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.

Carbon and oxygen isotope characteristics of foraminiferan from northern South China Sea sediments and their significance to late Quaternary hydrate decomposition

Carbon and oxygen isotope and dating analyses of foraminiferan in sediment cores collected from three different areas of the northern slope of the South China Sea were conducted, in order to examine the records of the gas hydrate decomposition events since the late Quaternary under the conditions of methane seepage. The results show that： 1） the δ13C values of the benthic foraminiferan Uvigerina spp. （size range of 0.25-0.35 ram） are from -0.212% to -0.021% and the δ180 values of the planktonic foraminiferan Globigerinoides ruber （size range of 0.25-0.35 ram） are from -0.311% to -0.060%; 2） three cores （ZD2, ZD3 and ZS5） from the bottom of a hole are aged for 11 814, 26 616 and 64 090 a corresponding to the early oxygen isotope stage （MIS） Ⅰ, Ⅲ and Ⅳ final period, respectively; 3） a negative-skewed layer of carbon isotope corresponds to that of MIS II （cold period）, whose degree of negative bias is -0.2%0; and 4） the δ13C compositions of foraminiferans are similar to those of the Blake Ridge and the Gulf of Mexico sediments of the late Quaternary. According to the analysis, the reasons for these results are that the studied area is a typical area of methane seep environment in the area during MIS II due to the global sea-level fall and sea pressure decrease. Gas hydrate is decomposed and released, and a large number of light carbon isotopes of methane are released into the ocean, dissolved to inorganic carbon （DIC） pool and recorded in the foraminiferan shells. A pyrite layer developed in the negative bias layers of the foraminiferans confirms that the δ13C of foraminiferans is more affected by methane and less by the reduction of marine productivity and early diagenesis. The use of foraminiferan δ13C could accurately determine late Quaternary hydrate release events and provide evidence for both reconstructing the geological history of methane release events and exploring natural gas hydrate.

Characteristics and Implications Significance for Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Continuous Change of Zhenjia1 Well in The Northern Shaanxi Salt Basin

Zhenjia1 well located in the 2nd salt depression of the Northern Shaanxi Salt Basin(Zhang et al,2013),is the basis potash exploration wells,and its main purpose is marine potash prospection,combining with gas exploration.Drilling completion depth is 3443.6m,

Carbon Oxygen Isotope Analysis and Its Significance of Carbonate in the Zhaogezhuang Section of Early Ordovician in Tangshan,North China

In the Early Ordovician Zhaogezhuang Section of Tangshan , North China, the Yeli Formation is composed of an entire third-order sequence, with facies ranging from the inner ramp restricted platform and open marine to the middle and even outer ramps. The Liangjiashan Formation is dominated by highstand system tracts （HST） with predominantly inner ramp grain-shoal and lagoon facies. Analyzing the carbon and oxygen isotope during the whole-rock carbonate reveals the 613C values in the Yeli Formation range from -7.11%o-0.76%o （PDB）, with the mean value at -2.98%0, while the 6180 values range of-9.09%o- -4.65%o with the mean value at -6.12%o. The 613C values in the Liangjiashan Formation range of -1.15%o-0.3%o, and the mean value of -0.57%0; the 61SO values are -8.76%0- -7.48%0, and the mean value is -8.06%o. The 613C values in the Yeli Formation decrease, but at the bottom of the Liangjiashan Formation the values increase steadily. In the middle-upper formation, there is an extended fluctuation between 0- -1.00%o. The 613C trend in the studied section is similar to that of the contemporary sections, except that it has much lower 613C values and a more negative excursion. The correlation between the 613C changes and the eustatic events, as well as the sedimentary facies, indicates that in the Tangshan area, the carbon isotope evolution can be attributabled to the processes of the eutrophic sea/oligotrophic sea, the seafloor organism- mediated oxidation in shallow water and the organic reduction after maximum flooding. The changes in the carbon isotope contents were primarily affected by the regional relative sea level changes. Compared to the other coeval data, the Early Ordovician of the Tang shan area is also severely depleted in 180, with all of the 6180sample values being Delow 5%o, except for one sample with a value ot -4.02%0. Witlt the ancient sea- water having a 6180 value of-5.5%0 （SMOW）, it is reasonable to delineate a temperature of less than 37 C.

