Middle Jurassic Sporo-pollen Assemblage from the Yan'an Formation of Dongsheng, Nei Monggol, China

The Middle Jurassic palynomorphs from the Yan'an Formation in Dongsheng region of Nei Monggol, consist of 63 species of fossil spores and pollen grains belonging to 34 genera, of which two species were described as new. Based on statistical analysis of 3 863 specimens identified in 10 samples from Hantaichuan, Nianpanlianggou and Liugou sections, the sporo-pollen assemblage from the Yan'an Formation in Dongsheng region was established, which is generally characterized by the slight dominance of gymnospermous pollen grains (generally attaining proportion of 51%-54%), whereas the pteridophytic spores reach 46%-49% in abundance. In comparison with those of adjacent regions as well as Eurasia and North America, the present sporo-pollen assemblage is regarded to early Middle Jurassic (corresponding to Bajocian Stage) in geological age. According to the climatic conditions reflected by the palynoflora, the paleoclimate in Dongsheng region is suggested to be warm temperate or subtropical warm and humid during the early Middle Jurassic.

A New Ceratopsian from the Upper Jurassic Houcheng Formation of Hebei, China

A new ceratopsian taxon Xuanhuaceratops niei gen. et sp. nov. is erected based on four fragmentary specimens collected from the Late Jurassic Houcheng Formation, Hebei Province, China. Xuanhuaceratops shares a number of derived features with, and is closely related to, another probable Late Juarassic ceratopsian Chaoyangsaurus youngi, from which it differs in only possessing a single premaxlllary tooth as well as in details of quadrate and scapular morphology. We hypothesize that these two taxa represent a primitive lineage of Ceratopsia that is basal to the psittacosauridneoceratopsian diversity, and propose the name Chaoyangsauridae for it.

The First Stegosaur (Dinosauria, Ornithischia) from the Upper Jurassic Shishugou Formation of Xinjiang, China

A new stegosaur species, Jiangjunosaurusjunggarensis, gen. et sp. nov., is erected based on a specimen collected from the Upper Jurassic upper section of the Shishugou Formation in the Junggar Basin, Xinjiang, China. It represents the first stegosaur from the Jurassic of Xinjiang and increases the diversity of the dinosaur fauna in the Shishugou Formation. The new genus is characterized by symmetrical and proportionally wide tooth crowns, a sub-rectangular axial neural spine seen in lateral view, and large openings on the lateral surfaces of the cervical centra. A preliminary character analysis suggests that this new taxon is more derived than the Middle Jurassic stegosaur Huayangosaurus but more primitive than most other known stegosaur species.

A New Species of Coniopteris moguqiensis sp. nov. from the Middle Jurassic Wanbao Formation in Eastern Inner Mongolia, China

In recent years, an increasing number of plant fossil leaves and petrified woods have been discovered from the Middle Jurassic Wanbao Formation in Moguqi Town of Inner Mongolia, NE China. Here, we describe a new species of Coniopteris moguqiensis sp. nov. preserved as a fragment with fertile and sterile pinnules. The sterile ultimate pinnules are elongate ovate with sphenopteriod type venation, and fertile pinnules are usually isolated, bipinnate at least with the sorus apical, elliptical, 1 mm in diameter;sporangia are almost globular, 100-150 μm in diameter, and the annulus is vertical. In situ spores are rounded-triangular in polar view, 25-30 μm in diameter with sides straight and slightly convex;trilete, laesurae are thin and slightly straight;the exine surface is usually psilate under the light microscope but finely reticuloid sculptured on the proximal view under a scanning electronic microscope. The fern genus Coniopteris usually suggests a warm and humid environment, which is consistent with the palaeoclimatic conditions of petrified wood and megafossil plants. The new discovery further supplements the floral composition of the Wanbao Formation, providing new material for understanding the evolutionary trend and classification of Coniopteris.

