, and chlorophyll a in 37 samples collected from the surface microlayer were significantly correlated with those in the corresponding subsurface water samples, implying a strong exchange action between the microlayer and bulk water. The a_(355) and S_R of CDOM exhibited significant microlayer enrichment, with mean enrichment factors(EFs) of 1.72 and 1.62, respectively.