Method to measure tree-ring width,density,elemental composition,and stable carbon and oxygen isotopes using one sample

Tree-ring width(RW),density,elemental com-position,and stable carbon and oxygen isotope(δ^(13)C,δ^(18)O)are widely used as proxies to assess climate change,ecology,and environmental pollution;however,a specific pretreat-ment has been needed for each proxy.Here,we developed a method by which each proxy can be measured in the same sample.First,the sample is polished for ring width meas-urement.After obtaining the ring width data,the sample is cut to form a 1-mm-thick wood plate.The sample is then mounted in a vertical sample holder,and gradually scanned by an X-ray beam.Simultaneously,the count rates of the fluorescent photons of elements(for chemical characteriza-tion)and a radiographic grayscale image(for wood density)are obtained,i.e.the density and the element content are obtained.Then,cellulose is isolated from the 1-mm wood plate by removal of lignin,and hemicellulose.After producing this cellulose plate,cellulose subsamples are separated by knife under the microscope for inter-annual and intra-annual stable carbon and oxygen isotope(δ^(13)C,δ^(18)O)analysis.Based on this method,RW,density,elemental composition,δ^(13)C,and δ^(18)O can be measured from the same sample,which reduces sample amount and treatment time,and is helpful for multi-proxy comparison and combination research.

Distribution and sources of sedimentary organic matter in different aquaculture areas of northeastern Zhanjiang Bay using stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes

Zhanjiang Bay is a major aquaculture area in China with many types of mariculture products(such as oysters,fish,and shrimp).The culture area and shrimp output in Zhanjiang Bay are ranked first in China.We investigated the total organic carbon(TOC),total nitrogen(TN),TOC/TN ratio,and stable isotopes(δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N) of the fish and shrimp feed,fish and shrimp feces,and sedimentary organic matter(SOM) in and around different aquaculture areas of northeastern Zhanjiang B ay to study the impact of aquaculture activities on SOM.The average TOC contents of fish and shrimp feed were 39.20%±0.91% and 39.29%±0.21%,respectively.The average TOC content in the surface sediments of the oyster culture area,the mixed(fish and shrimp) culture area,and the cage fish farm area were 0.66%,0.88%±0.10%,and 0.58%±0.19%,respectively,which may indicate that mixed culture had a greater impact on SOM.The relatively high TOC and TN contents and relatively low TOC/TN ratios,and δ^(15)N values in the upper layer of the core sediment in the mixed culture area could also support the significant influence of mixed culture.The average δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values of fish and shrimp feed were -20.6‰±2.2‰ and 1.8‰±1.2‰,respectively,which were different from the isotopic values of SOM in the study area.δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values for SOM in different aquaculture areas were different from those of nearby reference stations,probably reflecting the influence of aquaculture.The δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values in the oyster culture area(-25.9‰ and6.0‰,respectively) seemed to have reduced δ^(13)C and enriched δ^(15)N relative to those of the reference station(-24.6‰ and 5.8‰,respectively).This may reflect the influence of organic matter on oyster culture.The δ^(15)N value of the station in the mixed culture area(7.1‰±0.4‰) seemed to be relatively enriched in δ^(15)N relative to that of the reference station(6.6‰).Sedimentation and the subsequent degradation of organic matter from mixed cultures may have contributed to this phenomenon.The surface sediment at the cage fish farm area seemed to be affected by fish feces and primary production based on the indication of δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values.The sediment core at the mixed culture region(NS6) had lower TOC/TN ratios and more positive δ^(13)C and δ^(15)N values than the sediment core at the oyster culture area,suggesting a higher proportionate contribution of marine organic matter in the mixed culture area.In summary,oyster culture,mixed culture,and cage fish culture in northeastern Zhanjiang Bay had a certain degree of impact on SOM,and mixed culture had more significant influences on SOM based on the high TOC contents and the significant vertical variations of TOC/TN ratio and δ^(15)N value in the sediment of this area.This study provides new insights into the impact of aquaculture activities on SOM content.

