On tectonic movement in the South China Sea during the Cenozoic

The tectonic movement taking place at the end of Cretaceous and the beginning of Cenozoic had opened the Cenozoic phase of polycyclic tectonic movements,then the whole crust of the South China Sea had been mainly subjected to the regional stress field of tectonic tension,which was characterized by rifting depression.Seven times of regional tectonic movement and sedimentation had been assembled into a geological development history of polycyclic oscillation.Especially,the tectonic movements were strongly intensified at the end of Cretacious and the beginning of Paleagene,between Late Eocene and Mid-Oligocene,during Mid-and Late Miocene.These three times of tectonic movement had built the most important regional tectonic interfaces in the South China Sea.Crust movements of the South China Sea were the result and epitome of interaction of the Eurasia,Pacific and Indo-Australia plates,that is,they were introduced by polycyclic changes of directions,rates and strengths of lithospheric movements and asthenospheric flows across the Pacific and Indo-Australia plates.

Present-day tectonic movement in the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) plateau as revealed by earthquake activity

Characteristics of present-day tectonic movement in the northeastern margin of Qinghai-Xizang plateau (Tibetan) are studied based on earthquake data. Evidence of earthquake activity shows that junctures between blocks in this area consist of complicated deformation zones. Between the Gansu-Qinghai block and Alxa block there is a broad compressive deformation zone, which turns essentially to be a network-like deformation region to the southeast. The Liupanshan region, where the Gansu-Qinghai block contacts the Ordos block, is suffering from NE-SW compressive deformation. Junction zone between the Ordos and Alxa block is a shear zone with sections of variable trend. The northwestern and southeastern marginal region of the Ordos is under NNW-SSE extension. The above characteristics of present-day tectonic deformation of the northeastern Qinghai-Xizang plateau may be attributed to the northeastward squeezing of the plateau and the resistance of the Ordos block, as well as the southeastward extrusion of the plateau materials.

Responses of landform development to tectonic movements and climate change during Quaternary in Fenhe drainage basin

Tectonic movements and climate changes are two main controllers on the development of landform. In order to reconstruct the history of the evolution of the landform in the Fenhe drainage basin during middle-late Quaternary comprehensively, this paper has provided a variety of geomorphological and geologic evidences to discuss how tectonic movements and climate changes worked together to influence the landform processes. According to the features of the lacustrine and alluvial terraces in this drainage basin, it is deduced that it was the three tectonic uplifts that resulted in the three great lake-regressions with an extent of about 40-60 m and the formation of the three lacustrine terraces. The times when the tectonic uplifts took place are 0.76 MaBP, 0.55 MaBP and 0.13 MaBP respectively, synchronous with the formation of paleosol units S 8 , S 5 and S 1 respectively. During the intervals between two tectonic uplifts when tectonic movement was very weak, climate changes played a major role in the evolution of the paleolakes and caused frequent fluctuations of lake levels. The changes of the features of lacustrine sediment in the grabens show the extent of such fluctuations of lake level is about 2-3 m.

The evolution of the coral reefs in the middle and north parts of the South China Sea and its relation with tectonic and eustatic movements

In this paper, the morphogenesis, stratigraphic sequences and dates of the coral reefs in the middle and north parts of the South China Sea are discussed, the position of the distributary regions of Cenozoic coral reefs in plate tectonics, the relationships of coral-reef evolutionary characteristics and dates with sea-basin spreading. Neogene sea-water transgression and Quaternary global climate-eustatic fluctuation are expounded and proved, and the latitudinal variation of the distribution of coral reefs in various geologic times are summed up.

Identification of Five Stages of Dike Swarms in the Shanxi-Hebei-Inner Mongolia Border Area and Its Tectonic Implications

Dike swarms are generally ascribed to intrusion of mantle-source magma result from extension. Basic dike swarms around the Shanxi-Hebei-Inner Mogolia borders in the northern peripheral area of the North China Craton can be divided into five age groups according to isotopic dating: 1800-1700 Ma, 800-700 Ma, 230 Ma, 140-120 Ma, and 50-40 Ma. Geological, petrological and isotope geochemical features of the five groups is investigated in order to explore the variation of the mantle material composition in the concerned area with time. And the various extensional activities reflected by the five groups of dike swarms are compared with some important tectonic events within the North China Craton as well as around the world during the same period.

