Origin of the Yueguang gold deposit in Xinhua, Hunan Province, South China: insights from fl uid inclusion and hydrogen–oxygen stable isotope analysis

The Yueguang gold deposit is located in Fengjia,Xinhua County,Hunan Province,South China.It represents a recently discovered small-scale gold deposit situated in the southwestern region of the Jiangnan Orogenic Belt,west of the Baimashan granitic batholith.In order to discern the characteristics of the ore-formingfluids,the underlying mineralization processes,and establish a foundation for the origin of the Yueguang gold depositfluid inclusion micro-thermometry,as well as quartz hydrogen and oxygen isotope analysis,have been carried out on samples obtained from various stages of mineralization.The hydrothermal miner-alization stages within the Yueguang gold deposit can be categorized into three stages:(i)the barren,pre-ore quartz-pyrite stage(Stage Ⅰ),the quartz-pyrite-gold stage(Stage Ⅱ),and the post-ore quartz-carbonate stage(Stage Ⅲ),with the second stage being the main mineralization stage.Thefluid inclusions identified in samples from the main min-eralization stage can predominantly be described with the NaCl–H_(2)O and CO_(2)–NaCl–H_(2)O systems.These inclusions display homogenization temperatures ranging from 158.8 to 334.9℃,and thefluid salinity ranges from 0.3%to 4.0%(wt.%NaCl equiv.).Laser Raman spectroscopy analysis of individual inclusions further reveals the presence of gas-phases such as CO_(2),CH_(4),and N_(2).Isotopic analysis indicatesδ^(18)Ofluid values ranging from 3.95 to 6.7‰ and δDH_(2)O values ranging from-71.9 to-55.7‰.These results indi-cate that the ore-formingfluid of the Yueguang gold deposit belongs to metamorphic hydrothermalfluids of middle-low temperature and low salinity.In the process of ore formation,gold is transported in the form of Au(HS)2-complexes,with gold deposition being driven byfluid immiscibility.Therefore,the Yueguang gold deposit is categorized as an orogenic gold deposit dominated by metamorphic hydrother-malfluid.It may become a new target for gold exploration in the Baimashan region,central Hunan Province.

The Pathogenic Characteristics of the Initial Three Mpox Cases in Hunan Province, China

Mpox virus (MPXV) belongs to the family Poxviridae,subfamily Chordopoxvirinae,and genus Orthopoxvirus,which also includes Variola virus(VARV),Cowpox virus (CPXV),and Vaccinia virus(VACV).Clinical symptoms of mpox are similar to smallpox but are relatively milder^([1]).MPXV was first isolated from crab-eating monkeys in the tropical rainforests of Africa in 1958^([2]).The first human case of MPXV infection was reported in the Congo in1970^([3]).Following the eradication of smallpox in1977,mpox has emerged as one of the prominent viral members of the Poxviridae family,significantly impacting public health^([4]),mainly prevalent in Central and West Africa.Starting from May 2022.

Re–Os and Pb isotope features of pyrite in the Shihangli graphite deposit:implications of coal-generated graphite mineralization in central Hunan,South China

The coal metamorphism in Central Hunan pro-vides valuable information about hydrothermal activity and water/rock reactions.Learning how to collect age data on hydrothermal fluid systems is necessary for understanding the history and genetic mechanisms of large-scale coal-generated graphite deposits.The Shihangli graphite deposit,formed by significant siliceous hydrothermal alteration,is the most distinctive in Central Hunan.Re–Os dating of pyrite from the Shihangli graphite deposit demonstrates that the coal-generated graphite mineraliza-tion age is-127.6±3.8 Ma.Based on in-situ mineral analysis,the hydrothermal pyrite in the Shihangli graphite deposit is mostly enriched in Sb,As,Au,W,Ag,Cu,Pb,and Zn.Based on the pyrite Re–Os isochron,the initial(^(187)Os/^(188)Os)values of pyrite were 1.03±0.24 and the Os(t)values varied from 571.8 to 755.1.Pyrite from the Shihangli graphite deposit comprises a Pb isotope composition similar to that of the Madiyi Formation bulk rock and stibnite from the Xikuangshan Sb deposit.Based on the Re–Os,Sr,S,and Pb isotopic compositions of sul-fides in the graphite and Sb deposits in Central Hunan,the Madiyi Formation was likely the primary source of ore-forming elements(Sb,Au,and As).The Re–Os and Pb isotope compositions of pyrite most likely reflect when large-scale fluid migration and coal-generated graphite mineralization occurred in Central Hunan.

