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.

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.

Effects of salt and nitrogen on physiological indices and carbon isotope discrimination of wheat cultivars in the northeast of Iran

In order to study the effects of different levels of salt stress and nitrogen(N) on physiological mechanisms,carbon isotope discrimination(△13C),and yield of two wheat cultivars(cv.),a two-year field experiment was carried out during 2013-2015.The treatments included three levels of salt stress(1.3,5.2,and 10.5 dS m^-1),three levels of N(50,100,and 150 kg N ha-1),and two wheat cultivars,Bam and Toos.Under salt stress,N application(100 and 150 kg N ha^-1) produced a significant effect on both cultivars with respect to physiological traits,i.e.,net photosynthetic rate(Pn),stomatal conductance(gs),chlorophyll index(Cl),Na^+/K^+ ratio as well as the grain yield(GY).The salt-tolerant and-sensitive cultivars exhibited the maximum values of physio-biochemical and yield attributes at 100 and 150 kg N ha-1,respectively.The results of △13C showed a significant difference(P<0.001) between wheat cultivars under the control and salt stress.According to our result,salt-tolerant cultivar Bam seems to be more efficient in terms of higher GY,Pn,gs,Cl,and lower Na^+/K^+ ratio as well as higher △13C as compared with salt-sensitive cultivar Toos,under salt stress.Therefore,a significant positive correlation that observed between △13C and GY,indicated that △13C may be an effective index for indirect selection of yield potential in wheat under irrigation regimes with saline water.

Drought Tolerant Criterion of Wheat Genotypes Using Carbon Isotopes Discrimination Technique

Drought tolerant analysis using carbon isotopes discrimination could be useful tool to decide a genotype with high adaptation to drought. A pot culture experiment was conducted in glass house at the IAEA （International Atomic Energy Agency） laboratories, Seibersdorf, Austria to analyze drought tolerant of wheat genotype using carbon isotopes discrimination technique. Four wheat genotypes viz., LU-26s, Bhittai, Roshan, Taifu, were tested. There were two treatments： Control （normal irrigation） and Drought （@ 30% field capacity of the control treatment）. Drought treatment was imposed after two weeks of germination. The experiment was continued up to 10 weeks after germination and was terminated at flowering stage. The data were recorded in terms of plant height, number of tillers, shoot dry weight and carbon isotopic ratio （δ）. Results showed that genotype LU-26s was found to have best performance under drought condition, with minimum decrease in the growth parameters i.e., plant height, number of tillers and shoot dry weight. High CID （carbon isotopes discrimination） values were also observed in genotype LU-26s, showing close positive correlation between SDW （shoot dry weight） and CID. It is therefore concluded that carbon isotopes discrimination can be an important criterion for the selection of wheat genotypes for drought prone areas.

Processes involving soil CO_(2)dynamic in a sector of Chaco-Pampean plain,Argentina:An isotope geochemical approach

The magnitude and spatial variability of CO_(2)surface emissions and processes involving CO_(2)released to the atmosphere from the soils are relevant issues in the context of climate change.This work evaluated CO_(2)fluxes and^(13)C/^(12)C ratio of vegetation,organic matter,and soil gases from no disturbed soils of Chaco Pampean Plain(Argentina)with different soil properties and environmental conditions(PL and PA units).Soil organic decomposition from individual layers was accompanied byδ^(13)C of total organic carbon(δ^(13)C-TOC)values more enriched to depth.δ^(13)C-TOC values in the upper soil profile~ca.0–15 cm were like the plant community of this area(~−33 to−29‰)whileδ^(13)CTOC varied stronger bellow horizon A,till~−24‰.Bothδ^(13)C-TOC and soilδ^(13)C-CO_(2)were similar(~−24 to 26‰)at deeper horizons(~50–60 cm).Toward the superficial layers,δ^(13)C-TOC andδ^(13)C-CO_(2)showed more differences(till~4‰),due influence of the diffusion process.Horizon A layer(~0–20 cm)from both PL and PA units contained the most enrichedδ^(13)C-CO_(2)values(~−15–17‰)because atmospheric CO_(2)permeated the soil air.A simple two-component mixing model between sources(atmosphericδ^(13)C-CO_(2)and soil CO_(2))confirmed that process.Isotopically,CO_(2)fluxes reflected the biodegradation of C3 plants(source),diffusive transport,and CO_(2)exchange(atmosphere/soil).Soil moisture content appeared as a determining factor in the diffusion process and the magnitude of CO_(2)surface emissions(12–60 g·m^(−2)·d^(−1)).That condition was confirmed by CO_(2)diffusion coefficients estimated by air-filled porosity parameters and soil radon gradient model.