Modern tectonic stress field in the Chinese mainland inverted from focal mechanism solutions

The inversion of modern tectonic stress field in China is made by regions on the basis of focal mechanism data inthe period of 1920-1996. Results of the inversion show that the maximum principal compressive stress σ1 axisstrikes nearly north-south direction in the Tibet Plateau and western Chin4 east-west direction in North China Incentral China, its strikes show a radiate pattern, i.e., north-north east in north part, east-west in central part andnorth-north west in south part. The σ1 axes are often perpendicular to the minimum principal stress σ3 axes, exceptwestern China where the σ1 axes are oblique to the σ3 axes with an acute angle. R is defined by (σ2-σ1)/(σ3-σ1),has the higher values (0.60-0.90) in north part of central China and quickly changes into the lower values(0. 10-0.30) in the Tibet Plateau. Both of the observed and inverted fault planes have strikes varying with locations.Combining stress directions and R value, the stress configuration is divided into 7 groups. Most of the groups showstrike-slip faulting with intermediate R values, which occupies North China and the eastern part of China as well asinner Tibet Plateau. A few of them show reverse faulting with higher R values within western pod of China and thenorth edge of the Tibet Plateau. Normal faulting occurred on the south edge of the Tibet Plateau with smaller Rval nes.

The abnormal mantle and deep tectonic process in the southern region of North China Plain

In this paper, based on the large scale uplift, lateral inhomogeneity and low interface velocity along the Moho as well as the soft low velocity layer under it obtained from deep seismic sounding (DSS), we deduced that the southern region of North China Plain is characterized by continental rift and abnormal mantle in the lithosphere.Summarizing geological and geophysical data, we try to state that the forming and developing of abnormal mantle and the intermittent activity of asthenosphere are the dynamic sources to dominate the geologic structure and tectonic movement in this region. We also point out that the research of deep process is important to probe timespace law of earthquake occurrence.

辽宁排山楼金矿围岩的岩石学特征(英文)

Standard laboratory procedures and remote sensing techniques were employed in the characterization of gold bearing rocks of the Paishanlou area. Results indicate that, the rocks were formed in an alteration complex of medium temperature and pressure. The area was under intense polymetamorphism (ductile shearing, and hydrothermal metamorphism), which occurred along the deformation zone stretching from Jinzhou to Fuxin. The area bears some propylitic, phyllic (or sericitic) and argillic alteration styles. Gold minerals are contained in fine grained pyrite in silicified zones, and associated with metamorphosed Precambrian rocks. The host rock is composed of gneiss, mylonite and trondhjemite granite, and has a distinctive gold lead geochemical affinity.

Geochemical characteristics and their significances of rare-earth elements in deep-water well core at the Lingnan Low Uplift Area of the Qiongdongnan Basin