The Shaping of Spatial Morphology by Water Systems in Traditional Villages in Southern Hunan, China and Its Mechanism of Action

The abundant water resources, rainy climate and dense water network had deeply influenced the formation and development of traditional villages in the southern Hunan region of China. This paper was adopted buffer zone analysis, categorical statistical analysis, vectorization analysis and data literature analysis, studied the shaping of traditional village site selection, plane form and internal spatial structure by water systems in southern Hunan, China, and the mechanism of their effects. The results showed that: 1) The shaping ability and mechanism of the traditional village water system in Xiangnan area on spatial morphology was mainly based on the function of the water system. 2) The layout and spatial morphology of traditional villages were deeply affected by the width, area and form of water systems in Xiangnan area. 3) Traditional villages gave more consideration to water systems with large watershed areas in site selection. 4) Water systems with small watershed areas generally had a greater impact on the internal structure of traditional villages.

Conodont Biostratigraphy of the Middle Cambrian through Lowermost Ordovician in Hunan, South China

Since 1985, samples with a total weight of more than 14,000 kg, mainly from three key sections in western and northwestern Hunan, South China, have been processed for conodonts. In strata older than the late Late Cambrian paraconodonts have proved useful for stratigraphic subdivision and correlation. Thirteen conodont zones are proposed in the Middle Cambrian through lowermost Ordovician. The correlation between these zones and those of North China, western U. S.A., western Newfoundland, Canada, and Iran is discussed. In ascending order, these 13 zones are as follows: The Gapparodus bisulcatus-Westergaardodina brevidens Zone, Shandongodus priscus-Hunanognathus tricuspidatus Zone, Westergaardodina quadrata Zone, Westergaardodina matsushitai-W. grandidens Zone, Westergaardodina lui-W. am Zone, Westergaardodina cf. calix-Prooneotodus rotundatus Zone, Proconodontus tenuiserratus Zone, Proconodontus Zone, Eoconodontus Zone, Cordylodus proavus Zone, Cordylodus intermedius Zone, Cordylodus lindstromi Zone, and Cordylodus angulatus Zone (lower part). The Westergaardodina lui-W. ani and Westergaardodina cf. calix-Prooneotodus rotundatus Zones replace the Westergaardodina proligula and Westergaardodina cf. behrae-Prooneotodus rotundatus Zones, respectively, in the lowermost Upper Cambrian. Two new species (Westergaardodina Iui and Westergaardodina ani) and one conditionally identified species (Westergaardodina cf. calix) are described.

New Bivalved Arthropods from the Cambrian(Series 3, Drumian Stage) of Western Hunan, South China

We report two new three-dimensionally phosphatized microfossils, Cambrolongispina reticulata gen. et sp. nov. and Cambrolongispina glabra gen. et sp. nov., from the middle Cambrian （Series 3, Drumian Stage） at Wangcun, Yongshun County, western Hunan, South China. They are bivalved arthropods, with thin, pliable, originally chitinous or chitin-calcareous shields （c. 350-517 I1 m long）. The shields are equipped with a pair of antero-dorsal spines. The spines are internally hollow, varying in length from 1/2 of to as long as the shield length in C. reticulata, and uniformly longer than the shield length in C. glabra. The spines of C. reticulata are ornamented with a longitudinal row of conical or blade-shaped denticles along the posterior edge. Cambrolongispina lacks marginal rims, valve lobation and sulci which are diagnostic of the Bradoriida sensu stricto. It also lacks a donblure/duplicature characteristic of phosphatocopids and some bradoriids. It could be related to the Monasteriidae （which may belong to Bradoriida sensu lato）, both characterized by a pair of antero-dorsal spines. Cambrolongispina may have been meiofaunai detritus feeders that lived on or within sediments. The antero-dorsal spines may have been sensory organs to detect nearby predators. The posterior denticles on these spines might have facilitated the sensory function of the spines.

