Assessing the impact of climate change on dissolved oxygen using a flow field ecosystem model that takes into account the anaerobic and aerobic environment of bottom sediments

This study examines the potential impacts o climate change on Lake Biwa,Japan’s largest freshwate lake,with a focus on temperature,wind speed,and pre cipitation variations.Leveraging data from the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report,including CCP scenarios,projecting a significant temperature rise of 3.3–5.7℃in the case o very high GHG emission power,the research investigates how these shifts may influence dissolved oxygen levels in Lake Biwa.Through a one-dimensional model incorporat ing sediment redox reactions,various scenarios where ai temperature and wind speed are changed are simulated.I is revealed that a 5℃increase in air temperature leads to decreasing 1-2 mg/L of dissolved oxygen concentrations from the surface layer to the bottom layer,while a decrease in air temperature tends to elevate 1–3 mg/L of oxygen lev els.Moreover,doubling wind speed enhances surface laye oxygen but diminishes it in deeper layers due to increased mixing.Seasonal variations in wind effects are noted with significant surface layer oxygen increases from 0.4to 0.8 mg/L during summer to autumn,increases from 0.4 to 0.8 mg/L in autumn to winter due to intensified vertica mixing.This phenomenon impacts the lake’s oxygen cycle year-round.In contrast,precipitation changes show limited impact on oxygen levels,suggesting minor influence com pared to other meteorological factors.The study suggests the necessity of comprehensive three-dimensional models that account for lake-specific and geographical factors fo accurate predictions of future water conditions.A holistic approach integrating nutrient levels,water temperature,and river inflow is deemed essential for sustainable management of Lake Biwa’s water resources,particularly in addressing precipitation variations.

Sedimentary environment and organic matter accumulation of Wufeng-Longmaxi shales,southwest Yangtze Plate,China:Insights from geochemical and petrological evidence

Upper Ordovician-Lower Silurian Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation is the most developed strata of shale gas in southern China.Due to the complex sedimentary environment adjacent to the Kangdian Uplift,the favorable area for organic-rich shale development is still undetermined.The authors,therefore,focus on the mechanism of accumulation of organic matter and the characterization of the sedimentary environment of the Wufeng-Longmaxi Shales to have a more complete understanding and new discovering of organic matter enrichment and favorable area in the marginal region around Sichuan Basin.Multiple methods were applied in this study,including thin section identification,scanning electron microscopy(SEM)observations and X-ray diffraction(XRD),and elemental analysis on outcrop samples.Five lithofacies have been defined according to the mineralogical and petrological analyses,including mudstone,bioclastic limestone,silty shale,dolomitic shale,and carbonaceous siliceous shale.The paleo-environments have been reconstructed and the organic enrichment mechanism has been identified as a reduced environment and high productivity.The Wufeng period is generally a suboxic environment and the early Longmaxi period is a reducing environment based on geochemical characterization.High dolomite content in the study area is accompanied by high TOC,which may potentially indicate the restricted anoxic environment formed by biological flourishing in shallower water.And for the area close to the Kangdian Uplift,the shale gas generation capability is comparatively favorable.The geochemical parameters implied that new favorable areas for shale gas exploration could be targeted,and more shale gas resources in the mountain-basin transitional zone might be identified in the future.

Microplastics in sediment of the Three Gorges Reservoir:abundance and characteristics under different environmental conditions

Freshwater microplastic pollution is an urgent issue of global concern,and research on the distribution in reservoirs is lacking.We investigated the microplastic pollution levels in wet sediments collected from the Three Gorges Reservoir,the largest reservoir of China.Results show that microplastics were ubiquitous in the sediments of the Three Gorges Reservoir,and their abundance ranged from 59 to 276 pp/kg(plastic particles per kg,dry weight).Economic development and total population were important factors affecting the spatial heterogeneity of microplastic abundance,and the contribution of large cities along the reservoir to microplastic pollution should be paid with more attention.Fibrous microplastics were the most abundant type of microplastic particles in reservoir sediments,whereas polystyrene,polypropylene,and polyamide were the main types of polymers.The apparent spatial heterogeneity in morphology and color of microplastics is attributed to different anthropogenic or landbased pollution sources.Moreover,the accumulation of microplastics near the inlet of tributaries reflects the role of potential contributors of tributaries.More importantly,multiple bisphenols(BPs)and heavy metals detected at the microplastic surfaces indicate that microplastics can act as carriers of these pollutants in the environment in the same way as sediments did,which may alter the environmental fate and toxicity of these pollutants.Therefore,we conclude that the Three Gorges Reservoir had been contaminated with microplastics,which posed a stress risk for organisms who ingest them along with their associated pollutants(BPs,heavy metals).