A geochemical analysis of rare-earth elements （REEs） in 97 samples collected from the core of deep-water Well LS-A located at the Lingnan Low Uplift Area of the Qiongdongnan Basin is conducted, with the pur-pose of revealing the changes of sedimentary source and environment in the study region since Oligocene and evaluating the response of geochemical characteristics of REEs to the tectonic evolution. In the core samples, both∑REE and∑LREE （LREE is short for light-group REEs） fluctuate in a relatively wide range, while∑HREE （HREE is short for heavy-group REEs） maintains a relatively stable level. With the stratigraphic chronology becoming newer, both∑REE and∑LREE show a gradually rising trend overall. The∑REE of the core is relatively high from the bottom of Yacheng Formation （at a well depth of 4 207 m） to the top of Ledong Formation, and the REEs show partitioning characteristics of the enrichment of LREE, the stable content of HREE, and the negative anomaly of Eu to varying degrees. Overall the geochemical characteristics of REEs are relatively approximate to those of China＇s neritic sediments and loess, with significant ＂continental ori-entation＂. The∑REE of the core is relatively low in the lower part of Yacheng Formation （at a well depth of 4 207-4 330 m）, as shown by the REEs partitioning characteristics of the depletion of LREE, the relative enrich-ment of HREE, and the positive anomaly of Eu; the geochemical characteristics of REEs are approximate to those of oceanic crust and basalt overall, indicating that the provenance is primarily composed of volcanic eruption matters. As shown by the analyses based on sequence stratigraphy and mineralogy, the provenance in study region in the early Oligocene mainly resulted from the volcanic materials of the peripheral uplift ar-eas; the continental margin materials from the north contributed only insignificantly; the provenance devel-oped to a certain extent in the late Oligocene. Since the Miocene, the provenance has ceaselessly expanded from proximal to distal realm, embodying a characteristic of multi-source sedimentation. In the core strata with 31.5, 28.4, 25.5, 23, and 16 Ma from today, the geochemical parameters of REEs and Th/Sc ratio have significant saltation, embodying the tectonic movement events in the evolution of the Qiongdongnan Basin. In the tectonic evolution history of the South China Sea, the South China Sea Movement （34-25 Ma BP, early expansion of the South China Sea）, Baiyun Movement （23 Ma BP）, late expansion movement （23.5-16.5 Ma BP）, expansion-settlement transition, and other important events are all clearly recorded by the geochemi-cal characteristics of REEs in the core.

Meso-Cenozoic Evolution of the Tanlu Fault and Formation of Sedimentary Basins

Abstract: There are a group of large and medium-scale Meso-Cenozoic petroliferous basins along both sides of the Tanlu fault or within the fault zone, e.g., the Songliao basin, the Bohai Bay basin and the Subei-Yellow Sea basin. As shown by studies of the structural types, sedimentary formations, volcanic activities, tectonic evolution as well as the time-space relationship between the Tanlu fault zone and the basins, the formation and distribution of the basins are controlled by the movement of the Tanlu fault. This paper presents an analysis of the tectono-geometric, kinematic and geodynamic features of the basins on the basis of integrated geological-geophysical data, and an exploration into the internal relations between the fault and the basins as well as the formation mechanism and geodynamic processes of the basins.

Spatial distribution features of sequence types of moderate and strong earthquake in Chinese mainland

Based on 294 earthquake sequences with magnitude greater than or equal to 5.0 occurred in Chinese mainland since 1970, the spatial distribution features of sequence types have been studied. In southwestern China, it takes mainshock-aftershock sequence type （MAT） as the major in Chuan-Dian rhombic block and concerned Xianshuihe-Anninghe-Xiaojiang seismic belt, as well as in Jinshajiang-Honghe seismic belt. Multiple mainshock type （MMT） mainly distributes in western Yunnan, and Longlin and Lancang areas in Tengchong-Baoshan block in west of Nujiang-Lancangjiang fault zone. A few isolated earthquake type （IET） mainly occurred in northwestern Sichuan and there is no IET occurred in Yunnan region. In northwestern China, it takes mainshock-aftershock sequence type （MAT） as the major in west segment of South Tianshan in Xinjiang region. Some MMT also occurred in this area in the intersection of Kalpin block and the Puchang fault zone. It takes IET as the major in middle Tianshan in Xinjiang. Along the Qilianshan seismic belt, most of sequences are MAT. In Qinghai region, it takes MAT as the major, but the regional feature of the spatial distribution of sequence types is not very clear. In North China, it takes MAT as the major in Yinshan-Yanshan-Bohai seismic belt, north edge of North China, and in Hebei plain seismic belt, as well as in sub-plate of lower river area of Yangtze River. In intersection of north segment of Shanxi seismic belt and the NW-trending Yinshan-Yanshan-Bohai seismic belt, there are several moderate or strong MMT with magnitude from 5.0 to 6.0 occurred. In south of North China around the latitude line of 35°N, it takes IET as the major. The spatial distribution of sequence types is relevant to the patterns of tectonic movements. MAT is mostly produced by the ruptures of locked units or asperities or the neonatal separating segments inside the fault zones. MMT is generally relevant to the conjugate structures or intersection of many tectonic settings. Further extension of simple fault often produces IET. Spatial distribution of sequence types is also correlative to the regional and deep environment of crustal medium to some extent. MAT mainly distributes in high velocity area in upper crust or in the transition zone between high velocity area and low velocity area, MMT mostly occurred in the low velocity area in upper crust.