Distribution of Carbon and Oxygen Isotopes in theSequence Stratigraphic Framework of the Middle andUpper Proterozoic in the Ming Tombs Area, Beijing

Abstract: This paper discusses the distribution pattern and geological significance of the carbon and oxygen isotopes (δ13C and δ18O) in the depositional sequences of Gaoyuzhuangian, Yangzhuangian and Wumishanian ages of the established Middle and Upper Proterozoic sequence stratigraphic framework in the Ming Tombs area lying in western Yanshan Mountain of Beijing. Besides, sketchy determination of δ13C and δ18O was also performed for other formations and members. The analytical results show the following: under the condition of clear-water carbonate sediments, δ13C and δ18O, featuring smaller variation of δ13C but larger variation of δ18O, can well delineate the relative change of sea level, which reflects the difference of primary sedimentary settings; in the presence of terrigenous substances, δ13C values vary greatly while δ18O slightly; the carbon and oxygen isotopes show marked changes at sequence boundaries. Besides, particular patterns can be found in regard to the distribution of carbon and oxygen isotopes within the sequences.

Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Composition of Surface-Sediment Carbonate in Bosten Lake (Xinjiang,China) and its Controlling Factors

Bosten Lake is a mid-latitude lake with water mainly supplied by melting ice and snow in the Tianshan Mountains. The depositional environment of the lake is spatially not uniform due to the proximity of the major inlet and the single outlet in the western part of the lake. The analytical results show that the carbon and oxygen isotopic composition of recent lake sediments is related to this specific lacustrine depositional environment and to the resulting carbonate mineralogy. In the southwestern lake region between the Kaidu River inlet and the Kongqi River outlet, carbon isotope composition （δ^13C） values of the carbonate sediment （-1‰ to -2‰） have no relation to the oxygen isotope composition of the carbonate （δ^18O） values （-7‰ to -8‰）, with both isotopes showing a low variability. The carbonate content is low （〈20%）. Carbonate minerals analyzed by X-ray diffraction are mainly composed of calcite, while aragonite was not recorded. The salinity of the lake water is low in the estuary region as a result of the Kaidu River inflow. In comparison, the carbon and oxygen isotope values are higher in the middle and eastern parts of the lake, with δ^13C values between approximately ＋0.5‰ and ＋3‰, and δ^18O values between -1‰ and -5‰. There is a moderate correlation between the stable oxygen and carbon isotopes, with a coefficient of correlation r of approximately 0.63. This implies that the lake water has a relatively short residence time. Carbonate minerals constitute calcite and aragonite in the middle and eastern region of the lake. Aragonite and Mg-calcite are formed at higher lake water salinity and temperatures, and larger evaporation effects. More saline lake water in the middle and eastern region of the lake and the enhanced isotopic equilibrium between water and atmospheric CO2 cause the correlating carbon and oxygen isotope values determined for aragonite and Mg-calcite. Evaporation and biological processes are the main reasons for the salinity and carbonate mineralogy influence of the surface-sediment carbonate in Bosten Lake. The lake water residence time and the CO2 exchange between the atmosphere and the water body control the carbon and oxygen isotope composition of the carbonate sediment. In addition, organic matter pollution and decomposition result in the abnormally low carbon isotope values of the lake surface-sediment carbonate.

Genesis of Qujiashan manganese deposit, Shaanxi Province: constraints from geological, geochemical, and carbon and oxygen isotopic evidences

The Qujiashan manganese deposit is located in the Longmen-Daba fold belt along the northern margin of the Yangtze Block. The layered ore bodies are distributed within the purple-red calcareous shale. Qujiashan is a high-grade w(MnO)=8.92% to 18.76%) manganese deposit with low-phosphorus w(P2O5)=0.08% to 0.16%) content. It also has a low total REEs contents(with an average of 101.3×10-6), and has inconspicuous Ce(0.81 to 1.29) and Eu(1.00 to 1.25) anomalies. lg(Ce/Ce*) values are from-0.02 to 0.11. The ores have high SiO2/Al2O3 and Al/(Al + Fe + Mn) ratios. In figures of Fe–Mn–[(Ni+Cu+Co)×10] and lgU–lgTh, all samples show that hydrothermal exhalative fluids played an important role during mineralisation. The δ13CPDB and δ18OSMOW values of eight ore samples are from-20.7‰ to-8.2‰(with an average of-12.4‰) and from 14.3‰ to 18.7‰(with an average of 17.0‰), respectively. These carbon and oxygen isotopic features indicate that hydrothermal fluids derived from deep earth are participation in the metallogenic process, which is also supported by high paleo-seawater temperatures varying from 47.08 to 73.98 °C. Therefore, the geological and geochemical evidences show that the Qujiashan deposit formed from submarine exhalative hydrothermal sedimentation.