Diversity, Ecology, and Environmental Significance of Foraminifera in Al Hamama and Susah Coastal Regions, Northeastern Libya: Insights from Holocene Sediments

This research initiative, conducted along the coastal zones of Al Hamama and Susah in northeastern Libya, aimed to enhance our understanding of Holocene benthic foraminifera assemblages and the paleoenvironmental parameters in the region. We meticulously gathered five sediment samples to analyze the composition of foraminifera populations within the unconsolidated sedimentary deposits adjacent to these locations. We successfully identified nine distinct benthic foraminifera species, including Amphistegina lobifera, Eliphidium crispum, Sigmoilinita tenuis, Sorites orbiculus, Stomatorbina concentrica, Peneroplis planatus, Pseudotriloculina rotunda, Pyrgoella sphaera, and Triloculina schreberiana. Notably, Eliphidium crispum and Amphistegina lobifera emerged as the most prevalent species. These foraminifera species exhibited distinct ecological preferences, shedding light on paleoenvironmental conditions and climatic fluctuations during the Quaternary Period in the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions. The presence of Orbulina universa, a planktonic foraminifera species, further enriched our understanding of the paleoenvironment by providing insights into specific water depths and temperature ranges. This research significantly contributes to paleoceanography and environmental reconstruction, highlighting the invaluable use of foraminifera as proxies for exploring past environmental changes. Additionally, the study investigated the impacts of anthropogenic influences on benthic ecosystems in the Al Hamama and Susah coastal areas. These influences included reworked foraminifera specimens and the effects of karst formations, acid rain, and eutrophication. Notably, human-induced factors have visibly affected biogenic fauna and ecosystem dynamics in the study area. Consequently, this research provides valuable insights into paleoenvironmental conditions and ecological dynamics within the Susah and Al Hamama coastal regions, emphasizing the crucial role of foraminifera in reconstructing historical environmental fluctuations.

Sedimentary Environment and Mineralization of the Black Shale Polymetallic Layer in the Early Cambrian,SW China:Constraints from in situ LA-ICP-MS Analysis of Pyrite

A polymetallic layer is usually developed at the bottom of the early Cambrian black shale in Guizhou Province.The mineral that makes up the polymetallic layer is related to the sedimentary facies.To analyze the differentiation mechanism between polymetallic deposits(Ni-Mo and V),the Zhijin Gezhongwu profile located in the outer shelf and the Sansui Haishan V deposit located in the lower slope are selected to study the in situ sulfur isotopes and trace elements of pyrite.The results show that δ^(34)S values of pyrite vary widely from−7.8‰to 28‰in the Gezhongwu profile,while the δ^(34)S values are relatively uniform(from 27.8‰to 38.4‰)in the Haishan profile.The isotopic S composition is consistent with the transition that occurs in the sedimentary phase from the shelf to the deep sea on the transgressive Yangtze platform;this indicates that the δ^(34)SO_(4)^(2−)values in seawater must be differently distributed in depositional environments.The sulfur in the Ni-Mo layer is produced after the mixing of seawater and hydrothermal fluid,while the V layer mainly originates from seawater.Overall,the Ni-Mo and V deposits have been differentiated primarily on the basis of the combined effect of continental weathering and hydrothermal fluid.