Mesozoic–Cenozoic stress field magnitude in Sichuan Basin, China and its adjacent areas and the implication on shale gas reservoir: Determination by acoustic emission in rocks

The Sichuan Basin is one of the vital basins in China,boasting abundant hydrocarbon reservoirs.To clarify the intensity of the tectonic stress field of different tectonic episodes since the Mesozoic and to identify the regional dynamic background of different tectonic movements in the Sichuan Basin and its adjacent areas,the characteristics of the acoustic emission in rocks in different strata of these areas were researched in this paper.Meanwhile,the tectonic stress magnitude in these areas since the Mesozoic was restored.The laws state that the tectonic stress varied with depth was revealed,followed by the discussion of the influence of structural stress intensity on structural patterns in different tectonic episodes.These were conducted based on the paleostress measurement by acoustic emission method and the inversion principle of the stress fields in ancient periods and the present,as well as previous research achievements.The results of this paper demonstrate that the third episode of Yanshanian Movement(Yanshanian III)had the maximum activity intensity and tremendously influenced the structural pattern in the study area.The maximum horizontal principal stress of Yanshanian III varied with depth as follows:0.0168 x+37.001(MPa),R^2=0.8891.The regional structural fractures were mainly formed in Yanshanian III in Xujiahe Formation,west Sichuan Basin,of which the maximum paleoprincipal stress ranging from 85.1 MPa to 120.1 MPa.In addition,the law stating the present maximum horizontal principal stress varies with depth was determined to be 0.0159 x+10.221(MPa),R^2=0.7868 in Wuling Mountain area.Meanwhile,it was determined to be 0.0221 x+9.4733(MPa),R^2=0.9121 in the western part of Xuefeng Mountain area and 0.0174 x+10.247(MPa),R^2=0.8064 in the whole study area.These research results will not only provide data for the simulation of stress field,the evaluation of deformation degree,and the prediction of structural fractures,but also offer absolute geological scientific bases for the elevation of favorable shale gas preservation.

Phanerozoic Paleomagnetism Characteristics of the Qomolangma Area in Tibet

This paper conducts systematic test research on the 2920 paleomagnetic directional samples taken from Ordovician-Paleogene sedimentary formation in the north slope of Qomolangma in south of Tibet and obtains the primary remanent magnetization component and counts the new data of paleomagnetism the times. Based on the characteristic remanent magnetization component, it calculates the geomagnetic pole position and latitude value of Himalaya block in Ordovician- Paleogene. According to the new data of paleomagnetism, it draws the palaeomagnetic polar wander curve and palaeolatitude change curve of the north slope of Qomolangma in Ordovician-Paleogene. It also makes a preliminary discussion to the structure evolution history and relative movement of Himalaya bloc. The research results show that many clockwise rotation movements had occurred to the Himalaya block in northern slope of Qomolangmain the process of northward drifting in the phanerozoic eon. In Ordovician-late Cretaceous, there the movement of about 20.0~ clockwise rotation occurred in the process of northward drifting. However, 0.4° counterclockwise rotation occurred from the end of late Devonian epoch to the beginning of early carboniferous epoch; 6.0° and 8.0° counterclockwise rotation occurred in carboniferous period and early Triassic epoch respectively, which might be related with the tension crack of continental rift valley from late Devonian period to the beginning of early carboniferous epoch, carboniferous period and early Triassic epoch. From the Eocene epoch to Pliocene epoch, the Himalaya block generated about 28.0° clockwise while drifting northward with a relatively rapid speed. This was the result that since the Eocene epoch, due to the continuous expansion of mid-ocean ridge of the India Ocean, the neo-Tethys with the Yarlung Zangbo River as the main ocean basin closed to form orogenic movement and the strong continent-continent collision orogenic movement of the east and west Himalayas generated clockwise movement in the mid- Himalaya area. According to the calculation of palaeolatitude data, the Himalaya continent- continent collusion orogenic movement since the Eocene epoch caused the crustal structure in Indian Plate- Himalaya folded structural belt- Lhasa block to shorten by at least 1000 km. The systematic research on the paleomagnetism of Qomolangma area in the phanerozoic eon provides a scientific basis to further research the evolution of Gondwanaland, formation and extinction history of paleo- Tethys Ocean and uplift mechanism of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Formation and reactivation mechanisms of large-scale ancient landslides in the Longwu River basin in the northeast Tibetan Plateau, China