Response to the Lomagundi-Jatuli Event in the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Plate:Evidence from the carbon and oxygen isotopes of the Paleoproterozoic Yongjingshao Formation

The Lomagundi-Jatuli Event(LJE)refers to the significant positive carbon isotope excursion in seawater constituents that occurred immediately after the increase in atmospheric oxygen content during the Paleoproterozoic(2.22-2.06 Ga).Theδ^(13)C values of 46 dolostone samples collected from the Paleoproterozoic Yongjingshao Formation varied in the range of 0.05‰-4.95‰(V-PDB;maximum:4.95‰)in this study,which may be related to the multicellular eukaryotes in the Liangshan Formation in the Yimen Group.They are much higher than theδ^(13)C values of marine carbonates(-1.16‰on average).Theδ^(13)C values of other formations in the Paleoproterozoic Yimen Group are negative.The notable positive carbon isotope anomalies of the Yongjingshao Formation indicate the response to the LJE at the southwestern margin of the Yangtze Block,which is reported for the first time.Furthermore,they are comparable to theδ^(13)C values of carbonates in the Dashiling Formation of the Hutuo Group in the Wutaishan area in the North China Craton,the Wuzhiling Formation of the Songshan Group in the Xiong'er area,Henan Province,and the Dashiqiao Formation of the Liaohe Group in the Guanmenshan area,Liaoning Province.Therefore,it can be further concluded that the LJE is a global event.This study reveals that LJE occurred in Central Yunnan at 2.15-2.10 Ga,lasting for about 50 Ma.The macro-columnar,bean-shaped,and microfilament fossils and reticular ultramicrofossils of multicellular eukaryotes in this period were discovered in the Liangshan Formation of the Yimen Group.They are the direct cause for the LJE and are also the oldest paleontological fossils ever found.The major events successively occurring in the early stage of the Earth include the Great Oxygenation Event(first occurrence),the global Superiortype banded iron formations(BIFs),the Huronian glaciation,the Great Oxygenation Event(second occurrence),the explosion of multicellular eukaryotes,the positive carbon isotope excursion,and the global anoxic and selenium-rich sedimentary event.The authors think that the North China Craton and the Yangtze Craton were possibly in different tectonic locations of the same continental block during the Proterozoic.

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.

Characteristics of carbon isotopic composition of alkane gas in large gas fields in China

Exploration and development of large gas fields is an important way for a country to rapidly develop its natural gas industry.From 1991 to 2020,China discovered 68 new large gas fields,boosting its annual gas output to 1925×108m3in 2020,making it the fourth largest gas-producing country in the world.Based on 1696 molecular components and carbon isotopic composition data of alkane gas in 70 large gas fields in China,the characteristics of carbon isotopic composition of alkane gas in large gas fields in China were obtained.The lightest and average values ofδ^(13)C_(1),δ13C2,δ13C3andδ13C4become heavier with increasing carbon number,while the heaviest values ofδ^(13)C_(1),δ13C2,δ13C3andδ13C4become lighter with increasing carbon number.Theδ^(13)C_(1)values of large gas fields in China range from-71.2‰to-11.4‰(specifically,from-71.2‰to-56.4‰for bacterial gas,from-54.4‰to-21.6‰for oil-related gas,from-49.3‰to-18.9‰for coal-derived gas,and from-35.6‰to-11.4‰for abiogenic gas).Based on these data,theδ^(13)C_(1)chart of large gas fields in China was plotted.Moreover,theδ^(13)C_(1)values of natural gas in China range from-107.1‰to-8.9‰,specifically,from-1071%o to-55.1‰for bacterial gas,from-54.4‰to-21.6‰for oil-related gas,from-49.3‰to-13.3‰for coal-derived gas,and from-36.2‰to-8.9‰for abiogenic gas.Based on these data,theδ^(13)C_(1)chart of natural gas in China was plotted.