Vestrogothia spinata(Phosphatocopina,Crustacea),Fossils of Orsten-type Preservation from the Upper Cambrian of Western Hunan,South China

Fossils of Orsten-type preservation represented by the crustacean Skaracarida and Phosphatocopida were found in western Hunan, South China in 2005, including the important phosphatocopid species Vestrogothia spinata based on exquisitely preserved soft-bodied specimens that allow the first growth stage to be reestablished. The taxonomy of Vestrogothia spinata is revised employing the character of a two-divided limb stem of the mandible. A new foundation for the phylogeny of the Phosphatocopina using mandible characters related to crustacean appendages is postulated. Vestrogothia spinata has only previously been found from Sweden.

A New Species of the Genus Tylototriton (Urodela: Salamandridae) from Northeastern Hunan Province, China

We describe a new species from the family Salamandridae from northeastern Hunan Province of China based on morphological and molecular genetic evidences.The new species,Tylototriton liuyangensis,is a member of the T.asperrimus group,and shares a number of similarities with T.wenxianensis and T.broadoridgus.The dorsal surface of the new Tylototriton species is completely black,with nodule-like warts distributed evenly along the lateral margin of dorsal body,and there is no transverse striae between the warts.There are several diagnostic characters of the new species that differ from those of T.wenxianensis and T.broadoridgus as follows：（1）the interorbital space（IOS）is comparatively wide;（2）there is a bony ridge present on the dorsal head surface,running along the upper eyelids;（3）the space between axilla and groin（AGS）is comparatively large,with the mean male AGS approximately equal to 50%of the snout-vent length（SVL）and the mean female AGS being 53%of SVL;and（4）there is a small genital armature on the anterior angle of labial folds present inside the anal fissure of adult males during the breeding season.The result from the molecular phylogenetic analysis of the genus Tylototriton（including the type specimen of the new species）based on the complete DNA sequence of the mitochondrial ND2 gene（1035 bp）indicated that the new species was similar to T.wenxianensis,T.dabienicus,and T.broadoridgus,but formed an independent clade.This result was consistent with the morphological analysis above,supporting that the Liuyang Population represented a distinct species.

Types of uranium deposits in central Zhuguang Mountains in Hunan Province,South China and their metallogenic regularity and prospecting directions

The central Zhuguang Mountains in Hunan Province is located at the junction of the three provinces,namely Hunan,Jiangxi,and Guangdong,where the famous Lujing uranium ore field lies.The uranium deposits occurring in this area are all granite-related and they can be divided into three types,namely endogranitic ones,perigranitic ones,and contact zone types.The endogranitic uranium deposits are mainly controlled by the structural alteration zones developing within granites,with fragmentation,hematitization,and alkali metasomatism as their main mineralization characteristics.The perigranitic uranium deposits are mainly produced in the carbonaceous,siliceous,and argillaceous composite layers of epimetamorphic rocks and are controlled by fractured zones formed due to interlayer compression.The contact zone type uranium deposits mainly occur in the contact parts between the granites and favorable horizons.They have developed in favorable sections where multiple sets of structures are combined and intersected.The main metallogenic regularities of uranium in the central Zhuguang Mountains are as follows.The basic conditions for the uranium mineralization in this area include the framework consisting of regional deep large faults and their associated multi-set multi-direction favorable metallogenic structures,multi-cycle and multi-stage uranium-rich rock masses,and uranium-rich folded basement.Meanwhile,the uranium deposits in this area are closely related to granites in terms of genesis and space and they are formed in different structural parts subject to the same metallization.Furthermore,based on the summary of the characteristics and regularities of uranium mineralization in this area,the controlling factors of different types of uranium deposits in the area were explored and six metallogenic target areas were predicted.All these will provide references for the exploration of uranium deposits in this area.

Ancient DNA unravels species identification from Laosicheng site,Hunan Province,China,and provides insights into maternal genetic history of East Asian leopards

DEAR EDITOR,The Laosicheng site in Yongshun County,Hunan Province,China,plays an important role in elucidating the animal population composition of the region prior to the middle Qing Dynasty(approximately 300 years ago).This site has yielded a substantial number of animal bones,11960 of which have been identified to the species level,serving as direct evidence of ancient animal populations(Hunan Provincial Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology,2018).