The northeastern Tibetan Plateau exhibits steep topography and strong internal or external dynamic geological effect and is frequently subjected to strong earthquakes and heavy rainfall. The geological evolution has resulted in a wide distribution of ancient landslides, which has become a hotspot for studying ancient landslide formation and reactivation. In recent decades, several ancient landslides on both banks of the Longwu River, Qinghai Province, China were reactivated, causing serious economic losses and casualties. This study conducted remote sensing interpretation and ground surveys on these ancient landslides. Totally 59 ancient landslides were identified, and the formation mechanism, evolution process, and resurrection mechanism of the Longwu Xishan No.2 ancient landslide were analyzed by means of a detailed field geological survey, drilling, and series of experimental tests such as the particle size distribution test, the Xray diffraction test and the mechanical properties test. The results show that the formation of these ancient landslides is closely associated with the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and the erosion of the Longwu River. Firstly, the intermittent uplift of the Tibetan Plateau lead to the diversion and downcutting of the Longwu River basin, which forms the alternate slope topography with steep and slow slopes, thereby providing favourable topography and slope structure conditions for the formation of landslides. Secondly, 34.5% clay-mineral content in the Neoproterozoic mudstone with 32.7% particle size less than 0.005 mm, and the corrosion and softening effects of the Neogene mudstone with high clay mineral content under the erosion of water provides favourable material conditions for the formation of landslides. Thirdly, rainfall and human activities are the primary triggering factors for the revival of this ancient landslide group. It is revealed that the evolution process of the ancient landslides on both banks of the Longwu River can be divided into five stages namely tectonic rapid uplift slope formation, river erosion creep-sliding deformation, slope instability critical status, landslide failure-movement-accumulation, and slope reactivation under rainfall erosion and engineering excavation.

Post-Neogene Structural Evolution: An Important Geological Stage in the Formation of Gas Reservoirs in China

Tectonic movements since the Neogene have been the major developmental and evolutional stages of the latest global crustal deformation and orogenic movements. China is located in a triangular area bounded by the Indian landmass, the West Siberian landmass and the Pacific Plate, characterized by relatively active tectonic movements since the Neogene, and in this region, natural gas would have been very easy to dissipate, or difficult to preserve. Therefore, the characteristics of post-Neogene tectonic movements offer important geological factors in researching the formation and preservation of gas reservoirs in China. Summarizing the reservoiring history of gas fields in China, although there are some differences between various basins, they are all affected by the tectonic movements since the Neogene. These movements have certainly caused destruction to the reservoiring and distribution of natural gas in China, which has resulted in a certain dissipation of natural gas in some basins. As a whole, however, they have mainly promoted the reservoiring and accumulation of natural gas: (1) a series of China-type foreland basins have been formed between basins and ridges in western China, which provide favorable conditions for the formation of large and medium gas fields, as well as controlling the finalization of gas reservoirs in the basins; (2) rows and belts of anticlines have been formed in the Sichuan Basin in central China, which have been the major stages of the formation and finalization of gas reservoirs in that basin; the integral and quick rising and lifting, and a further west-dipping in the Ordos Basin have resulted in a further accumulation of natural gas in gas fields from Jingbian to Uxin; (3) in eastern China, the Bohai movement in the late Pliocene has provided favorable geological conditions for lately-formed gas reservoirs in the Bohai Sea area mainly composed of the Bozhong depression; and it also resulted in secondary hydrocarbon generation and formation of secondary gas reservoirs in other basins, as well as the formation of many carbon dioxide gas fields of inorganic origin; (4) in the offshore area, it promoted not only the formation of gas reservoirs of organic origin, but also the formation of inorganic origin non-hydrocarbon gas reservoirs, as well as the organic and inorganic natural gas of mixed origin, which resulted in the relatively complicated characteristics of gas reservoirs in the area. In short, tectonic movements activated since the Neogene resulted in a reservoiring model mainly characterized by late and superlate hydrocarbon generation and accumulation. These events provide an important geological stage that should not be neglected when studying the formation of gas reservoirs in China.