Quantitative Method of Classification and Discrimination of a Porous Carbonate Reservoir Integrating K-means Clustering and Bayesian Theory

Reservoir classification is a key link in reservoir evaluation.However,traditional manual means are inefficient,subjective,and classification standards are not uniform.Therefore,taking the Mishrif Formation of the Western Iraq as an example,a new reservoir classification and discrimination method is established by using the K-means clustering method and the Bayesian discrimination method.These methods are applied to non-cored wells to calculate the discrimination accuracy of the reservoir type,and thus the main reasons for low accuracy of reservoir discrimination are clarified.The results show that the discrimination accuracy of reservoir type based on K-means clustering and Bayesian stepwise discrimination is strongly related to the accuracy of the core data.The discrimination accuracy rate of TypeⅠ,TypeⅡ,and TypeⅤreservoirs is found to be significantly higher than that of TypeⅢand TypeⅣreservoirs using the method of combining K-means clustering and Bayesian theory based on logging data.Although the recognition accuracy of the new methodology for the TypeⅣreservoir is low,with average accuracy the new method has reached more than 82%in the entire study area,which lays a good foundation for rapid and accurate discrimination of reservoir types and the fine evaluation of a reservoir.

Quantitatively unmixing method for complex mixed oil based on its fractions carbon isotopes: A case from the Tarim Basin, NW China

Deep mixed oils with secondary alterations have been widely discovered in the Tarim Basin,but current methods based on biomarkers and isotopes to de-convolute mixed oil cannot calculate the exact mixing proportion of different end-member oils,which has seriously hindered further exploration of deep hydrocarbons in the study area.To solve this problem,we constructed a novel method based on the carbon isotope(δ13C)of the group components to de-convolute mixed liquid hydrocarbons under the material balance principle.The results showed that the mixed oil in the Tazhong Uplift was dominantly contributed at an average proportion of 68% by an oil end-member with heavier d13C that was believed to be generated from the Cambrian-Lower Ordovician source rocks,whereas the mixed oil in the Tabei Uplift was predominantly contributed at an average proportion of 61% by an oil end-member with lighter d13C that was believed to be generated from the Middle-Upper Ordovician source rocks.This indicates that,on the basis of the detailed description of the distribution of effective source rocks,the proposed method will be helpful in realizing differential exploration and further improving the efficiency of deep liquid hydrocarbon exploration in the Tarim Basin.In addition,compared to traditional δ13C methods for whole oil and individual n-alkanes in de-convoluted mixed oil,the proposed method has a wider range of applications,including for mixed oils with variations in color and density,indicating potential for promoting the exploration of deep complex mixed oils in the Tarim Basin and even around the world.

Carbon isotope ratios of n-alkanoic acids: new organic proxies for paleo-productivity in Antarctic ponds

Primary productivity in the Antarctic aquatic environment with simple ecosystems is sensitive to climate and environmental fluctuations.We investigatedδ13C values for n-alkanoic acids derived from phototrophic organisms in a lacustrine sediment core(IIL3)to indicate primary productivity in ponds on Inexpressible Island in the western Ross Sea,Antarctica.Short-chain n-alkanoic acids(C14–C18)were abundant in the IIL3 sediment profile.The carbon isotope ratios of short-chain n-alkanoic acids in the sediment samples and floating microbial mats were similar,indicating that the short-chain n-alkanoic acids in the IIL3 sediment profile predominantly originated from phototrophic organisms.Theδ13C values for the short-chain n-alkanoic acids varied widely through the sediment profile,and 13C-enrichment of n-alkanoic acids was most likely related to high productivity due to carbon-limited conditions caused by enhanced photosynthetic efficiency.Theδ13C values for the n-alkanoic acids changed over the past 3200 years in similar ways to organic proxies for aquatic productivity(n-alkanoic acid and sterol sedimentary fluxes).C16 n-alkanoic acid was enriched in 13C in periods of high aquatic productivity~750–1650 and 3000–3200 a BP but depleted in 13C in periods of relatively low productivity~150–600 and 2500–3000 a BP.The results indicated that carbon isotope ratios of lipids from phototrophic organisms could be used as new proxies to reconstruct paleo-productivity in Antarctic lakes and ponds and therefore improve our understanding of past climate changes.