Grain size and surface micro-texture characteristics and their paleoenvironmental significance of Holocene sediment in southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert,China

The southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert,China,is characterized by alternating layers of aeolian and alluvial deposits.Investigating the characteristics of arenaceous sediment in this area is of significant importance for understanding the interactive processes of wind and water forces,as well as the provenance of sediment.However,there are relatively few investigations on the characteristics of such sediment at present.In this study,we researched three aeolian-alluvial interactive stratigraphic profiles and different types of surface sediment on the desert-oasis transitional zone of southern margin of the Gurbantunggut Desert.Based on the optically stimulated luminescence(OSL)dating of aeolian sand and analyses of quartz sand grain size and surface micro-texture,we explored the aeolian-alluvial environmental change at southern margin of the desert in Holocene,as well as the provenance of sediment.The results indicated that the grain size characteristics of different types of sediment in the stratigraphic profiles were similar to those of modern dune sand,interdune sand,muddy desert surface soil,and riverbed sand.Their frequency curves were unimodal or bimodal,and cumulative probability curves were two-segment or three-segment,mainly composed of suspension load and saltation load.The quartz sand in the sediment at southern margin of the desert had undergone alternating transformation of various exogenic forces,with short transportation distance and time,and sedimentary environment was relatively humid.In Holocene,southern margin of the desert primarily featured braided river deposits,and during intermittent period of river activity,there were also aeolian deposits such as sand sheet deposits,stabilized dune deposits,and mobile dune deposits.The provenance for Holocene alluvial deposits at southern margin of the desert remains relatively constant,with the debris of the Tianshan Mountains being the primary provenance.Aeolian sand is mainly near-source recharge,which is formed by in situ deposition of fluvial or lacustrine materials in southern margin of the desert transported by wind erosion,and its provenance was still the weathered debris of the Tianshan Mountains.In addition,the sand in interior of the desert may be transported by northwest wind in desert-scale,thus affecting the development of dunes in southern margin of the desert.The results of this study provide a reference for understanding the composition and provenance changes of desert sand in the context of global climate change.

The response of surface sedimental diatoms to the environment and its potential significance in the Taiwan Strait,western Pacific

As the most important component of marine siliceous organisms,diatoms are vital primary producers of the ocean that are often used as indicators of paleoenvironmental change.To understand the response of sedimental diatoms to regional environmental changes and the factors affecting the distribution of sedimental diatoms in the Taiwan Strait,this study quantified and classified the diatoms found in surface sediments collected during four surveys from 2019 to 2020.Overall,118 diatom taxa and 44 genera were identified with total diatom abundance of 8-27353 valves/g.Four diatom assemblages representing different environments were identified.Among them,assemblageⅠrepresented a coastal environment,assemblageⅡcomprised warm water species of a coastal environment,AssemblageⅢrepresented a coastal environment affected markedly by exorheism,AssemblageⅣrepresented a group with lowest diatom abundance.Seasonal variation in total diatom abundance was controlled by seven environmental factors:depth,sea surface salinity,mean grain size,silicate,nitrite,nitrate,and phosphate.Spatiotemporal variation in each of the diatom assemblages was substantial and strongly affected by various currents,upwelling,and low-salinity water.Specifically,it was found that the succession of diatom assemblages reflects change in the range of influence of local warm currents.

Environmental dynamics of nitrogen and phosphorus release from river sediments of arid areas

Human activities lead to the accumulation of a large amount of nitrogen and phosphorus in sediments in rivers.Simultaneously,nitrogen and phosphorus can be affected by environment and re-enter the upper water body,causing secondary pollution of the river water.In this study,laboratory simulation experiments were conducted initially to investigate the release of nitrogen and phosphorus from river sediments in Urumqi City and the surrounding areas in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region of China and determine the factors that influence their release.The results of this study showed significant short-term differences in nitrogen and phosphorus release characteristics from sediments at different sampling points.The proposed secondary kinetics model(i.e.,pseudo-second-order kinetics model)better fitted the release process of sediment nitrogen and phosphorus.The release of nitrogen and phosphorus from sediments is a complex process driven by multiple factors,therefore,we tested the influence of three factors(pH,temperature,and disturbance intensity)on the release of nitrogen and phosphorus from sediments in this study.The most amount of nitrate nitrogen(NO_(3)^(–)-N)was released under neutral conditions,while the most significant release of ammonia nitrogen(NH_(4)^(+)-N)occurred under acidic and alkaline conditions.The release of nitrite nitrogen(NO_(2)^(-)-N)was less affected by pH.The dissolved total phosphorus(DTP)released significantly in the alkaline water environment,while the release of dissolved organic phosphorus(DOP)was more significant in acidic water.The release amount of soluble reactive phosphorus(SRP)increased with an increase in pH.The sediments released nitrogen and phosphorus at higher temperatures,particularly NH_(4)^(+)-N,NO_(3)^(–)-N,and SRP.The highest amount of DOP was released at 15.0℃.An increase in disturbance intensity exacerbated the release of nitrogen and phosphorus from sediments.NH_(4)^(+)-N,DTP,and SRP levels increased linearly with the intensity of disturbance,while NO_(3)^(–)-N and NO_(2)^(–)-N were more stable.This study provides valuable information for protecting and restoring the water environment in arid areas and has significant practical reference value.