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.

The Carbon and Oxygen Stable Isotopic Compositions and its Paleoenvironment Significance from the Upper Yunlong Formation of Paleogene in Lanping Basin,Yunnan

Lanping Basin is one part of the three-rivers Tethyan tectonic domain and located in western Yunnan or southeastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.Yunlong salt-bearing Formation had formed under the condition of strong arid

The Carbon and Oxygen Isotopic Compositions:Implications for the Sources and Types of Uranium Deposits in South China

Uranium ore is an essential material in the preparation of nuclear fuel for civilian and military uses.Uranium deposits are also important sources of energy for countries which depend heavily on nuclear power(e.g.France).

Ice rafting history and paleoceanographic reconstructions of Core 08P23 from southern Chukchi Plateau, western Arctic Ocean since Marine Isotope Stage 3

Multiproxy investigations have been performed on Core 08P23 collected from the Chukchi Plateau, the western Arctic Ocean, during the Third Chinese National Arctic Expedition. The core was dated back to Ma-rine Isotope Stage （MIS） 3 by a combination of Accelerator Mass Spectrometric （AMS） carbon-14 dating and regional core correlation. A total of five prominent ice-rafted detritus （IRD） events were recognized in MIS 2 and MIS 3. The IRD sources in MIS 3 are originated from vast carbonate rock outcrops of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and clastic quartz in MIS 2 may have a Eurasian origin. Mostδ18O andδ13C values of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma （sinistral） （Nps） in Core 08P23 are lighter than the average values of surface sediments. The lighterδ18O andδ13C values of Nps in the two brown layers in MIS 1 and MIS 3 were resulted from meltwater events; and those in the gray layers in MIS 3 were caused by the enhanced sea ice formation. Theδ18O values varied inversely withδ13C in MIS 2 indicate that the study area was covered by thick sea ice or ice sheet with low temperature and little meltwater, which prevented the biological productivity and sea-atmosphere exchange, as well as water mass ventilation. The covaried light values ofδ18O andδ13C in MIS 1 and MIS 3 were resulted from meltwater and/or brine injection.

Carbon cycle variability in tropical Atlantic across two Early Eocene hyperthermals

Early Eocene hyperthermals are geologically short-lived global warming events and represent fundamental perturbations to the global carbon cycle and the Earth’s ecosystem due to massive additions of isotopically light carbon to the ocean-atmosphere system.They serve as ancient analogs for understanding how the oceanic carbonate system and surface-ocean ecosystem would respond to ongoing and future climate change.Here,we present a continuous carbonate record across the Eocene Thermal Maximum 2(ETM2 or H1,ca.54.1 Ma)and H2(ca.54 Ma)events from an expanded section at Ocean Drilling Program Site 1258 in tropical Atlantic.The abundant calcareous nannofossils and moderate carbonate content throughout the studied interval suggest this record was deposited above the calcite compensation depth(CCD),but below the lysocline and under the influence of terrestrial dilution.An Earth system model cGENIE is used to simulate the carbon cycle dynamics across the ETM2 and H2 to offer insights on the mechanism of the rapid warming and subsequent recovery in climate and ecosystem.The model suggests moderate changes in ocean pH(0.1–0.2 unit)for the two scenarios,biogenic methane from a rechargeable methane capacitor and organic matter oxidation from thawing of the permafrost.These pH changes are consistent with a recent independent pH estimate across the ETM2 using boron isotopes.The carbon emission flux during the ETM2 is at least an order of magnitude smaller than that during the Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum(PETM)(0.015–0.05 Pg C yr^(-1)vs.0.3–1.7 Pg C yr^(-1)).The comparable pre-and post-event carbonate contents suggest the lysocline did not over deepen following the ETM2 at this tropical Atlantic site,indicating spatial heterogeneity in the carbonate system due to strong dilution influence from terrestrial weathering and riverine discharge at Site 1258.