Effect of Ambient UV-B on Stomatal Density, Conductance and Isotope Discrimination in Four Field Grown Soybean [<i>Glycine max</i>(L.) Merr.] Isolines

An experiment was designed to test whether ambient levels of UV-B radiation affect stomatal development, decrease stomatal density, and lead to increased water-use efficiency (WUE). Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] isolines with different stomatal distribution and flavonol expression patterns were field grown under shelters that either transmitted or blocked solar UV-B. All isolines exposed to solar UV-B accumulated higher concentrations of UV-screening phenolic pigments but other responses were isoline dependent. Solar UV-B decreased stomatal density and conductance in isolines expressing a unique branched kaempferol triglycoside. Decreased stomatal density was associated with increased season-long WUE and decreased internal CO2 concentration of leaf (estimated by δ13C discrimination). We concluded that photomorphogenic responses to UV-B affected stomatal density and WUE in field grown soybean;but that the magnitude and direction of these response were associated with isogenic pleiotropic differences in stomatal distribution and pigment expression. UV-B radiation had no effect on biomass accumulation or yield in a cultivar expressing only trace levels of kaempferol suggesting that flavonol expression is not prerequisite to UV-B tolerance.

Determination of Atomic Fractions of Isotopes Carbon-13 and Nitrogen-15 Directly in Glicine, L-Leucine, Isoleucine and Alanine

Using compounds modified by the isotopes carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 helps conduct research in various fields of science, such as medicine, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, metabolism, agriculture, and others. In the case of the availability of reliable, express, and cheap methods, the area of their use will gradually expand. A determination of the atomic fraction of the isotopes carbon-13 and nitrogen-15 directly in glycine, leucine, isoleucine, and alanine is proposed;the modification concerns all centers or one or more identical carbon and nitrogen centers separately, as well as both isotopes at the same time. There are defined mass lines of the mass spectrum of each amino acid, through which the isotopic content of carbon and nitrogen is calculated. The processes that must be taken into account for the determination of the isotopic content are also established. Isotopic analysis of these compounds until now was carried out by transforming them into carbon oxide, dioxide, and molecular nitrogen, and determination of their content in individual centers was impossible.

Rare earth elements(REE)and isotope composition(δ^(13)C andδ^(18)O)of manganese ores of Chiatura deposit(Georgia):features of ore formation and genesis

The rare earth elements(REE)geochemistry and the isotope(δ^(13)C,δ^(18)O)composition of manganese ores of the Chiatura(Georgia)deposit were studied.One of the major features of all types of manganese ores is negative cerium(Ce/Ce*_(PAAS))anomaly and the absence of europium(Eu/Eu*_(PAAS))anomaly.Oxide oolitic manganese ores were formed in oxic shallow marine environments.The content and distribution of REEs(in particular Ce and Eu)in these ores are connected mainly with ferrous oxides.The performed C-and O-isotope research in Mn-carbonates(oolitic and massive)has indicated that carbonate ores were formed by the participation of isotopic ally light CO_(2)which is a result of the oxidation of organic matter in the sediment strata by reducing environments of early diagenesis(and,partially,catagenesis)zone.Obtained negative cerium anomalies in the studied carbonate ores reflect the specific REE patterns in pore waters of sediments of earlier isdiagenesis zone of the Oligocene Chiatura's basin.The deficiency of cerium in this zone remains debatable and requires further study.Formation of manganese carbonates took place multistage by the input of incisional solutions of different chemistry into sea bottom waters and sediments.The absence of europium anomaly indicates about lack of hydrothermal solution input.

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.

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.

Carbon isotopes of graphite:Implications on fluid history

Stable carbon isotope geochemistry provides important information for the recognition of funda- mental isotope exchange processes related to the movement of carbon in the lithosphere and permits the elab- oration of models for the global carbon cycle. Carbon isotope ratios in fluid-deposited graphite are powerful tools for unravelling the ultimate origin of carbon （organic matter, mantle, or carbonates） and help to constrain the fluid history and the mechanisms involved in graphite deposition. Graphite precipitation in fluid-deposited occurrences results from C02- and/or CH4-bearing aqueous fluids. Fluid flow can be considered as both a closed （without replenishment of the fluid） or an open system （with renewal of the fluid by successive fluid batches）. In closed systems, carbon isotope systematics in graphite is mainly governed by Rayleigh precipi- tation and/or by changes in temperature affecting the fractionation factor between fluid and graphite. Such processes result in zoned graphite crystals or in successive graphite generations showing, in both cases, isotopic variation towards progressive 13C or 12C enrichment （depending upon the dominant carbon phase in the fluid, C02 or CH4, respectively）. In open systems, in which carbon is episodically introduced along the fracture systems, the carbon systematics is more complex and individual graphite crystals may display oscillatory zoning because of Rayleigh precipitation or heterogeneous variations of 613C values when mixing of fluids or changes in the composition of the fluids are the mechanisms responsible for graphite precipitation.