Sedimentary Conditions of Evaporites in the Late Jurassic Xiali Formation,Qiangtang Basin：Evidence from Geochemistry Records

The Qiangtang Basin（QB）, located in the central Tibetan Plateau, is a Jurassic marine basin and one of the most important prospective salt resource belts in China. In recent decades, many outcrops of gypsiferous bed have been found in the Jurassic marine strata in the basin. Salt springs with abnormally high sodium（Na-＋） contents had been identified in the Late Jurassic Xiali Formation（Fm.） in the basin in the last years. However, to date, no potash or halite deposits have been identified in the QB. Gypsum outcrops and salt springs are very important signs in the investigation of halite and potash deposits. Therefore, the Xiali Fm. is a potentially valuable layer to evaluate for the possible presence of halite and potash deposits in the basin. However, few studies have explored the formation conditions of evaporites in the unit. Here, we present detailed geochemical records from the Yanshiping section related to the study of the formation conditions of evaporites in the Xiali Fm. of the QB. Climate proxies based on the obviously increased anion concentrations of SO4（2-） and Cl-- and the significant correlation coefficients of Ca2＋-SO42-（R = 0.985） and Na-＋-Cl--（R = 0.8974） reveal that the upper member of the Xiali Fm.（the upper Xiali Fm.） formed under an arid climate and evolved into the sulfate phase or early chloride phase. Provenance proxies based on the obviously increased K-＋ and Na-＋ ion concentrations and the significant correlation coefficient of Na-＋-Cl--（R = 0.8974） suggest that the upper Xiali Fm. featured optimal provenance conditions for the possible formation of halite deposits. The regression and the semi-closed tidal flat environment in the upper Xiali Fm. were favorable for the formation of potash and halite deposits. The low Mg-（2＋） /Ca-（2＋） values（mean value = 1.82） and significant Na-＋-Cl-- correlation coefficient（R = 0.8974） also suggest that the upper Xiali Fm. is the layer most likely to contain potential halite deposits. In addition, the macroscopic correlations of tectonism, provenance, paleoclimate, saliferous strata and sedimentary environment between the QB and the adjoining Amu Darya Basin in Central Asia reveal that the two basins shared similar geologic settings that were favorable for the formation of evaporites during the Late Jurassic. Therefore, the upper Xiali Fm. is a valuable layer to explore for halite deposit and may be potentially valuable in the future exploration for potash deposits in the QB.

A New Genus of Fossil Cycads Yixianophyllum gen. nov. from the Late Jurassic Yixian Formation, Western Liaoning, China

A new genus of fossil Cycads, Yixianophyllum gen. nov., is reported here. The specimens were collected from the southern hill of Jinjiagou village, Toudaohezi Town, Yixian County, western Liaoning Province, China. The fossil plant-beating bed belongs to the lower part, the Zhuanchengzi bed, of the Upper Jurassic Yixian Formation （Yixianian）. The new genus in leaf shape, venation and epidermal structure shows a transitional form between Mesozoic Cycads （Ctenis, Nilssonia） and modem Cycads （Stangeria and Encephalartos）. Since the features of these specimens differ from any known genera of Cycads, a new generic name Yixianophyllum is proposed for these leaves. Typical species, Yixianophyllum jinjiagouense gen. et sp. nov. is described here. A supposed evolutionary tendency of Cycadean leaf-forms with Taeniopteris-type is discussed.

Facies Analysis and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Qal'eh Dokhtar Formation(Middle-Upper Jurassic) in the West of Boshrouyeh, East Central Iran

The study area is located in the east Tabas Block in Central Iran. Facies analysis of the Qal＇eh Dokhtar Formation（middle Callovian to late Oxfordian） was carried out on two stratigraphic sections and applied to depositional environment and sequence stratigraphy interpretation. This formation conformably overlies and underlies the marly-silty Baghamshah and the calcareous Esfandiar formations, respectively. Lateral and vertical facies changes documents low-to high energy environments, including tidal-flat, beach to intertidal, lagoon, barrier, and open-marine. According to these facies associations and absence of resedimentation deposits a depositional model of a mixed carbonate-siliciclastic ramp was proposed for the Qal＇eh Dokhtar Formation. Seven third-order depositional sequences were identified in each two measured stratigraphic sections. Transgressive systems tracts（TSTs） show deepening upward trends, i.e. shallow water beach to intertidal and lagoonal facies, while highstand systems tracts（HST） show shallowing upward trends in which deep water facies are overlain by shallow water facies. All sequence boundaries（except at the base of the stratigraphic column） are of the no erosional（SB2） types. We conclude eustatic rather than tectonic factors played a dominant role in controlling carbonate depositional environments in the study area.