Petrology and geochemistry of cold seep carbonates from the northern Okinawa Trough,East China Sea:implications to early diagenesis

Carbonate samples were collected from the northern Okinawa Trough in the East China Sea in 2013.The petrology,mineralogy,carbon and oxygen isotopes,and rare earth elements(REEs)of these samples were analyzed.Aragonite,high-Mg calcite,and dolomite were the main carbonate minerals,the contents of which varied greatly among the carbonate samples.Petrological observations revealed the common occurrence of framboidal pyrites.Theδ^(13)C values of carbonates varied from-53.7‰to-39.3‰(average of-47.3‰based on Vienna Pee Dee Belemnite(V-PDB),n=9),and theδ^(18)O values ranged from 0.6‰to 3.4‰(average of 1.9‰;V-PDB,n=9).The carbon and oxygen isotope characteristics indicated that the carbonates precipitated during the anaerobic oxidation of methane.The carbon source was a mixture of thermogenic methane and biogenic methane,possibly with a greater contribution from the former.The oxygen isotope data showed that gas hydrate dissociation occurred during carbonate precipitation.The Ce anomalies suggested that the carbonates precipitated in an anoxic environment.A slight enrichment of middle REEs(MREEs)could be attributable to the early diagenesis.The structures,minerals,oxygen isotopes,and MREEs all indicated that the carbonates experienced some degree of early diagenesis.Therefore,the infl uence of early diagenesis should be considered when using geological and geochemical proxies to reconstruct original methane seepage environments.

Carbon and Oxygen Isotope Stratigraphy of the Oxfordian Carbonate Rocks in Amu Darya Basin

Based on the detailed research on petrologic and geochemical characteristics of deposi- tion and diagenesis of Oxfordian carbonate rocks in Amu Darya Basin, Turkmenistan, carbon and oxygen isotopes were analyzed. The results show that the paleoenvironmental evolution reflected by the samples with well-preserved original carbon isotopes coincides with the carbon-isotope stratigraphic curve and is almost consistent with the global sea-level curve, the Mid-Oxfordian wide transgression, and the positive carbon-isotope excursion event. The Mid-Oxfordian continuing transgression not only laid the foundation for the development of the Oxfordian reef and shoal reservoirs in Amu Darya Basin but also provided an example for the Oxfordian global transgression and the resulting development of reefs and banks and high-speed organic carbon burial events. The response of oxygen isotopes in diagenetic environment showed that micrite limestones and granular limestones underwent weak diagenetic alteration, and the samples largely retained the original seawater features. Dolomitization and the precipitation of hydrothermal calcites filling solution vugs and fractures before hydrocarbon accumulation occurred in a closed diagenetic environment where the main controlling factor is the temperature, and the diagenetic fluids were from the deep hot brine. The chalkification of the lime- stones after hydrocarbon accumulation occurred in the oilfield water systems.

Carbon and oxygen isotope variation and its implication for marine sequence: A case study of Ordovician in Tarim Basin

Carbon and oxygen isotopes of marine carbonate rocks or fossil shells could indicate global sea-level relative change.Generally,heavier carbon isotopes or lighter oxygen isotopes reflected rise of global sea-level relative changes,and vice versa.For carbonate rocks deposited before Tertiary,carbon isotope was more stable than oxygen isotope,and thus it was more suitable to indicate global sea-level relative fluctuation.Within time limit of the 3rd-order sequence(1-10Ma),large scale migration of carbonate platforms would not occur and carbonate productivity would not change greatly,therefore,a research method of marine tectonic sequence(i.e,a contrastive analysis method of carbon and oxygen isotopessedimentary cycles)was proposed.Thus,the marine 3rd-order sequences were divided the global sealevel sequence which was controlled by global sea-level change and the tectonic sequence which was controlled by regional tectonic subsidence and uplift.The global sea-level fluctuation indicated by carbon and oxygen isotopes were consistent with variation of sedimentary cycles and water depth of the global sea-level sequence,but were not consistent with variation of sedimentary cycles and water depth of the tectonic sequence.As a case study of Ordovician in Tarim Basin,two 3rd-order global sea-level sequences were identified in the Lower Ordovician,while six 3rd-order tectonic sequences controlled by collision and compression between Arkin island arc,Kudi active continental margin uplift and Tarim Plate were identified in the Middle and Upper Ordovician.Particularly,OSQ6 in the Upper Ordovician(Lianglitage Formation)was a typical tectonic sequence.