Rare earth element(REE) geochemistry of different colored fluorites from the Baoshan Cu–Pb–Zn deposit, Southern Hunan,South China

The Baoshan Cu–Pb–Zn deposit, located in the central part of the Qin–Hang belt in South China, is closely related to the granodiorite-porphyry. However, the characteristics and the source of the ore-forming fluid are still ubiquitous. According to the crosscutting relationships between veinlets and their mineral assemblages, three stages of hydrothermal mineralization in this deposit were previously distinguished. In this contribution, two different colored fluorites from the major sulfide mineralization stage are recognized:(1) green fluorites coexisting with Pb–Zn ores;and(2) violet fluorites coexisting with pyrite ores. Y/Ho ratios verify the green fluorites and violet fluorites were co-genetic. The fluorites display elevated(La/Yb)Nratios, which decrease from 1201 to 5710 for green fluorites to 689–1568 for violet fluorites, indicating that they precipitated at the early hydrothermal sulfide stage,and Pb–Zn ores crystallized earlier than pyrite ores. The similar Tb/La ratios of the fluorites also indicate that they precipitated at an early stage within a short time. From the green fluorites to violet fluorites, the total rare earth element(ΣREE)concentrationsdecreasefrom1052–1680 ppm to 148–350 ppm, indicating that the green fluorites precipitated from a more acidic fluid. The Eu/Eu*ratios increase from 0.17 to 0.30 for green fluorites to0.29–0.48 for violet fluorites, and the Ce/Ce* ratios decrease from 1.08–1.13 to 0.93–1.11, suggesting a gradual increase in oxygen fugacity(fO_(2)) and pH value of the mineralization fluid. Though the fluorites display similar REE patterns to the granodiorite-porphyry and limestone,the ΣREE concentrations of the fluorites are significantly higher than those of limestone and the granodiorite-porphyry, suggesting that an important undetected non-magmatic source is involved to provide sufficient REE for fluorites. The most plausible mechanism is fluid mixing between magma fluid and an undetected non-magmatic fluid.

Academic Workshop of China Society of Desert in the Geographical Society of China successfully held in Changsha, Hunan Province

From October 26th to 27th,2018,the Academic Workshop on Ecological Civilization and Green Development in Sandy Area,co-sponsored by China Society of Desert in the Geographical Society of China,Northwest Institute of Eco-Environment and Resources,Chinese Academy of Sciences(CAS),Key Laboratory of Desert and Desertification,CAS,Key Laboratory of Eco-hydrology of Inland River Basin,CAS,Shapotou Desert Research and Experiment Station,Naiman Desertification Research Station and Linze Inland River Basin Research Station,was successfully held in Changsha,Hunan Province.

A Lower Ordovician Carbonate Contourite Drift on the Margin of the South China Paleocontinent at Jiuxi,Northern Hunan

Carbonate contourite drift at Jiuxi. Taoyuan, northern Hunan, was developed in a deepwater area ofnorthern Hunan on the margin of the Early Ordovician South China palcocontinent. The Lower Ordoviciansequence in the area is more than 350 m thick and contains well-developed contourites that can be groupedinto the following five types: the calcilutitic, the arenitic, the siltitic. the fine ruditic and the bioclastic. Thefirst three often constitute a complete or incomplete contourite succession. The arenitic contourite is nearlyuniformly distributed as interlayers throughout the succession, creating a monotonously rhythmic texture inthe contourite drift. The pattern of spatial distribution of the succession shows that the contourite drift is ahuge ridge-like sedimentary body extending along the trend of paleoslope. Numerous marks of flow direc-tion have pointed to an eastward paleoflow direction along the slope.

Cambrian Fossil Embryos from Western Hunan,South China

The exquisitely preserved fossil embryos of Markuelia recovered from the limestones of the Middle Cambrian Haoqiao Formation and Upper Cambrian Bitiao formation in western Hunan, South China are described and illustrated in detail for the first time. A new species Markuelia elegans sp. nov. is established based mainly on embryos from the Upper Cambrian. A few of animal＇s resting eggs, which are comparable with those of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation, have been also found in the Upper Cambrian of western Hunan. The membrane of one egg from the uppermost Cambrian has been replaced by pyrite and the overgrowth of the pyrite crystals exhibits a unique inorganic pattern termed herein ＇Pseudoembryo＇. The taphonomic setting in deeper water with possible strong reducing conditions promoted the excellent preservation for the Markuelia specimens. The study of Markuelia provides not only constraint on the anatomy, affinity, embryonic development and phylogenetic significance of this wormlike animal and but also opens a new window onto the evolution and development of the earliest animals.