Rising utilization of stable isotopes in tree rings for climate change and forest ecology

Analyses of stable isotopes(C,O,H)in tree rings are increasingly important cross-disciplinary programs.The rapid development in this field documented in an increasing number of publications requires a comprehensive review.This study includes a bibliometric analysis-based review to better understand research trends in tree ring stable isotope research.Overall,1475 publications were selected from the Web of Science Core Collection for 1974-2023.The findings are that:(1)numbers of annual publications and citations increased since 1974.From 1974 to 1980,there were around two relevant publications per year.However,from 2020 to 2022,this rose sharply to 109 publications per year.Likewise,average article citations were less than four per year before 1990,but were around four per article per year after 2000;(2)the major subjects using tree ring stable isotopes include forestry,geosciences,and environmental sciences,contributing to 42.5%of the total during 1974-2023;(3)the top three most productive institutions are the Chinese Academy of Sciences(423),the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest,Snow and Landscape Research(227),and the University of Arizona(204).These achievements result from strong collaborations;(4)review papers,for example,(Dawson et al.,Annu Rev Ecol Syst 33:507-559,2002)and(McCarroll and Loader,Quat Sci Rev 23:771-801,2004),are among the most cited,with more than 1000 citations;(5)tree ring stable isotope studies mainly focus on climatology and ecology,with atmospheric CO_(2) one of the most popular topics.Since 2010,precipitation and drought have received increasing attention.Based on this analysis,the research stages,key findings,debated issues,limitations and direc-tions for future research are summarized.This study serves as an important attempt to understand the progress on the use of stable isotopes in tree rings,providing scientific guid-ance for young researchers in this field.

Assimilation of carbonate country rock by the parent magma of the Panzhihua Fe-Ti-V deposit(SW China):Evidence from stable isotopes

The Panzhihua intrusion in southwest China is part of the Emeishan Large Igneous Province and host of a large Fe-Ti-V ore deposit.During emplacement of the main intrusion,multiple generations of mafic dykes invaded carbonate wall rocks,producing a large contact aureole.We measured the oxygen-isotope composition of the intrusions,their constituent minerals,and samples of the country rock.Magnetite and plagioclase from Panzhihua intrusion haveδ18O values that are consistent with magmatic equilibrium, and formed from magmas withδ18O values that were 1-2‰higher than expected in a mantle-derived magma.The unmetamorphosed country rock has highδ18O values,ranging from 13.2‰（sandstone） to 24.6-28.6‰（dolomite）.The skarns and marbles from the aureole have lowerδ18O andδ13C values than their protolith suggesting interaction with fluids that were in exchange equilibrium with the adjacent mafic magmas and especially the numerous mafic dykes that intruded the aureole.This would explain the alteration ofδ18O of the dykes which have significantly higher values than expected for a mantle-derived magma.Depending on the exactδ18O values assumed for the magma and contaminant, the amount of assimilation required to produce the elevatedδ18O value of the Panzhihua intrusion was between 8 and 13.7 wt.%,assuming simple mixing.The exact mechanism of contamination is unclear but may involve a combination of assimilation of bulk country rock,mixing with a melt of the country rock and exchange with CO2-rich fluid derived from decarbonation of the marls and dolomites.These mechanisms,particularly the latter,were probably involved in the formation of the Fe-Ti-V ores.

Effects of thinning and understory removal on water use efficiency of Pinus massoniana:evidence from photosynthetic capacity and stable carbon isotope analyses

Understanding the relationship between forest management and water use efficiency(WUE)is important for evaluating forest adaptability to climate change.However,the effects of thinning and understory removal on WUE and its key controlling processes are not well understood,which limits our comprehension of the physiological mechanisms of various management practices.In this study,four forest management measures(no thinning:NT;understory removal:UR;light thinning:LT;and heavy thinning:HT)were carried out in Pinus massoniana plantations in a subtropical region of China.Photosynthetic capacity and needle stable carbon isotope composition(δ^(13)C)were measured to assess instantaneous water use efficiency(WUE_(inst))and long-term water use efficiency(WUE_(i)).Multiple regression models and structural equation modelling(SEM)identified the effects of soil properties and physiological performances on WUE_(inst)and WUE_(i).The results show that WUE_(inst)values among the four treatments were insignificant.However,compared with the NT stand(35.8μmol·mol^(-1)),WUE_(i)values significantly increased to 41.7μmol·mol^(-1)in the UR,50.1μmol·mol^(-1)in the LT and 46.6μmol·mol^(-1)in HT treatments,largely explained by photosynthetic capacity and soil water content.Understory removal did not change physiological performance(needle water potential and photosynthetic capacity).Thinning increased the net photosynthetic rate(A_n)but not stomatal conductance(g_s)or predawn needle water potential(ψ_(pd)),implying that the improvement in water use efficiency for thinned stands was largely driven by radiation interception than by soil water availability.In general,thinning may be an appropriate management measure to promote P.massoniana WUE to cope with seasonal droughts under future extreme climates.