Regression-transgression cycles of paleolakes in the Fen River Graben Basin during the mid to late Quaternary and their tectonic implication

An investigation into lake terraces and their sexiimentary features in the Fen River Graben Basin shows that several paleolake regression-transgression cycles took place during the mid to late Quaternary. The horizontal distribution of the lowest loess/paleosol unit overlying each lake terrace indicates the occurrence of four rapid lake regressions when paleosols $8, $5, $2, and S1 began to develop. The horizontal distribution of the topmost loess/ paleosol unit underlying the lacustrine sediment in each transition zone between two adjacent terraces indicates that following a lake regression, a very slow lake transgression occurred. The durations of three lake transgressions correspond to those of the deposition or development of loess/paleosols L8 to L6, L5 to L3, and L2. It is thereby inferred that regional tectonic movement is likely the primary factor resulting in the cyclical process ofpaleolake regressions and transgressions. Taking these findings along with published geophysical research results regarding the upper mantle movements underneath the graben basin into account, this paper deduces that a cause and effect relationship may exist between the paleolake regression- transgression cycles and the tectonic activity in the upper mantle. The occurrence of a rapid lake regression implies that the upwelling of the upper mantle underneath the graben basin may be dominant and resulting in a rapid uplifting of the basin floor. The subsequent slow lake transgression implies that the thinning of the crust and cooling of the warm mantle material underneath the graben basin may become dominant causing the basin floor to subside slowly. Four rapid paleolake regressions indicate that four episodic tectonic movements took place in the graben basin during the mid to late Quatemary.

Phanerozoic oceanic and climatic perturbations in the context of Tethyan evolution

Climatic and environmental conditions play a pivotal role in the evolution of the biosphere,serving as the primary natural factors influencing biological evolution and the development of human civilization.The study of the evolution of Earth's habitability primarily revolves around the reconstruction of climatic and oceanic conditions in geohistorical periods,shedding light on their dynamic changes.This paper collates classic geological indicators and geochemical proxies associated with paleoclimatic and oceanic environmental conditions.The latest“big data”analyses and simulations made possible by the availability of previously unimagined massive datasets reveal several key findings:During the early Paleozoic,atmospheric oxygen levels were low,and widespread oceanic anoxia was prevalent;the Devonian era witnessed a greenhouse climate,followed by the Carboniferous ice age characterized by higher oceanic oxidation levels and alkalinity.The latest Paleozoic deglaciation occurred under high pCO_(2) conditions,extending into much of the Mesozoic and early Cenozoic,marked by multiple hyperthermal and anoxia expansion events,until the resurgence of global glaciation in the middle-late stages of the Cenozoic,ultimately bringing environmental and climatic conditions closer to modern levels.By correlating the aforementioned long-term trends with major geological events,we can delineate the co-evolution of paleoclimate and oceanic environments in tandem with the development of Tethys tectonics as follows.(1)During the Proto-Tethys stage,global paleo-elevations were relatively low,and atmospheric oxygen levels were also relatively modest.Despite the occurrence of significant tectonic movements that led to noticeable transgressive-regressive cycles,their effects on climate and oceanic environments were somewhat limited due to the relatively weak interactions.(2)The emergence of the Paleo-Tethys was a significant event that coincided with the formation of the supercontinent Pangaea.Intensive orogenic movements during this period increased the global land area and elevation.This,in turn,led to enhanced terrestrial weathering,which elevated sea surface productivity and resulted in massive nutrient input into the oceans.Consequently,this process contributed to the rise of oxygen levels in the atmosphere and a decrease in atmospheric pCO_(2).These changes are considered potential driving mechanisms for late Paleozoic glaciation and oceanic oxygenation.(3)The transition from the Paleo-Tethys to the Neo-Tethys was closely linked to the breakup of Pangaea.During this period,the terrestrial weathering processes were relatively weak due to decreased continental elevations.This resulted in a long-term greenhouse climate and intermittent global oceanic events,which were responses to the high atmospheric pCO_(2) levels during the Mesozoic and early Cenozoic eras.(4)The Neo-Tethys stage ended with the dramatic uplift of the Alps-Himalaya Mountain ranges due to the collision of India and Asia.This uplift had a profound global impact,significantly increasing continental elevations.As a result,weathering and carbon burial processes intensified,leading to a reduction in atmospheric pCO_(2).Concurrently,this uplift played a crucial role in the establishment of the East Asian monsoon and North Atlantic deep-water circulations,both of which played a part in triggering the late Cenozoic ice age.These models suggest that the teleconnections between land and sea(orogeny-terrestrial weathering-marine carbon burial)span over the whole Phanerozoic and might have played a key role in balancing the Earth surface system.Combined,the tectonic,volcanic,paleo-climatic,as well as paleoenvironmental events recorded in the Tethys oceans and adjunct continents represent valuable natural experiments and lessons for understanding the present and the future of Earth's habitability.