Fluid Inclusions of Calcite and Sources of Ore-forming Fluids in the Huize Zn-Pb-(Ag-Ge) District, Yunnan, China

The Huize Zn-Pb- (Ag-Ge) district is a typical representative of the well-known medium-to large-sized carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb- (Ag-Ge) deposits, occurring in the Sichuan-Yunnan-Guizhou Pb-Zn Ore-forming Zone. Generally, fluid inclusions within calcite, one of the major gangue minerals, are dominated by two kinds of small (1-10 um) inclusions including pure-liquid and liquid. The inclusions exist in concentrated groups along the crystal planes of the calcite. The ore-forming fluids containing Pb and Zn, which belong to the Na+-K+-Ca2+-Cl--F--SO42- type, are characterized by temperatures of 164-221℃, medium salinity in 5-10.8 wt% NaCl, and medium pressure at 410×105 to 661×105 Pa. The contents of Na+-K+ and C1--F-, and ratios of Na+/K+-Cl-/F- in fluid inclusions present good linearity. The ratios of Na+/K+ (4.66-6.71) and Cl-/F- (18.21-31.04) in the fluid inclusions of calcite are relatively high, while those of Na+/K+ (0.29-5.69) and Cl-/F- (5.00-26.0) in the inclusions of sphalerite and pyrite are relatively low. The ratio of Na+/K+ increases in accord with those of Cl-/F-, which indicates that ore-forming fluid of deep source participates in the mineralization. The waters of fluid inclusions have δD values from -43.5‰ to -55.4‰ of calcite. The δ18OV-SMOW values of the ore-forming fluids, calculated values, range from 17.09‰ to 18.56‰ of calcite and 17.80‰ to 23.14‰ for dolomite. δ13CV-PDB values range from -1.94‰ to -3.31‰ for calcite and -3.35‰ to 0.85‰ for the ore-bearing dolomite. These data better demonstrate that the ore-forming fluids were mainly derived from metamorphic water and magmatic hot fluid, in relation to the metamorphism of the Kunyang Group in the basement and magmatic hydrothermalism. The deposit itself might have resulted from ascending cycles of ore-forming fluid, enriched in Pb and Zn. The Huize Zn-Pb- (Ag-Ge) deposits related to carbonate-hosted Zn-Pb sulphides.

Paleoenvironmental records from the northern South China Sea since the Last Glacial Maximum

Core ZHS-176 contains the paleoenvironmental records from the northern South China Sea （NSCS） since the Last Glacial Maximum （LGM）. A coupled approach based on clay mineral assemblages, planktonic foraminiferal oxygen and carbon isotopes, and calcium carbonate content is used to trace the sources of the fine-grained sediment and to investigate the paleoenviornmental evolution in this area. Clay mineral assemblages are dominated by illite （average about 39%） and chlorite （about 27%）, which comes mainly from Taiwan and the East China Sea. Kaolinite, which accounts for about 13%, comes mainly from the Zhujiang （Pearl） River, and Luzon Island is the main source for smectite （about 21%）. The planktonic foraminiferal oxygen isotopic oscillations during the last glacial period are coeval with climate variations recorded in the Greenland ice core and Western Pacific sediment. These variations include the LGM, Heinrich event 1, Bφlling-Allerφd （B/A）, and Younger Dryas. For the Holocene, three periods of strong precipitation （S1-S3） and three periods of weak precipitation （W1-W3） are identified. The oxygen isotopic record exhibits corre-lation with climate records from distant regions, including the high-latitude Northern Hemisphere, providing evidence for global tele-connection among regional climate. A brief, negative planktonic foraminiferal carbon isotopic excursion during B/A reflects increased methane released from marine gas hydrate due to the rapid warming of the water. By comparing calcium carbonate content curves of the core ZHS-176 with these of other five boreholes lying above the lysocline, a remarkable low calcium carbonate event is found during the early Holocene in NSCS.

Tracing the Methane Events by Stable Carbon Isotopes of Benthic Foraminifera at Glacial Periods in the Andaman Sea

Stable isotopes of carbon and oxygen variations in foraminiferal shells have been widely used in paleo-environment studies.However,studies about the shells of benthic foraminifera in methanehydrate-bearing sediments as reliable geochemical proxies to reconstruct the potential methane release events in the geologic past are rare.In this study,we present the stable carbon and oxygen isotopes of fossil benthic foraminifera including one epifaunal species(Cibicidoides wuellerstorfi)and two infaunal species(Bulimina mexicana and Uvigerina peregrina)from the Site U1447 of IODP 353 Expedition to trace methane events in the Andaman Sea,where one of the thickest and deepest gas hydrate stability zones was discovered.Theδ^(13)C values of benthic foraminifera show that there are eight distinct intervals with negative values in the last~10 Myr,interpreted as a record of long-term fluctuations in methane emission.Six of these methane events occurred during the glacial sea-level lowstands in the last~1.1 Myr.We,therefore,infer that the trigger mechanism for these events might be the hydrate destabilization caused by sea level fall.The methane events that occurred at~2.11 and~5.93 Ma are more likely related to the sudden changes in sedimentation,either slide events or marked variations in sedimentation rate.