Tracing the Deep Carbon Cycle Using Metal Stable Isotopes: Opportunities and Challenges

The subduction of marine carbonates and carbonated oceanic crust to the Earth’s interior and the return of recycled carbon to the surface via volcanism may play a pivotal role in governing Earth’s atmosphere, climate, and biosphere over geologic time. Identifying recycled marine carbonates and evaluating their fluxes in Earth’s mantle are essential in order to obtain a complete understanding of the global deep carbon cycle (DCC). Here, we review recent advances in tracing the DCC using stable isotopes of divalent metals such as calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and zinc (Zn). The three isotope systematics show great capability as tracers due to appreciable isotope differences between marine carbonate and the terrestrial mantle. Recent studies have observed anomalies of Ca, Mg, and Zn isotopes in basalts worldwide, which have been interpreted as evidence for the recycling of carbonates into the mantle, even into the mantle transition zone (410–660 km). Nevertheless, considerable challenges in determining the DCC remain because other processes can potentially fractionate isotopes in the same direction as expected for carbonate recycling;these processes include partial melting, recycling of carbonated eclogite, separation of metals and carbon, and diffusion. Discriminating between these effects has become a key issue in the study of the DCC and must be considered when interpreting any isotope anomaly of mantle-derived rocks. An ongoing evaluation on the plausibility of potential mechanisms and possible solutions for these challenges is discussed in detail in this work. Based on a comprehensive evaluation, we conclude that the large-scale Mg and Zn isotope anomalies of the Eastern China basalts were produced by recycling of Mg- and Zn-rich carbonates into their mantle source.

Effects of pretreatment procedures on fatty acid composition and stable carbon isotopes in the marine microalga Isochrysis zhanjiangenisis

This study aims to quantify the effects of different pretreatment methods on the stable carbon isotope values of fatty acids in marine microalgae（Isochrysis zhanjiangenisis）.To identify the effects of sample preparation on theδ^（13）C value and the fatty acid composition,we examined eight types of pretreatment methods including：（a） drying the sample followed by direct methyl esterification using HCl-CH3OH;（b） drying the sample followed by direct methyl esterification using H2SO4-CH3OH;（c） drying the sample by ultrasonic extraction and methylesterification using HCl-CH3OH;（d） drying the sample by ultrasonic extraction and methyl-esterification using H2SO4-CH3OH;（e） fresh sample followed by direct methyl-esterification using HCl-CH3OH;（f） fresh sample followed by direct methyl-esterification using H2SO4-CH3OH;（g） fresh sample with ultrasonic extraction followed by methyl-esterification using HCl-CH3OH,and（h） fresh sample with ultrasonic extraction followed by methylesterification using H2SO4-CH3 OH.The results show that the δ^（13）C values from Groups a-e,g and h fluctuated within 0.3‰,and the δ^（13）C values of Group f were approximately 0.7‰ lower than the other seven groups.Therefore,the different sample pretreatment methods used towards the extraction of fatty acids from marine microalgae may result in different results regarding the stable carbon isotope ratios,and if necessary a correction should be applied.

Identifying the sources of organic matter in marine and riverine sediments of Bohai Bay and its catchment using carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes

Carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes are useful tracers for distinguishing marine and terrestrial plant sources of sedimentary organic matter(OM),and for identifying OM from different types of plants.By analyzing the carbon and nitrogen stable isotopes of marine and riverine sediments from Bohai Bay and its catchment,we were able to identify the source of OM in these sediments.The stable carbon isotope values of Bohai Bay sediments were between-22.94‰ and-23.90‰,while those of riverine sediments were from-24.45‰ to-32.50‰.Marine algae were the main source of OM in Bohai Bay sediments.However,lacustrine algae were the main source of riverine sediments,not terrestrial OM.The nitrogen isotopes in Bohai Bay sediments decreased in eastward direction,with increasing distance from the coastline,which suggested a higher degree of impact from human activities along the coast.