Fault Systems and Their Mechanisms of the Formation and Distribution of the Tarim Basin,NW China

This article aims to analyze the main controlling factors of development, distribution and evolution of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin. Based on the seismic profile interpretation, compre- hensive analysis of the drilling and geologic data, six fault systems maybe recognized in the Tarim Basin, they are the foreland fault system of the South Tianshan Mountain, the northern Tarim uplift fault sys- tem, North Tarim depression fault system, central fault system, Southwest Tarim fault system, and Southeast Tarim fault system. It is indicated that the main differences exist at the development, evolu- tion and distribution of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin. The sub-fault systems can be recognized according to the differences of the fault development and distribution in the interior of the fault system. It is characterized that the multi-level differential development and distribution of the fault systems ex- ist in the Tarim Basin. The fault belt developed in the Paleozoic strata mainly distribute at the pa- leo-uplift and paleo-slope in the interior of the Tarim Basin, and the fault belt occurred in the Meso-Cenozoic beds mainly develop at the peripheral foreland depressions. Zonal and segment differ- ential development and distribution of the fault systems also exist in the Tarim Basin. The formation and distribution of the Tarim fault systems is of complex controlling mechanisms. Poly-phase structural movement and tectonic transition controls the multi-phase differential development and distribution of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin. Multi-level differential development and distribution is controlled by multi-level detachment belt and regional unconformities. Zonal and segment differential develop- ment and distribution of the Tarim fault systems maybe controlled by pre-existed basement structural texture. The major direction of the fault systems in the Tarim Basin is controlled by the later stage basin-mountain coupling.

Theoretical System of Sandstone-Type Uranium Deposits in Northern China

Many theoretical results on sandstone-type uranium mineralization in northern China obtained by the uranium research team of the Tianjin Center of Geological Survey in recent years are presented.From the source sink system of uranium-producing basins,sedimentary environment of uranium-bearing rock series,ore-forming fluid information,evolution of tectonic events,basin formation and development,we redefine and classify uranium orebodies,redox zoning,and ore-controlling structural styles.We then systematically propose a theoretical system of sandstone-type uranium deposits in northern China.We conclude that sandstone-type uranium deposits in northern China are mainly found in sedimentary environments such as rivers,deltas,and alluvial fans in the Mesozoic and Cenozoic lowstand systems tract and in gray sandstone layers in the vertical redox zoning.The orebodies are controlled by the tectonic slope belt,which is in the shape of a strip on the plane,and spreads in a layer or plate on the section.Vertical(ups and downs)tectonic movement triggers large-scale phreatic flow in the basin,which is the real driving force for controlling the ore-forming fluid.The theoretical system of sandstone-type uranium deposits in northern China should be based on global tectonic movement and environmental changes and take into account factors such as basins as a unit to study mineralization background,ore concentration areas as objects to study mineralization,and the correlation between regional tectonic movement and metallogenic process as a breakthrough point to study tectonic events and metallogenic events.It should also be based on different basin types to establish metallogenic models.The innovative research results and ideas are summarized with the aim of promoting the continuous improvement of sandstone-type uranium mineralization theory in northern China.