Lower Triassic Inorganic Carbon Isotope Excursion in Chaohu, Anhui Province, China

This paper reports a Lower Triassic inorganic carbon isotope profile from the North Pingdingshan Section in Chaohu, Anhui Province, China, which was situated in a deep part of the Lower Yangtze carbonate ramp. The δ ( 13 C) excursion shows two periods from the Permian Triassic boundary to the lower Spathian substage, corresponding to the ecosystem undergoing evolution and recovery after the end Permian mass extinction and related events. The first period starts at the δ ( 13 C) depletion caused by the mass extinction and evolves with a gradual δ ( 13 C) increase resulting from the development of some disaster taxa during the Induan. The strong Smithian δ ( 13 C) depletion in the second period might be formed by the collapse of the disaster ecosystem and the biotic recovery occurred with the explosive increase of bioproductivity in the Spathian. Thus the δ ( 13 C) excursion in the Lower Triassic expresses patterns of biotic evolution and recovery during the erratic ecosystem that followed the great end Permian mass extinction.

Carbon and Strontium Isotopes of Late Palaeozoic Marine Carbonates in the Upper Yangtze Platform,Southwest China

238 marine carbonate samples were collected from seven sedimentary sections ofthe entire late Palaeozoic (Permian, Carboniferous and Devonian) in the Upper Yangtze Plat-form, southwest China. Based on the absence of cathodoluminescence and very low Mn (gener-ally<50 ppm) contents of the samples, it is thought that they contain information on the orig-inal sea water geochemistry. The results of isotopic analyses of these samples are presented interms of δ^(13)C and ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios versus geological time. The strontium data, consistent withother similar data based on samples from North America, Europe, Africa and other areas inAsia, support the notion of a global consistency in strontium isotope composition of marinecarbonates. The strontium data exhibit three intervals of relatively low ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios in thelate Middle Devonian to early Late Devonian, Early Carboniferous and Early Permian, corre-sponding to global eustatic high sea level stands. The lowest ^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratio recorded in theLate Permian was probably caused by substantial basalt eruptions in the Upper Yangtze Plat-form at the time. Three corresponding periods of relatively high δ^(13)C values at roughly the samethe intervals were caused by a relatively high rate of accumulation of organic carbon duringsea level rises at these times. The deposition of coal was probably responsible for the increaseof sea water δ^(13)C at other times. The δ^(13)C values drop dramatically near theDevonian/Carboniferous, Carboniferous/Permian and Permian/Triassic boundaries, con-sistent with other similar data, which further support the notion that geological time boundariesare associated with mass extinction and subsequent rejuvenation.

Carbon and nitrogen isotopes analysis and sources of organic matter in surface sediments from the Sanggou Bay and its adjacent areas, China

Naturally existing stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes are important in the study of sedimentary organic matter sources. To identify the sources of sedimentary organic matter in Sanggou Bay and its adjacent areas, which is characterized by high-density shellfish and seaweed aquaculture, the grain size, organic carbon （OC）, total nitrogen （TN）, carbon and nitrogen isotopic composition （δ13C andδ15N） of organic matter in the surface sediment were determined. The results showed that, in August, sedimentary OC and TN ranged from 0.17% to 0.76% and 0.04% to 0.14%, respectively. In November, OC and TN ranged from 0.23% to 0.87% and 0.05% to 0.14%, respectively. There was a significant positive correlation between OC and TN （R=0.98, P＆lt;0.0001）, indicating that OC and TN were homologous. In August, theδ13C andδ15N of organic matter varied from -23.06‰ to -21.59‰ and 5.10‰ to 6.31‰, respectively. In November,δ13C andδ15N ranged from -22.87‰ to -21.34‰ and 5.13‰ to 7.31‰, respectively. This study found that the major sources of sedimentary organic matter were marine shellfish biodeposition, seaweed farming, and soil organic matter. Using a three-end-member mixed model, we estimated that the dominant source of sedimentary organic matter was shellfish biodeposition, with an average contribution rate of 65.53% in August and 43.00% in November. Thus, shellfish farming had a significant influence on the coastal carbon cycle.