Stable Carbon and Oxygen Isotopes of Pedogenic Carbonates in Ustic Vertisols: Implications for Paleoenvironmental Change

Pedogenic carbonates, found extensively in arid and semiarid regions, are important in revealing regional climatic and environmental changes as well as the carbon cycle. In addition, stable carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions of pedogenic carbonates have been used to rebuild paleoecology (biomass and vegetation) and to estimate paleotemperature and paleoprecipitation during past geological time. By utilizing the stable carbon and oxygen isotopic compositions (δ13C and (δ18O) of secondary nodules in Ustic Vertisols, this study looked into the climatic and environmental changes in the dry valleys of the Yuanmou Basin, Yunnan Province, in southwestern China. The results showed that during the early Holocene, a warm-humid or hot-humid climate existed in the Yuanmou Basin, but since then fluctuations in climate have occurred, with a dry climate prevailing. A highly significant correlation (r = 0.92, n = 9) between δ13C and δ18O values of carbonates illustrated that there had been a continual shifting between cold-humid and warm-dry climates in southwestern China including the Yuanmou Basin since the early Holocene.

Quantification of irrigation water transport processes in ZiZiphus jujuba garden using water stable isotopes

ZiZiphus jujuba,which is native to China,has become one of the main crops widely planted in the western Loess Plateau because of its drought and flood-tolerance,adaptability,and higher nutritional value of the fruit.The irrigation water infiltration in Z.jujuba gardens is complex,and understanding its mechanisms is essential for efficient water use and sustainable agriculture.This knowledge helps ensure the long-term success of jujuba cultivation.This paper describes a field experiment that investigates the infiltration process of irrigation water from Z.jujuba garden and quantifies the contribution of irrigation water to soil water at different depths using the MixSIAR model.According to the FC(Field water holding Capacity)of Z.jujuba,irrigation experiments with three volumes of 80%FC,60%FC,and 40%FC are set up in this study.The study finds that water retention is better in Z.jujuba garden soils with a higher proportion of coarse gravel in the soil particle composition.Soil water content exhibits a gradient change after irrigation,with deeper wetting front transport depth observed with increased irrigation water.Additionally,there is correlation between soil temperature and soil water content.The soil water in Z.jujuba garden generally exhibits a preferential flow signal in the 0-40 cm range.Below 40 cm,a piston flow pattern dominates.The rate of soil water infiltration increases with the amount of irrigation water.In the 0-40 cm range of the soil vertical profile,irrigation water was the main contributor to soil water.Z.jujuba demonstrated flexibility in water uptake,primarily absorbing soil water at depths of 0-40 cm.For optimal growth of Z.jujuba at this stage,40%FC irrigation is recommended.The results are expected to be valuable future irrigation practices and land use planning for Z.jujuba garden in arid zones,supporting sustainable agricultural development and water management.

Variation characteristics of stable isotopes in atmospheric precipitation in Adelaide,Australia

Background,aim,and scope Stable isotope in water could respond sensitively to the variation of environment and be reserved in different geological archives,although they are scarce in the environment.And the methods derived from the stable isotope composition of water have been widely applied in researches on hydrometeorology,weather diagnosis,and paleoclimate reconstruction,which help well for understanding the water-cycle processes in one region.Here,it is aimed to explore the temporal changes of stable isotopes in precipitation from Adelaide,Australia and determine the influencing factors at different timescales.Materials and methods Based on the isotopic data of daily precipitation over four years collected in Adelaide,Australia,the variation characteristics of dailyδD,δ^(18)O,and dexcess in precipitation and its relationship with meteorological elements were analyzed.Results The results demonstrated the local meteoric water line(LMWL)in Adelaide,wasδD=6.38×δ^(18)O+6.68,with a gradient less than 8.There is a significant negative correlation between dailyδ^(18)O and precipitation amount or relative humidity at daily timescales in both the whole year and wither/summerhalf year(p<0.001),but a significant positive correlation between dailyδ^(18)O and temperature in the whole year and the winter half-year(p<0.001).Discussion The correlation coefficients betweenδ^(18)O and daily mean temperature didn’t show a significant positive correlation,which may be attributed to that the precipitation in Adelaide area in January was mainly influenced by strong convective weather,and the stable isotope values in precipitation were significantly negative.Furthermore,this propose was also evidenced by the results from dexcess of precipitation with larger value in the winter half-year than that in the summer half-year,which may be resulted from the precipitation events in winter are mostly influenced by oceanic water vapor,while the sources of water vapor in summer precipitation events are more complicated and influenced by strong convective weather.On the other hand,the slope and intercept of theδ^(18)O—P regression lines in the summer months(-0.41 and 0.50‰)are larger and smaller than those in the winter months(-0.22 and-2.15‰),respectively,indicating that the precipitation stable isotopes have a relatively stronger rainout effect in the summer months than in the winter months.Besides,the measured values ofδ^(18)O in daily precipitation have a good linear relationship with our simulated values ofδ^(18)O,demonstrating the established regression model could provide a reliable simulation for theδ^(18)O values in daily precipitation in Adelaide area.It’s worth noting that the precipitation events with low precipitation amount,low relative humidity and high temperature,usually had relatively small slope and intercept of MWL,implying that raindrops may be strongly affected by sub-cloud secondary evaporation in the falling process.Conclusions The variation ofδ^(18)O in daily precipitation from Adelaide region was controlled by different factors at different timescales.And the water vapor sources and the meteorological conditions of precipitation events(such as the degree of sub-cloud secondary evaporation)also played an important role on the variation ofδ^(18)O.Recommendations and perspectives Stable isotope in daily precipitation can provide more accurate information about water-cycle and atmosphere circulation,it is therefore necessary to continue to collect and analyze daily-scale precipitation data over a longer time span.The results of this study will provide the basis for the fields of hydrometeorology,meteorological diagnosis and paleoclimate reconstruction in Adelaide,Australia.

