From Cycles to Sequences:Sequence Stratigraphy and Relative Sea Level Change for the Late Cambrian of the North China Platform

In the Late Cambrian, the North China Platform was a typical carbonate ramp platform. The Upper Cambrian of the northern part of the North China Platform is famous for the development of bioherm limestones and storm calcirudites and can be divided from bottom to top into the Gushan, Changshan and Fengshan formations. In this set of strata, the deep-ramp mudstone and marls and the shallow-ramp packstones and grainstones constitute many carbonate meter-scale cycles of subtidal type. More tidal-flat dolomites are developed in the Upper Cambrian of the southern margin of the North China platform, in which limestone and dolomite beds also constitute many carbonate meter-scale cycles of the peritidal type. These cycles are marked by a variety of litho-facies successions. There are regularly vertical stacking patterns of meter-scale cycles in long-term third-order sequences, which is the key to discerning such sequences. Third- order sequence is marked by a particular sedimentary-facies succession that is the result of the environment-changing process of deepening and shoaling, which is genetically related to third-order sea level changes. Furthermore, four third- order sequences can be grouped in the Upper Cambrian of the North China Platform. The main features of these four third -order sequences in the northern part of the platform can be summarized as follows: firstly, sequence-boundaries are characterized by drowning unconformities; secondly, the sedimentary-facies succession is generally constituted by one from deep-ramp facies to shallow-ramp facies; thirdly, a succession of “CS (?)+HST” (i.e., “condensed section and high- stand system”) forms these four third-order sequences. The chief features for the third-order sequences in the southern part of the North China Platform comprises: more dolomites are developed in the HSTs of third-order sequences and also developed more carbonate meter-scale cycles of peritidal types; the sedimentary-facies succession of the third-order sequences is marked by “shallow ramp-tidal flat”; the sequence boundaries are characterized by exposure punctuated surfaces. According to the changes for the third-order sequences from the north to the south, a regular sequence- stratigraphic framework can be established. From cycles to sequences, the study of sequence stratigraphy from litho-facies successions to sedimentary-facies successions exposes that as follows: meter-scale cycles that are used as the basic working unit actually are litho-facies successions formed by the mechanism of a punctuated aggradational cycle, and third -order sequences that are constituted by regularly vertical stacking patterns of meter-scale cycles are marked by sedimentary-facies successions. On the basis of the changing curve of water depth at each section, the curve of the relative third-order sea level changes in the late Cambrian of the North China Platform can be integrated qualitatively from changing curve of water depth. The correlation of Late Cambrian long-term sea level changes between North China and North America demonstrates that there are not only similarities but also differences, reflecting control of long-term sea level changes both by global eustacy and by regional factors.

Last deglacial relative sea level variations in Antarctica derived from glacial isostatic adjustment modelling

We present relative sea level （RSL） curves in Antarctica derived from glacial isostatic adjustment （GIA）predictions based on the melting scenarios of the Antarctic ice sheet since the Last Glacial Maximum （LGM）given in previous works.Simultaneously,Holocene-age RSL observations obtained at the raised beaches along the coast of Antarctica are shown to be in agreement with the GIA predictions.The differences from previously published ice-loading models regarding the spatial distribution and total mass change of the melted ice are significant.These models were also derived from GIA modelling; the variations can be attributed to the lack of geological and geographical evidence regarding the history of crustal movement due to ice sheet evolution.Next,we summarise the previously published ice load models and demonstrate the RSL curves based on combinations of different ice and earth models.The RSL curves calculated by GIA models indicate that the model dependence of both the ice and earth models is significantly large at several sites where RSL observations were obtained.In particular,GIA predictions based on the thin lithospheric thickness show the spatial distributions that are dependent on the melted ice thickness at each sites.These characteristics result from the short-wavelength deformation of the Earth.However,our predictions strongly suggest that it is possible to find the average ice model despite the use of the different models of lithospheric thickness.By sea level and crustal movement observations,we can deduce the geometry of the post-LGM ice sheets in detail and remove the GIA contribution from the crustal deformation and gravity change observed by space geodetic techniques,such as GPS and GRACE,for the estimation of the Antarctic ice mass change associated with recent global warming.