Study of Noble Metal Elements in Lower Cambrian Black Rock Series of Guizhou-Hunan Provinces, China

Systematic analyses of noble metal elements in the Lower Cambrian black rock series of South China are reported. Correlations of w (Os)/ w (Ir), w (Au)/ w (Ir), w (Ag)/ w (Au), w (Pt+Pd)/ w (Os+Ru+Rh+Ir), relations of noble metal and platinum group element (PGE) distribution patterns reveal that the noble metals are not directly from extraterrestrial materials. Studying the data of 9 aspects, the authors conclude that the noble metals were mainly from ultramafic mafic igneous rocks and their enrichment in black rocks is mainly controlled by hydrothermal fluid.

Characteristics of Shale Reservoir and Sweet Spot Identification of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation in Northwestern Hunan Province, China

The accumulation and productivity of shale gas are mainly controlled by the characteristics of shale reservoirs;study of these characteristics forms the basis for the shale gas exploitation of the Lower Cambrian Niutitang Formation(Fm),Southern China.In this study,core observation and lithology study were conducted along with X-ray diffraction(XRD)and electronic scanning microscopy(SEM)examinations and liquid nitrogen(N2)adsorption/desorption and CH4 isothermal adsorption experiments for several exploration wells in northwestern Hunan Province,China.The results show that one or two intervals with high-quality source rocks(TOC>2 wt%)were deposited in the deep-shelf facies.The source rocks,which were mainly composed of carbonaceous shales and siliceous shales,had high quartz contents(>40 wt%)and low clay mineral(<30 wt%,mainly illites)and carbonate mineral(<20 wt%)contents.The SEM observations and liquid nitrogen(N2)adsorption/desorption experiments showed that the shale is tight,and nanoscale pores and microscale fractures are well developed.BJH volume(VBJH)of shale ranged from 2.144×10^-3 to 20.07×10^-3 cm^3/g,with an average of 11.752×10^-3 cm3/g.Pores mainly consisted of opened and interconnected mesopores(2–50 nm in diameter)or macropores(>50 nm in diameter).The shale reservoir has strong adsorption capacity for CH4.The Langmuir volume(VL)varied from 1.63 to 7.39 cm^3/g,with an average of 3.95 cm^3/g.The characteristics of shale reservoir are controlled by several factors:(1)A deep muddy continental shelf is the most favorable environment for the development of shale reservoirs,which is controlled by the development of basic materials.(2)The storage capacity of the shale reservoir is positively related to the TOC contents and plastic minerals and negatively related to cement minerals.(3)High maturity or overmaturity leads to the growth of organic pores and microfractures,thereby improving the reservoir storage capacity.It can be deduced that the high percentage of residual gas in Niutitang Fm results from the strong reservoir storage capacity of adsorbed gas.Two layers of sweet spots with strong storage capacity of free gas,and they are characterized by the relatively high TOC contents ranging from 4 wt%to 8 wt%.

Ramp facies in an intracratonic basin:A case study from the Upper Devonian and Lower Carboniferous in central Hunan,southern China

Detailed studies on Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous carbonate rocks in central Hunan, southern China have led to the recognition of 25 lithofacies which can be grouped into： （I） inner ramp peritidal platform, （2） inner ramp organic hank and mound, （3） mid ramp, （4） outer ramp, and （5） shelf basin facies associations. The peritidal platform facies association dominates the Zimenqiao Formation （Namurian A or late Datangian） and is characterized by gypsum and dolostone-containing sequences, indicating a peritidal platform environment. The other four facies associations dominate the Menggongao Formation （late Famennian）, Liujiatang Formation （Tournaisian or Yangruanian）, Shidengzi Formations （early Visean or early Datangian）. Five upward-shallowing cycles were distinguished in these three Formations. The predominant facies associations developed in each Formation demonstrate an overall transgression-regression cycle in the Late Devonian to Early Carboniferous in central Hunan. The overall transgressive sequence was preserved in the Shaodong, Menggongao, and Liujiatang Formations, and the overall regressive sequence was preserved in the Liujiatang, Shidengzi, Ceshui and Zimenqiao Formations.