Origin of the Dashuigou independent tellurium deposit at Qinghai–Xizang Plateau: constraints from the light stable isotopes C, O, and H

By studying the light isotopic compositions of carbon,oxygen,and hydrogen,combined with previous research results on the ore-forming source of the deposit,the authors try to uncover its metallogenic origin.The δ^(18)O and δ^(13)C isotope signatures of dolomite samples vary between 10.2 and 13.0‰,and between−7.2 and−5.2‰,respectively,implying that the carbon derives from the upper mantle.δD and δ^(18) O of quartz,biotite,and muscovite from diff erent ore veins of the deposit vary between−82 and−59‰,and between 11.6 and 12.4‰,respectively,implying that the metallogenic solutions are mainly magmatic.According to the relevant research results of many isotope geologists,the fractionation degree of hydrogen isotopes increases as the depth to the Earth’s core increases,and the more diff erentiated the hydrogen isotopes are,the lower their values will be.In other words,mantle-derived solutions can have extremely low hydrogen isotope values.This means that the δD‰ value−134 of the pyrrhotite sample numbered SD-34 in this article may indicate mantle-derived oreforming fl uid of the deposit.The formation of the Dashuigou tellurium deposit occurred between 91.71 and 80.19 Ma.

A preliminary study on benthos food web structure oftidal zone in the Laoshan Bay by using stable carbon isotopes

By anayses of carbon isotopic composition (δ13C values) of the benthos collected in the Laoshan Bay in August 1993 and February and May 1994, it is found that the main food sources of the benthos can be divided into four groups in terms of carbon isotope composition: Particulate Organic Matter (POM), benthic diatoms, benthic macroalgae and the organic matter in sediments. The results show that the carbon isotopic composition of the benthic animals has a close relation with that of the food they take in. The Carbon isotopic compositions of benthos may be useful in elucidating their food sources. The carbon isotopic data have confirmed that POM is the main food source of the benthic filter feeders such as bivalves; crustaceans have a wide range of δ13C values, showing their food source has diversity; benthic diatoms are an important fraction of the food for most of gastropods. A preliminary investigation of the benthic-pelagic coupling in that region using the stable carban isotopic tracers has confirmed the importance of POM as a food source for benthos in this region, but the organic matter in sediments and benthic diatoms are also relatively important for a lot of benthic animals. The benthic-pelagic coupling in the Laoshan Bay temperate ecosystem is not so tight as that in ecosystems at higher latitudes such as northeastern water polynya.

Analysis of carbon and oxygen stable isotopes in carbonate rocks by the laser micro-sampling technique

The analysis of stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen in different carbonate rocks by the phosphoric acid method is not easier than that by the laser sampling method developed in recent years, which optically focuses laser beams with sufficient energy on a micro area of a thin section in a vacuum sample box via microscope. CO 2 produced by heating decomposition of carbonate was purified by the vacuum system, and the stable isotopic values of carbon and oxygen were calculated and analyzed on a mass spectrometer. This paper adopted the laser micro-sampling technique to analyze the stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen in dolomite, carbonate cement, stromatolite and different forms of dawsonite (donbassite). Results indicated that the laser micro-sampling method is effective in analyzing carbonate composition and could be a convincing proof for justification on carbonate composition analysis.