Sea level change along the coast of China relative to the isostatic datum

On the basis of the analyses of significant periods for the sea level observation data taken from recent several decades at 12 tide stations, the monthly mean sea level observations are fitted by a model of linear trend of sea level change superimposed with several variations of different fixed periods. The trends of sea level relative changes and their errors are estimated by the LS method. The results are reduced to the isostatic datum proposed and established in the paper (Huang et al. , 1991, Seismology and Geology , 1, 1-15). The trends of sea level changes in the near future along the coast of China are studied. It is pointed out that the general trend of the sea level change along the coast of China is going up slowly and the rate of the change is not the same in different segments of the coasts. In a few segments, the sea level is even relatively going down. The numerical results given in this paper provide a basis for the predictions of the future sea level changes and their effects.

Circum-Indian Holocene sea-level database:A repository of distinct relative sea-level plots across the Indian Peninsula

The Indian Peninsula is one of the most well-studied regions for Holocene sea-level fluctuations in the world, however, standardized relative sea-level datasets are missing. This study provides an archive of sealevel indicators(n = 162, 20 locations) along the western and the eastern sides of the peninsula, that have been used to develop Relative Sea Level(RSL) plots. Each dated sea-level indicator is recalibrated for its elevation based on tidal and tectonic correction, as well as age with reservoir correction, and have been separated into six zones based on coastal geomorphology and number of datasets. The database spans throughout the Holocene and covers sea-level depth/elevations from-45 m to +5 m from mean sea-level(MSL). Approximately 90 % of the dataset range from 8 ka to the present day. The first transgression is highly variable and identified between 8.5-8 ka BP in Gujarat(Zone 1), ~ 5.5 ka BP in Maharashtra(Zone 2), between 8 and 7 ka BP in Tamil Nadu(Zone 4) and between 8 and 7.5 ka BP in the Bengal coasts(Zone 6). No transgression above present sea-level is observed along Andhra Pradesh(Zone 5)(no data for Kerala-Zone 3).Further, Zones 1, 2, 4 and 6 show a strong uplift component(tectonic), whereas Zone 5 exhibits subsidence during the Holocene(Zone 3-insufficient data). Based on these findings, and given the region's coastal topography and tidal components, Zones 6 and 1 will likely undergo the largest coastal inundation, followed by Zones 5, 4, 2, and 3. These insights are critical in planning future coastal inundation measures across the Indian Peninsula.

Contributors to tidal duration asymmetry with varied coastline configurations on western shelf of Yellow Sea

Coastal management in China is confronted with an urgent choice between natural restoration and maintenance of existing seawalls and reclaimed land for economic development.A key criterion for making this decision is the resilience to coastal flooding,which depends on the ability to predict tidal level.Tidal duration asymmetry(TDA)is a key parameter in determination of the arrival and duration of flood tides.This study selected the western inner shelf of the Yellow Sea(WYS)as the study area and investigated the responses of TDA to different shoreline configurations and relative sea level rise.The responses of TDA to shoreline reconstruction yielded spatial variability locally and remotely.In the nearshore area,the responses of TDA to the complex ocean environment mainly originated from the combined functions of reflection,bottom friction,and advection,which controlled the energy transfer from M2 or S2 constituents to their overtides or compound tides.The sensitivity of TDA to coastline typologies was not limited to coastal waters but could stretch over the entire inner shelf.The vulnerability of tidal responses was due to the displacement of the M2 amphidrome of the Kelvin wave on the WYS,which in turn changed tidal energy fluxes over the regime.The relative sea level rise could intensify the feedback of TDA to seawalls and land reclamation.

IMPACTS OF SEA LEVEL RISE ON MAJOR PROJECTS AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT IN CHINA'S COASTAL PLAINS

Due to the dual dris oftural and man-made factors, relative sea leverise in China's coastal plains can be 2 to 3 times over the global mean dunng thefirst half of the 21st Century, it will strongly whuence the vanous coastal projectsand installations and the development of coastal dhes and towns. Research resultsshow that a 50-cm-nse in relative sea leve will cause maed decline in the functionof coastal defense and drainage projects and seriously endangur the functionalworking of the vast majority of coastal harbors. Meanwhile, it will also whuence thedevelopment of coastal dhes and towns throwi deterioratin water quality of thesource of urban water supply, increasing urban fiood risk and damagin seasidetounst resources etc.. Tianin, Shanghai and Guangzhou, the three most importancoastal dhes of China, will be Strongly affeded.