Deepwater Ventilation and Stratification in the Neogene South China Sea

Combined data of physical property, benthic foraminifera, and stable isotopes from ODP Sites 1148, 1146, and 1143 are used to discuss deep water evolution in the South China Sea （SCS） since the Early Miocene. The results indicate that 3 lithostratigraphic units, respectively corresponding to 21-17 Ma, 15-10 Ma, and 10-5 Ma with positive red parameter （a^＊） marking the red brown sediment color represent 3 periods of deep water ventilation. The first 2 periods show a closer link to contemporary production of the Antarctic Bottom Water （AABW） and Northern Component Water（NCW）, indicating a free connection of deep waters between the SCS and the open ocean before 10 Ma.After 10 Ma, red parameter dropped but stayed higher than the modern value （a^＊=0）, the CaCO3 percentage difference between Site 1148 from a lower deepwater setting and Site 1146 from an upper deepwater setting enlarged significantly, and benthic species which prefer oxygen-rich bottom conditions dramatically decreased. Coupled with a major negative excursion of benthic δ^13Cat ～10 Ma,these parameters may denote a weakening in the control of the SCS deep water by the open ocean.Probably they mark the birth of a local deep water due to shallow waterways or rise of sill depths during the course of sea basin closing from south to east by the west-moving Philippine Arc after the end of SCS seafloor spreading at 16-15 Ma. However, it took another 5 Ma before the dissolved oxygen approached close to the modern level. Although the oxygen level continued to stabilize, several Pacific Bottom Water （PBW） and Pacific Deep Water （PDW） marker species rapidly increased since ～6 Ma,followed by a dramatic escalation in planktonic fragmentation which indicates high dissolution especially after ～5 Ma. The period of 5-3 Ma saw the strongest stratified deepwater in the then SCS, as indicated by up to 40﹪ CaCO3 difference between Sites 1148 and 1146. Apart from a strengthening PDW as a result of global cooling and ice cap buildup on northern high latitudes, a deepening sea basin due to stronger subduction eastward may also have triggered the influx of more corrosive waters from the deep western Pacific. Since 3 Ma, the evolution of the SCS deep water entered a modern phase, as characterized by relative stable 10﹪ CaCO3 difference between the two sites and increase in infaunal benthic species which prefer a low oxygenated environment. The subsequent reduction of PBW and PDW marker species at about 1.2 Ma and 0.9 Ma and another significant negative excursion of benthic δ^13Cto a Neogene minimum at ～0.9 Ma together convey a clear message that the PBW largely disappeared and the PDW considerably weakened in the Mid-Pleistocene SCS. Therefore, the true modern mode SCS deep water started to form only during the ＂Mid-Pleistocene climatic transition＂ probably due to the rise of sill depths under the Bashi Strait.

Sedimentation Geochemistry and Environmental Changes during the Late Pleistocene of Paleolake Qarhan in the Qaidam Basin

On the basis of the analyses of TOC, CaCO3, δ13Corg, δ18O, and δ13C of the shell bar section in the Qaidam basin, and compared with grain size data, the environmental change history of the high water level of paleolake Qarhan was reconstructed and it could be divided into five stages. From 39.7 to 35.8 kaBP was the development period of high paleolake level. From 35.8 to 33.6 kaBP and 33.6 to 27.2 kaBP, TOC and CaCO3 contents and δ18O values were high, whereas, δ13Corg values and median size content were low, reflecting a warm-humid climate and high lake level. During 27.2-22.3 kaBP and 22.3-17.5 kaBP, both temperature and the lake level were lower than those in the previous stages, but the climate was still warmer and more humid than that of today. The lake level decreased between 32.4 and 32.2 kaBP, 30.4 and 29.8 kaBP, and 28.4 and 27.2 kaBP. Generally, the climate was warm and humid in Qaidam basin and the high lake level sustained between 39.7 and 17.5 kaBP. The lake retreated abruptly at 17.5 kaBP, with a very strong increase in evaporation, which resulted in salt formation and the extinction of Corbicula.