Stable Isotopes and Halogen Geochemistry of the Huayuan Carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn Ore District, South China: Implications for the Salt Source of Ore-forming Fluids

The Huayuan Pb-Zn ore district in China,located in western Hunan Province,is a giant carbonate-hosted Pb-Zn ore district.The source of ore-forming brines in this ore district remains poorly constrained.Whether the highly saline brines are derived from evaporated seawater or dissolved evaporates continues to be intensely debated.Carbonate minerals associated with Pb-Zn mineralization haveδ^(13)CV-PDB andδ^(18)OV-SMOW values ranging from−5.55‰to+1.35‰(mean value of−0.69‰;n=14)and+16.28‰to+25.05‰(mean value of+20.22‰;n=14),respectively.This indicates that carbonate minerals are dominantly formed from dissolved ore-hosted carbonate rocks.Theδ^(34)S values of sulfides range from+20.2‰to+36.8‰,with an average value of+30.0‰(n=27).These results suggest that sulfur is predominantly derived from the thermochemical sulfate reduction of marine sulfate.The crush-leach analyzed solute data of fluid inclusions in sphalerite show the ore-forming fluids have Cl/Br molar ratios range from 118 to 384,and Na/Br molar ratios from 39 to 160(n=8).These Cl/Br ratios of hydrothermal fluid are much lower than those of seawater(657 to 564),but are consistent with bittern brines through early halite precipitation.We propose that ore-forming fluids are mainly derived from evaporitic basin brines,which leached base metals from the basement and/or country rocks.The brine then migrated to the basin margins through clastic rocks of basement and then precipitated sulfides by thermochemical sulfate reduction.

Changes in the Activities of C4 Pathway Enzymes and Stable Carbon Isotope Discrimination in Flag Leaves of Super High-yield Hybrid Rice

Activities of several key enzymes of C-4 photosynthesis pathway and stable carbon isotope discrimination were investigated in flag leaves of a super high-yield hybrid rice (Oryza sativa L.) cv. Peiai 64S/E32 and a traditional hybrid rice cv. Shanyou 63 at different developing stages. Results show that the activity of PEP carboxylase (PEPCase) increased with age of flag leave; the activity of NADP-malate dehydrogenase (NADP-MDH) increased and reached to a peak value at grain filling stage (68-75 d after transplanting), then fell down; the activity of NADP-MDH in cv. Peiai 64S/E32 was much higher than that in cv. Shanyou 63. Before ripening stage (95 d after transplanting), NADP-malic enzyme activity rose gradually. The level of stable carbon isotope discrimination (Delta(13)C) in flag leaves and grains at different developing stages were similar and exhibited a comparative high value at ripening stage. The average Delta(13)C in leaf of cv. Peiai 64S/E32 during different developing stages was 0.43parts per thousand more than that in cv. Shanyou 63.

Stable isotopic composition of riverine dissolved inorganic carbon of the Xijiang River Inner Estuary

For researching the spatio-temporal variation of the stable isotopic composition of the riverine dissolved inorganic carbon（DIC）,we had carried out a survey throughout the hydrologic year during which theδ^13CDIC of the surface water and its physicochemical parameter were examined along the Xijiang River Inner Estuarine waterway from September 2006 to June 2007.There was a striking seasonal variation on the averageδ^13CDIC,as the averageδ^13CDIC in summer（-13.91‰）or autumn（-13.09‰）was much less than those in spring（-11.71‰）or winter（-12.26‰）.The riverineδ13C DIC was controlled by decomposed condition of the riverine organic matter linking the seasonal variation of the physicochemical parameter in the surface water according to the correlation analysis which indicated notable relations betweenδ^13CDIC and water temperature（p=0.000;r=-0.569）or betweenδ^13CDIC and oxide-reduction potential（p=0.000;r=0.646）.The striking positive correlation between δ^13CDIC and the sampling distance happened in the summer rainy season,while striking negative correlation happened in the spring dry season,indicating that river-sea interaction influenced water physicochemical parameters and controlled the riverine DIC property in the survey waterway.In view of the riverineδ^13CDIC decreasing for the decomposition of the terrestrial organic matter in the rainy season in summer and increasing for the briny invaded zone extending in the spring dry season along the waterway from the Makou gauging station to the Modaomen outlet,theδ^13CDIC spatio-temporal variation was closely related to the geographical environment of the Xijiang drainage basin.