Bilateral Relations Defined at a Strategic Level

Problems seem to pile up in Sino-Japanese ties as exchanges are increasing while contacts grow in width and new developments surface on both sides. Not surprisingly different interpretations of these issues have also given rise to varying misgivings about the prospects for the relationship between the two neighbors among academics. This has found its reflection in the recent extensive concern over the matter. For deepening the discussion, the Forum of Experts of Contemporary International Relations and the Division for Northeast Asian Studies of China Institute of Contemporary International Relations cosponsored a one-day meeting at Wanshou Villa in the suburb of Beijing with a view to seeking a brighter future for bilateral ties. Heated, in-depth discussions involved a variety of relevant issues. Excerpts of speeches at the symposium follow.

Impact of the formation and ablation of Antarctic ice sheet on the global geoid and sea level

It is convenient to investigate the gravimetry using a harmonic spheric function for the description of the distribution and thickness of the Antarctic ice sheet. The gravitational theory and the Stokes' harmonic spheric function formula were used to determine the impact of the Antarctic ice cap on the global geoid. The Antarctic ice cap is formed from the condensation of seawater vapour whose mass is equal to a layer of seawater 59 m thick of covering the earth's surface, i.e. 2.7×10 19 kg. This will cause the global averaged geoid to decrease for around 23 m. The authors' computations show that the Antractic ice cap has a great impact on the global geoid, which increases (+) in some regions, but decreases (-) in other reigions. The geoid is +115 m, -37 m and +8 m at the South Pole, the 25°S parallel and the North Pole, respectively. If the Antarctic ice cap melts completely, on the rigid Earth's surface the seawater and geoid will return to its original position (and height) due to the balancing force of the fluid. Since the crust is almost in a state of isostasy, assuming that the crust is an elastic solid and the mantle is an incompressible fluid, the load of seawater will deflect the crust and drive the mantle material to flow. The material above the isostatic surface compensates mutually. If the densities of the mantle and seawater are 3270 kg/m 3 and 1030 kg/m 3, respectively, then the variation in the elevation of the continent is only 2.8 m with respect to the sea level after the Antarctic ice cap melts;it is not larger than that estimated by some people.It is worth noting that the above results were derived from an ideal Earth model. In the real Earth, the mantle and crust are visco elastic.

Using Ambient Noise to Study the Seismic Velocity Changes Caused by the Rise and Fall of the Water Level in the Zipingpu Reservoir Region

We study the feature of media changes beneath the Zipingpu reservoir and discuss the process of permeation with the water level rise and fall of the reservoir from January 2005 to January 2008 from ambient noise cross correlation by using continuous seismic data recorded by the stations of Zipingpu seismic network and YZP station. A moving-window cross-spectrum technique has been used to calculate the relative seismic velocity changes between station pairs. Results revealed an obvious relationship between relative seismic velocity, and the water level changes with a time delay that may be caused by permeation during three main impoundments and two large scale disemboguements. Impoundment generates a fast and large impact on the superficial layer, and the changes of seismic velocity is the result of increased pressure and permeation during the impoundment. At the first impoundment, the main effect factor is pressure. During the next two process of impoundment, permeation becomes the main effect factor, affecting the fault at a depth of about 8kin.

Serum Levels of Antioxidant Vitamins in Relation to Coronary Artery Disease: A Case Control Study of Koreans

With the changes in trends of disease pattern from infectious to chronic degenerative disease, cardiovascular disease has been considered as the major cause of death in Korea.Numerous studies have been done on the antioxidant effects of some vitamins in the prevention of chronic illness, but not many in relation to the cardiovascular disease.Therefore, the relation between antioxidant vitamins, mainly α-tocopherol (α-T) and B-carotene (B-C), and coronary artery disease (CAD) such as angina pectoris and myocardial infarction has been investigated in this study.The blood samples were obtained from the CAD patients who were angiographically diagnosed within a month (100 case group). Patients who had an experience of PTCA or CABG were excluded from the study. Control subjects were healthy adults who had normal EKG values, no chest pain and no past history of cardiac disease (100 control group). All subjects were free of serum lipid lowering drugs. Serum α-T and B-C were analysed using HPLC. In addition to antioxidant vitamins, serum lipids (total cholesterol, HDL, TG) were also measured. Each case and control was matched in terms of age and sex. And all the CAD risk factors such as blood pressure, smoking, alcohol, serum lipid profile and BMI were adjusted to determine pure effect(s) of α-T and B-C on the CAD.The concentrations of both α-T and B-C were significantly lower in the CAD group than those in control group (P<0.05); in CAD group, mean values of α-T and B-C were 11.9±7.2 (μg/ml), 35.8±3.1 (μg/dl) respectively. As for the levels of B-C, it shows inverse relation with age, but not for the α-T Ievels. Serum levels of both vitamins did not show any significant differences in terms of sex, but men have a tendency o higher levels of B-C,but lower levels of α-T