Bioturbation Patterns in the Modern Subaqueous Yellow River Delta and Their Implication for Sedimentary Environment Changes

Bioturbation is one of the important processes that affect the structure and function of sedimentary environments.The particle mixing and element migration processes caused by bioturbation can interfere with the circulation of matter and the explanation of sedimentary records.Therefore,the quantitative characterization of bioturbation structures in the sedimentary sequence is of great significance in the field of sedimentology.Estuaries,where fresh and saltwater mix,exhibit high ecological heterogeneity and biodiversity,making them ideal places to explore bioturbation.This paper targets the subaqueous Yellow River Delta to quantitatively characterize bioturbation structures and their spatial distribution patterns using computed tomography(CT)scanning and three-dimensional reconstruction technology.By combining sediment characteristics and sedimentary environment analysis,the main factors affecting bioturbation structures are elucidated.The results show that bioturbation structures in the subaqueous Yellow River Delta can be divided into four types based on their morphology:uniaxial type,biaxial type,triaxial type,and multiaxial type.Skolithos,Palaeophycus in the uniaxial type,and Thalassinoides in the multiaxial type are the most developed structures.Different types of bioturbation may be constructed by trace-making organisms belonging to the same category or functional group.The intensity of bioturbation in this area ranges from 0 to 4%,with a decreasing trend from nearshore to offshore.There is a downward decreasing trend in the intensity of bioturbation overall in the sedimentary cores,with three vertical distribution patterns:exponential decay pattern,fluctuating decay pattern,and impulsive pattern.The impulsive pattern of bioturbation in a core may indicate the abrupt change in sedimentary environment induced by the Yellow River channel shift in 1996.These results suggest that factors affecting the development of bioturbation include grain size,porosity,consolidation,organic matter content of sediments,and sedimentation rate that is mainly influenced by local hydrodynamic conditions.The environment with clayey silt(average grain size 10μm)and moderate sedimentation rate(around 0.5 cm yr^(-1))is the most suitable area for the development of bioturbation in the Yellow River subaqueous delta.

Sedimentary Dynamics of the Sands of the Cover Formation in the Batéké Plateaus (Republic of Congo): Paleoenvironmental Implications

The depositional environment of the sands of the cover formation is discussed. This study aims to determine the paleoenvironments of deposition of the sands of the cover formation in the Batéké Plateaus by studying sedimentary dynamics based on the description of lithological facies in the field and granulometric analyses in the laboratory. In the field, six (6) lithostratigraphic logs were surveyed and 42 sand samples were taken for laboratory analysis. In the laboratory, the samples underwent granulometric, sieving and sedimentometry analyses, after washing with running water using a 63 µm sieve. These analyses made it possible to determine the granulometric classes of the samples. The sieving results allowed to determine the granulometric parameters (mean, standard deviation, mode, median, skewness, flattening or kurtosis) using the method of moments with the software “Gradistat V.8”, granulometric parameters with which the granulometric facies, the mode of transport and the deposition environment were determined using the diagrams. Morphoscopy made it possible to determine the form and aspect of the surface of the quartz grains constituting these sands. Granulometric analyses show that these silty-clay or clayey-silty sands are fine sands and rarely medium sands, moderately to well sorted and rarely well sorted. The dominant granulometric facies is hyperbolic (sigmoid), with parabolic facies being rare. The primary mode of transport of these sands is saltation, which dominates rolling. The dispersion of points in the diagrams shows that these sands originate from two depositional environments: aeolian and fluvial. Morphoscopic analysis reveals the presence of clean rounded matt grains (RM), dirty rounded matt grains (RS), shiny blunt grains (EL) and shiny rounded grains (RL). The rounded matt grains exhibit several impact marks. The presence of dirty rounded grains with a ferruginous cement on their surface indicates that these sands have been reworked. These sands have undergone two types of transport, first by wind (aeolian environment) and then by water (fluvial environment).