Stable Carbon Isotope Geochemical and Hydrochemical Features in the System of Carbonate-H_2O-CO_2 and Their Implications—Evidence from Several Typical Karst Areas of China

On the basis of hydrochemical observation and experimental calculation, the features of stable carbon isotope geochemistry in the karst dynamic systems of the Guilin Karst Experimental Site, Huanglong Ravine and Wujiangdu Dam Site are summarized in this study. Furthermore, an attempt has been made to solve several geochemical problems, such as the origin of CO2 in the system, kinetic fractionation of carbon isotopes during calcite deposition, hydrochemistry and formation of tufa, and carbon-14 dating of tufa of hydrothermal origin. The results show that three kinds of karst dynamic system can be distinguished: (1) the shallow system, such as the Guilin Karst Experimental Site, in which soil CO2 provides the an active agent for karst processes; (2) the geothermal system, such as the Huanglong Ravine, in which metamorphic or/ and juvenile CO, is the source of activity for karst; (3) the anthropogenic system, such as the Wujiangdu Dam Site, in which the stable carbon isotope geochemical and hydrochemical features have been greatly affected by human activity.

Stable Carbon Isotopic Composition of Black Carbon in Surface Soil as a Proxy for Reconstructing Vegetation on the Northern Slope of the Qinling Mountains

Because of the unique geographical location and important ecological effect of the Qinling Mountains, reconstruction of its vegetation and climate needs comprehensive research. We need to consider a multiple-proxy approach to gain more information on recovering the paleovegetation and climate in the Qinling Mountains. Black carbon （BC） is produced by the incomplete combustion of vegetation and fossil fuels, and is a good proxy, recording paleoenvironmental information. However, in the Qinling Mountains, what are the characteristics of the BC, and whether BC stable carbon isotope （δ^13CBc） can be used as a new proxy to study ancient vegetation, still need further study. In order to establish a sound basis for studying paleoenvironmental by BC proxy in the Qinling Mountains, we carried out systematic and detailed study on modern process of BC on the northern slope of the mountains. We analyzed stable carbon isotopes and carbon concentration of organic carbon （% SOC, δ^13Csoc） and BC （%BC, δ^13CBc）, and identified the pollen assemblages from systematically sampled surface soil. The results show that the calculated ratio of C4 plants in the vegetation （%C4） based on the δ13Csoc data reflects a similar distribution of C4 plants in the surface vegetation and the pollen assemblage. The δ^13Cac values have a strong positive correlation with δ13Csoc values, and their difference （△13CSOC-BC） is in the low range. These data indicate that δ^13CBC and δ^13CSOC have very similar characteristics. Surface soil δ13BC values can indicate surface vegetation as effectively as δ^13Csoc values, and the δ^13CBC proxy can be used effectively in paleovegetational research in the northern slope of Qinling Mountains.

Sedimentary Records of Mangrove Evolution During the Past one Hundred Years Based on Stable Carbon Isotope and Pollen Evidences in Maowei, SW China

Mangroves accumulate sedimentary sequences, where cores can provide historical records of mangrove evolution with past climate change and human activity. The study traced the history of mangrove evolution during the past one hundred years in a mangrove swamp of Maowei Sea, SW China. The sedimentation rates(0.38-0.95 cm yr^(-1)) were calculated on the basis of ln(^(210)Pb_(xs)/Al) and mass depth in the core sediments. Chemical tracers, such as δ^(13)C_(org) and C:N values, were utilized to trace the contribution of mangrove-derived organic matter using a ternary mixing model. Because of potential diagenetic alteration and / or overlap in the isotopic signatures of different components, simultaneous use of mangrove pollen diagrams can help to supplement some of these limitations. Combined with mangrove pollen, mangrove evolution was reconstructed and could be divided into three stages: flourishment(1886-1905 AD), slight degradation(1905-1949 AD) and rapid degradation period(1949-2007 AD), which was consistent with previous reports. The reclamation of mangrove swamps to shrimp ponds was the major reason for rapid degradation of mangrove ecosystems in recent years, rather than climate change in the region.