Analysis of sea level changes in the Caspian Sea related to Cosmo-geophysical processes based on satellite and terrestrial data

Analysis results of the average annual sea levels in the Caspian Sea obtained from ground and satellite observations, corresponding to solar activity characteristics, magnetic field data, and length of day are presented. Spectra of the indicated processes were investigated and their approximation models were also built. Previously assumed statistical relationships between space-geophysical processes and Caspian Sea level(CSL) changes were confirmed. A close connection was revealed between the low-frequency models of the solar and geomagnetic activity parameters and the CSL changes. Predictions extending into the next decades showed a high probability of an increase in the CSL and a decrease of the compared space-geophysical parameters.

A Comparative Study of the Microbial Communities Between the Mineral Surface and the Bioleaching Solution Using the Microarray Method

In order to explore the bioleaching mechanism and improve the bioleaching efficiency,the micro-bial community in the bioleaching solution was compared with that on the surface of minerals based on the microarray analysis.Meanwhile,the elements composition in the bioleaching solution was analyzed using the ICP-AES method.Results showed that there was a high concentration of S and Cu in the leaching solution which up to 2 380 mg/L and 1 378 mg/L,respectively,after continuously bioleaching of copper-ore concen-trate for 30 days by a mixed culture associated with 12 species of bioleaching microorganisms.Based on the data of microarray,the total of cell number in the surface of minerals was far higher than that in the bi-oleaching solution.Furthermore,the dominant communities on the surface of minerals,such as Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans,Acidithiobacillus thiooxidans and Acidithiobacillus caldus,were similar to that in the bioleaching solution.However,the relative level of some bacteria,such as Sulfobacillus aci-dophilus and Sulfobacillus thermosulfidooxidans,showed great discrepancy with lower presence in the bi-oleaching solution with respect to the mineral surface.

Triassic Transgressive-Regressive Sequences in Guizhou-Guangxi Region, South China

Seven third-order transgressive-regressive sequences are recognized in the Early Triassic -Early Carnian stratigraghc succession of Guizhou-Guangxi region, South China. Based on currently available ages by the correlation of conodont ammonites and bivalve faunas, these sequences range approximately from 1.0 Ma to 5.6 Ma, with the average of 3 Ma. They occur largely in the Griesbachian-Dienerian, Smithian,uppermost Smithian-lowermost Anisian, Lower Anisian, Middle Anisian, Upper Anisian-Upper Ladinian and the uppermost Ladinian-Lower Carnian respectively, and can be grouped into three second-order transgressive-regressive supersequences. A relative sea level curve is established from the sequence stratigraghic analysis. Transgressive-regressive sequences,bounded by transgressive surfaces and the correlatable unconformities, are real unconformity-bounded units of lower rank. Each sequence comprises transgressive, highstand and regressive systems tracts, and can be easily correlated with the depositional sequence.

Paleosalinity in the Tianluoshan site and the correlation between the Hemudu culture and its environmental background

Paleosalinity records of the Tianluoshan site are derived from measurations data of clay mineral, boron, strontium, barium, after field sampling in three profiles of the Tianluoshan site. The relative sea level changes are discussed according to the lab results. The record indicates that the region where the Tianluoshan site located has witnessed at least three times of relative sea level high-stand before, during and after the Hemudu period. Based on previous researches, this paper also focuses on discussing several environmental elements, the inter-relationships between environmental condition, human activities and development of the Hemudu culture comprehensively.