Research on the Construction of Intellectual Property System and Optimization of Business Environment in China

With the rapid development of globalization and information technology,intellectual property has been one of the key drivers of economic growth,and the construction of intellectual property system has become an important criterion for measuring the quality of business environment.This article is intended to explore the current status of intellectual property system construction in China,the challenges,and its relationship with the business environment,to propose the corresponding countermeasures and suggestions.The study finds that the legal system of intellectual property in China is gradually improving,and judicial and administrative protection are continuously strengthened.However,the challenges still remain such as frequent infringements,rights hard to protect and insufficient international cooperation.These issues not only affect the legitimate rights and interests of innovation entities,but also for the market fairness and the level of the business environment.Therefore,this article proposes that strengthening the perfection of the intellectual property legal system,enhancing intellectual property services and support capabilities,strengthening international cooperation and exchanges,and accelerating the cultivation of composite talents.It aims to provide theoretical references for the construction of intellectual property system and the optimization of the business environment,promote the high-quality development of economy and enhance the global competitiveness of the country.

Obtaining Electromagnetic Properties of Multi-Type Media in Realistic Environments:State-of-the-Art and Prospects

To meet the requirements of electromagnetic(EM)theory and applied physics,this study presents an overview of the state-of-the-art research on obtaining the EM properties of media and points out potential solutions that can break through the bottlenecks of current methods.Firstly,based on the survey of three mainstream approaches for acquiring EM properties of media,we identify the difficulties when implementing them in realistic environments.With a focus on addressing these problems and challenges,we propose a novel paradigm for obtaining the EM properties of multi-type media in realistic environments.Particularly,within this paradigm,we describe the implementation approach of the key technology,namely“multipath extraction using heterogeneous wave propagation data in multi-spectrum cases”.Finally,the latest measurement and simulation results show that the EM properties of multi-type media in realistic environments can be precisely and efficiently acquired by the methodology proposed in this study.

Changes in River Cross-section Morphology and Response to Streamflow and Sediment Processes in Middle Reaches of Yellow River,China

Changes in river cross-section morphology have decisive influences on the flood discharge and sand transport capacity of rivers;thus,these changes strongly reflect the vitality of a river.In this paper,based on the river cross-section and water and sediment data of two different periods(1974−1987 and 2007−2021),the trend analysis,change-point analysis and sediment rating curve method were used to analyze the change process of river cross-section morphology and its response to streamflow and sediment changes in the main river stream of the Yellow River at the Longmen hydrological station.From 1974 to 1987(except in 1977),the riverbed experi-enced siltation,and the riverbed elevation rose.Conversely,from 2007 to 2021,the riverbed experienced scouring,and the riverbed el-evation gradually decreased.The cross-section shape changed from rectangular to U-shaped(deeper on the right side)at the Longmen cross-section.The changes in streamflow and sediment processes significantly impacted the evolution of river cross-section.Stream-flow(P<0.05),sediment discharge(P<0.01),and the sediment load coefficients(P<0.01)decreased significantly.The relationship between the water depth and sediment load coefficients followed a power function.The decreasing trend in sediment discharge was sig-nificantly stronger than that in streamflow.Suspended sediment particles tended to become finer.The sediment rating curve indicates that the sediment supply from upstream decreased while the erosive power in the river channel increased,leading to a gradual decline in riverbed elevation at the Longmen cross-section from 2007 to 2021.These findings help us better understand the impacts of ecological restoration on changes in river streamflow and sediment during river evolution.