Emergy analysis of paddy farming in Hunan Province, China： A new perspective on sustainable development of agriculture

The multi-functionality of paddy farming has become a hot issue recently. Paddy farming provides numerous ecosystem services that are crucial to human well-being. However, evaluation of the contribution of paddy farming to human well-being usually focus on its economic value, while its non-market services are usually ignored. Only evaluating the market profits or market relative benefits cannot reflect comprehensively the contribution of paddy farming to people＇s well-being. This will affect people＇s choices for or against paddy farming activities and people＇s opt for invest or not invest in it. A comprehensive evaluation of paddy farming can provide an important reference for the government and society to conserve the multi-functionality of paddy farming and achieve sustainable development. To this end, this paper reports a case evaluation of paddy farming in Hunan, the largest rice producing as well as rice yield province in China, and uses emergy theory to make a comprehensive evaluation for paddy farming. The emergy evaluation results of the paddy ecosystem in Hunan are as follows： in 2010, the input emergy of the paddy ecosystem in Hunan is 2.51E＋22 sej and the output emergy is 6.31E＋22sej. For the input emergy, the part from natural resources is 1.96E＋21 sej and the part from human society is 2.32E＋22sej; for the output emergy, the part from products is 2.22E＋22 sej, the part from impositive externality is 4.16E＋22 sej and the part from negative externality is –7.41E＋20 sej. Taking the non-market outputs into consideration, the gains from the human economic society＇s 1 $ input in paddy farming, emergy sustainability index（ESI） and emergy profit rate are respectively 2.73 $, 3.53 and 151.31%. If the evaluation leave out the non-market output, the three indexes are only 0.96 $,1.24 and 30.67%. The research results show that non-market services of paddy farming contribute significantly to human well-being. Therefore, in order to protect the multi-functionality of paddy farming and achieve the sustainable management,the government should take reasonable measures and make incentive plans.

A new cave-dwelling blind loach, Triplophysa erythraea sp. nov.(Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae), from Hunan Province, China

DEAR EDITOR, A new blind loach species, Triplophysa erythraea sp. nov., from a karst cave in Hunan Province, central south China, is described based on morphology and cyt b gene sequencing. It can be distinguished from other species of Triplophysa by the following combi nation of characters: eyes absent;body scaleless and colorless;caudal-fin 17;maxillary barbel Ion gest;fins tran sparent, compressed pectoral-fin reachi ng 2/3 distanee between pectoral-fin and pelvic-fin origins;pelvicfin and dorsal-fin origins relative;posterior chamber of airbladder well developed, Iong, oval, and dissociative.

Forest height mapping using inventory and multi-source satellite data over Hunan Province in southern China

Background:Accurate mapping of forest canopy heights at a fine spatial resolution over large geographical areas is challenging.It is essential for the estimation of forest aboveground biomass and the evaluation of forest ecosystems.Yet current regional to national scale forest height maps were mainly produced at coarse-scale.Such maps lack spatial details for decision-making at local scales.Recent advances in remote sensing provide great opportunities to fill this gap.Method:In this study,we evaluated the utility of multi-source satellite data for mapping forest heights over Hunan Province in China.A total of 523 plot data collected from 2017 to 2018 were utilized for calibration and validation of forest height models.Specifically,the relationships between three types of in-situ measured tree heights(maximum-,averaged-,and basal area-weighted-tree heights)and plot-level remote sensing metrics(multispectral,radar,and topo variables from Landsat,Sentinel-1/PALSAR-2,and SRTM)were analyzed.Three types of models(multilinear regression,random forest,and support vector regression)were evaluated.Feature variables were selected by two types of variable selection approaches(stepwise regression and random forest).Model parameters and model performances for different models were tuned and evaluated via a 10-fold cross-validation approach.Then,tuned models were applied to generate wall-to-wall forest height maps for Hunan Province.Results:The best estimation of plot-level tree heights(R2 ranged from 0.47 to 0.52,RMSE ranged from 3.8 to 5.3 m,and rRMSE ranged from 28%to 31%)was achieved using the random forest model.A comparison with existing forest height maps showed similar estimates of mean height,however,the ranges varied under different definitions of forest and types of tree height.Conclusions:Primary results indicate that there are small biases in estimated heights at the province scale.This study provides a framework toward establishing regional to national scale maps of vertical forest structure.