Molecular cloning, characterization, and antioxidant function of catalase in Lymantria dispar asiatic (Lepidoptera: Lymantriidae) under avermectin stress

The critical antioxidant catalase(CAT)breaks down hydrogen peroxide induced by environmental stresses.Here we cloned full length catalase cDNA from Lymantria dispar asiatic(LdCAT).Bioinformatic analyses showed that open reading frames of LdCAT contains 1524 bp,encoding 507 amino acids with molecular weight of 126.99 kDa,theoretical pI of 5.00,aliphatic index of 29.92,grand average of hydropathicity of 0.764,and instability index(II)of 46.56.Protein BLAST and multiple sequence alignment indicated that LdCAT had high identity with CAT from other insects,especially lepidopterans.In a phylogenetic analysis,LdCAT was most similar to CAT from Spodoptera litura and S.exigua.Quantitative realtime polymerase chain reaction showed that LdCAT transcripts in all instar larvae and the five tissues tested,verifying the ubiquity of LdCAT in L.disapr.Moreover,LdCAT of third instar larvae was significantly upregulated after they fed on avermectin at sublethal and LC10 doses.The highest relative transcript levels were found 2 h after an avermectin spray at LC90,and in the cuticula,rather than heads,fat bodies,malpighian tubes,and midguts after a spray avermectin at a sublethal concentration.The expression level of LdCAT under pesticide stresses here suggested that CAT is an important antioxidant enzyme of L.disapr defensing against pesticide stress and may be a good target for controlling this pest.

Study of broadband THz time-domain spectroscopy at different relative humidity levels

Two detection techniques of broadband terahertz（THz）time-domain spectroscopy-THz air-biased coherent detection（THz-ABCD;from 0.3 to 14 THz）and electro-optical（EO）detection（from 0.3 to 7 THz）-are both performed at several different relative humidity levels.The THz power exponentially decays with the increase in relative humidity.The dynamic range of the main pulse in the time domain linearly decreases as the relative humidity increases from 0%to 40%,and linear fittings show that the slopes are-0.017 and-0.019 for THz-ABCD and EO detection,respectively.Because of the multiple reflections caused by the crystal in the common EO detection,THz-ABCD has better spectral resolution（17 GHz）than that of EO detection（170 GHz）.The spectrum of water vapor absorption measured by THz-ABCD is also compared with that measured by the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy（FTIR）.

Impact of human motion on TVOCs inhalation dose under side re-circulated ventilation

The main objectives were to (1) calculate the total volatile organic compounds (TVOCs) inhalation dose, (2) analyze the proportions of human’s inhaled contaminant dose from different sources, and (3) present a newly defined ratio of relative inhalation dose level (RIDL) to assess indoor air quality (IAQ). A user defined function based on CFD (computational fluid dynamics) was developed, which integrated human motion model with TVOCs emission model in a high sidewall air supply ventilation mode. Based on simulation results of 10 cases, it is shown that the spatial concentration distribution of TVOCs is affected by human motion. TVOCs diffusion characteristic of building material is the most effective way to impact the TVOCs inhalation dose. From the RIDL index, case A-2 has the most serious IAQ problem, while case D-1 is of the best IAQ.

The Fiji Tide-Gauge Stations

We analyse the location, stability and continuity of the two tide-gauge stations in Fiji. Both stations are awkwardly placed on heavy harbour constructions resting on soft sediments susceptible to serious compaction problems. The nearby GPS stations resting on a bedrock hill offer no solution to the stability problems. The Suva tide-gauge has been moved three times, and must accordingly be analysed in segments. Even the last location covering years 1989 to 2917 provides a mixed picture of 16 years of stability, 10 years of rapid rise, and 4 years of rapid fall in relative sea level. This suggests the interaction of subsidence and cyclic changes in sea level. Any application of mean trends would produce meaningless values rather misguiding than assisting in the handling of estimation of on-going absolute sea level changes. We find this vital for the discussions of local sea level changes to be held at the UN conference on “Our Oceans, Our Future” in June in New York and at the main COP23 conference in November in Bonn.

Quality analysis of crustal tilt and strain observations in China's earthquakes in 2014

This work analyzes the quality of crustal tilt and strain observations during 2014, which were acquired from 269 sets of ground tiltmeters and 212 sets of strainmeters. In terms of data quality, the water tube tiltmeters presented the highest rate of excellent quality,approximately 91%, and the pendulum tiltmeters and ground strainmeters yielded rates of81% and 78%, respectively. This means that a total of 380 sets of instruments produced high-quality observational data suitable for scientific investigations and analyses.

A prospective comparison cohort study between baseline serum uric acid level and coronary artery disease in first-degree relatives and non-first-degree relatives of type 2 diabetes males

Objective To investigate the relationship between baseline serum uric acid and the severity of coronary artery disease(CAD)in the first-degree relatives or nonfirst-degree relatives of men with type 2 diabetes.Methods Three hundred and eighty-one men with negative coronary angiography for the first time were divided into diabetes and non-diabetes groups and followed-up for