Distributions and risk assessment of heavy metals in solid waste in lead-zinc mining areas and across the soil, water body, sediment and agricultural product ecosystem in their surrounding areas

To identify the root causes of heavy metal contamination in soils as well as prevent and control such contamination from its sources,this study explored the accumulation patterns and ecological risks of heavy metals like Cd and Pb in solid waste in mining areas and across the water body,sediment,soil and agricultural product ecosystem surrounding the mining areas.Focusing on the residual solid waste samples in lead-zinc deposits in a certain area of Guizhou Province,along with samples of topsoils,irrigation water,river sediments,and crops from surrounding areas.This study analyzed the distributions of eight heavy metals,i.e.,Cd,As,Cr,Hg,Pb,Zn,Cu,and Ni,in the samples through field surveys and sample tests.Furthermore,this study assessed the contamination levels and ecological risks of heavy metals in soils,sediments,and agricultural products using methods such as the single-factor index,Nemerow composite index,and potential ecological risk assessment.The results indicate that heavy metals in the solid waste samples all exhibited concentrations exceeding their risk screening values,with 60%greater than their risk intervention values.The soils and sediments demonstrate slight and moderate comprehensive ecological risks of heavy metals.The single-factor potential ecological risks of heavy metals in both the soil and sediment samples decreased in the order of Hg,Cd,Pb,As,Cu,Zn,Cr,and Ni,suggesting the same sources of heavy metals in the soils and sediments.Most of the agricultural product samples exhibited over-limit concentrations of heavy metals dominated by Cd,Pb,Ni,and Cr,excluding Hg and As.The agricultural product assessment using the Nemerow composite index reveals that 35%of the agricultural product samples reached the heavy metal contamination level,implying that the agricultural products from farmland around the solid waste dumps have been contaminated with heavy metals.The eight heavy metals in the soil,sediment,and agricultural product samples manifested high coefficients of variation(CVs),indicating pronounced spatial variability.This suggests that their concentrations in soils,sediments,and agricultural products are significantly influenced by human mining activities.Additionally,the agricultural products exhibit strong transport and accumulation capacities for Cd,Cu,and Zn.

Effects of Environmental Factors on NH_4^+ Release in Sediment from Chaohu Lake

[Objective] The aim of the research was to reveal the influence mechanism of sediment-water exchange of nutrients in Chaohu Lake. [Method] The effects of environmental factors (overlying water, temperature, pH and dissolved oxygen concentration) on NH_4^+ release in sediment from Chaohu Lake were studied under controlled laboratory conditions. [Results] With the rising of temperature and the decrease of NH_4^+ concentration in overlying water, NH_4^+ released from sediment increased significantly. pH had a great effect on NH_4^+ release with a complicated mechanism. The largest release amount of NH_4^+ under anaerobic condition was about 6 times as much as that under aerobic condition. [Conclusion] This research would provide theoretical support for environmental management of Chaohu Lake in the project of leading water from the Yangtze River to Chaohu Lake.

Distribution of Biogenic Silica Content in Surface Sediments from the Southern South China Sea and Its Environmental Dignificance

Biogenic silica content was determined in 25 surface sediment samples from the southern South China Sea to study its distribution and its modern oceanic environmental significance, which may provide further scientific evidence for paleoceanography explaination. This study showed that biogenic silica content in surface sediments and its water depth have evidently positive correlation, and the correlation coefficient was up to 0.782. Biogenic silica content was very low in continental shelf shallows and could not reflect the productivity of siliceous micropaleontology in surface waters, which may be affected by sedimentary types and terrigenous matter dilution. Distribution of biogenic silica content in surface sediments from deep water areas showed that it could not only reflect the paleoproductivity of siliceous micropaleontology in surface waters, but also indicate the strong or feeble upwelling. Thus, it was further confirmed that using biogenic silica content in sediments to trace upwelling and its change was effective and reliable. The analyzed result showed that radiolariia and poriferous specula have more contribution for biogenic opal, comparing with diatom in surface sediments from the northern studied area, probably owing to the diatom dissolved easily away and eaten by other organisms with little effort. In the upwelling areas, radiolarian, diatom and poriferous specula all approximately showed high abundance, which was consistent with high biogenic silica content.

Grain size distribution characteristics in surface sediments near the Dalian Bay and their hydrodynamic environmental implications

Based on grain size analysis for the offshore surface sediments of the Dalian Bay, the assemblages and distribution characteristics of grain size were acquired, and their sources and sedimentary environments as well as the dominant factors were also discussed preliminarily. The results indicate that the silt has the highest content of 52% in average, followed by sand of 34%. Clay is enriched in the central plateau subregion with the average content of 14%. They are distributed with the strap-shape from east to west, which is consistent with the distribution pattern of minerals there. The coastal shallow-water slope in the north of the study area is characterized by the enrichment of coarser deposition, indicating strong hydrodynamic conditions and nearby source. With water depth increasing southward, silt and clay fraction, mainly enriched on a subaquatic platform with better sorting, are considered to be transported far away. To the further south of the study area with the deepest water off another subaquatic slop, coarse fraction is the highest, implying strong hydrodynamic conditions induced by tide currents which pass in and out the Bohai Sea and Yellow Sea Warm Current that enters the Bohai Sea.

Sedimentary Environment Analysis of Ancient Sand Ridges from Zk23 Hole in the East China Sea

Abstract： Based on the analysis of core samples from the hole of Zk23 in the East China Sea Continental Shelf and by means of sedimentary stratigraphy, biostratigraphy and chronostratigraphy, the authors consider that the fine-sand deposition in borehole was part of buried ancient estuary sand ridges of the Yangtze River. The deposition history of study area around the hole before and after the glacial period as well as postglacial period is made clear after our research： （1） the estuarine sublayer -undersea delta facies strata was deposited under the fast sea level rise about 15 kaB.P; （2） sand ridges mostly consisting of fine-sand, were formed when the sea level was the fluctuant range of 60 - 80 m of isoba during the deglacial period around 15 - 12 kaB.P; （3） first silty clay and clay silt strata above the sand ridges were deposited during the period when the sea level rose fast from 12 to 7 kaB.P, and then it keeps stable to the present.

Development of Sedimentary Environment in the Northeastern South China Sea Since the Last Glacial Stage

Core D （21°23′02″N, 116°47′13″E, water depth 405 m） was sampled from the upper slope from the northeastern South China Sea （SCS） and applied to analyze the sedimentary environmental change in this sea area since the last glacial stage. The results of grain size analysis, diatom analysis and detrital mineral analysis were well matched. We divided the core D into two layers. The surface sand layer （0 - 2 cm） consisted of residual sediments, which might be originally the sediment in the late Pleistocene and later suffered from being transformed in the post glacial transgression. The lower layer （2 - 130 cm） was quite different from the surface one, which might mainly result from a neritic sedimentary environment in the last glacial stage. Two sedimentary cycles could be detected in the core D： regression during Marine isotope stage （MIS） 4 to transgression during MIS 3 and regression during MIS 2 to transgression during the post glacial.

The environmental implication of diatom fossils in the surface sediment of the Changjiang River estuary(CRE) and its adjacent area

In order to depict the distribution of diatom fossils in surface sediments and to establish a reliable reference data for further paleoenvironmental study in the Changjiang (Yangtze) River estuary and its adjacent waters, the diatom fossils from 34 surface sediment samples and their relationship with environmental variables were analyzed by principal component analysis and redundancy correspondence analysis. The diversity and abundance of diatom fossils were analyzed. Some annual average parameters of the overlying water (salinity, temperature, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, depth, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, dissolved inorganic phosphate and dissolved inorganic silicate) were measured at each sampling site. A total of 113 diatom taxa and one silicoflagellate species were identified in the investigation area. Diatom fossils were better preserved in fine sediments. The absolute abundance of diatom fossils did not significantly diff er between inshore and off shore areas, the species diversity decreased from inshore to off shore. This may be because high nutrients and low salinity promoted the growth of more brackish species in coastal waters. The diatom taxa were divided into three groups, on the basis of their response and indication to environmental changes. For example, Actinocyclus ehrenbergii and Cyclotella stylorum were dominant in coastal waters (Group 1 and Group 3) with high nutrients and low salinity;the relative abundances of Paralia sulcata and Podosira stelliger were significantly higher in off shore sites (Group 2, average 39.5%), which were characterized by high salinity and deep water. Four environmental variables (salinity, dissolved inorganic nitrogen, temperature and water depth) explained the composition and distribution of diatom taxa independently ( P< 0.05), this finding can be applied in further paleoenvironmental reconstruction research in this area.