A New Female Cone,Araucaria beipoiaoensis sp.nov.from the Middle Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation,Beipiao,Western Liaoning,China and Its Evolutionary Significance

A new species of Araucaria, Araucaria beipiaoensis sp. nov., collected from the Middle Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation, southern hill of Shebudai village, near Beipiao city, western Liaoning is based on a permineralized female cone, which is ovate to elliptical in shape, about 11 cm × 7 cm × 4.5 cm in size. The cone bears rhomboid bracts that are spirally attached, texture thicker, with wings on both sides, with a detached lamina-like apex at the tip. In inner structure the ovuliferous scales are thicker and fused with bracts at the end with a ligular sulcns. There is one wingless ovule/seed per seed-scale complex embedded in the ovuliferous scale tissue, with the micropyle directed toward the cone axis. The ovules/seeds are long ovate or elliptical in shape, 1 cm long and near the base about 3 mm in diameter; the ovule/seed integuments have begun differentiation into 3 layers： the sarcotesta, sclerotesta, and endotesta. The nucellus is free from the enclosing integuments except in the chalazal region where it is fused to the inner layer （endotesta） of integument. Some ovules show cellularized nucellar tissue. Mature seeds exhibit the papery-thin wavy nucellus characteristically near to the micropyle. The embryonic tissue appears to be four cotyledons. The morphology and structure of the cone shows a close relationship to the araucarian cones of fossil and living genera but differs from any known species. The new species is distributed in the Middle Jurassic of the northern hemisphere, especially Asia, and has important significance for the evolution of the Family Araucariaceae.

Late Jurassic Volcanism Deduced from Geochemical,Geochronological,and Sr-Nd-Hf Isotopic Composition Characteristics of the Nanyuan Formation,South China

The Nanyuan Formation contains information related to the Mesozoic tectonic transformation.In this study,three representative profiles were surveyed from the Nanyuan Formation,and multiple analyses were conducted.Zircon U-Pb dating yielded their ages as approximately 158–146 Ma.The volcanic rocks are enriched in Rb,Th,U,K,and Pb and depleted in Nb,Ta,P,and Ti,implying their affinity for I-type granites.TheεNd(t)values(-8.3 to-6.0),^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr)i values(0.7077–0.7094)of the volcanic rock,andεHf(t)values(-8.71 to 0.12)of the Mesozoic zircons suggest that the Nanyuan Formation magma originated in the lower crust with the involvement of depleted mantle materials.The parent rocks of the rhyolitic and dacitic volcanic rocks formed by partial melting of basement rocks in South China and the andesitic volcanic rocks were derived from partial melting of the metasomatites generated by slab-mantle interaction.The fractional crystallization also played an important role in later stage.Discrimination diagrams of the volcanic rocks indicated that they formed in a volcanic arc environment.Combined with previous data,the Nanyuan Formation recorded subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate before regional tectonic transformation.The compressive stress field endured until the end of the Late Jurassic.

A new pterosaur (Pterosauria) from Middle Jurassic Tiaojishan Formation of western Liaoning,China

A new pterosaur Archaeoistiodactylus linglongtaensis gen. et sp. nov. is erected based on an incomplete skeleton with a partial skull and lower jaw. The new taxon is characterized by circular tooth sockets of anterior mandibular teeth,the anterior teeth of the upper jaw bearing posteriorly directed crowns,a relatively short metacarpus,and wing phalanges 2 and 3 and the tibia subequal in length. It possesses some plesiomorphic characters such as short metacarpals and circular tooth sockets. The pointed jaw tip present in the new taxon indicates that the expanded jaw tips of later istiodactylids are a derived character state,and the new taxon represents the first istiodactylus-like pterosaur found from the pre-Late Jurassic deposits,which provides a key role in our understanding the origin and evolution of the known istiodactylid pterosaurs. Archaeoistiodactylus is regarded as the ancestor form of the known istiodactylid pterosaur.

Anomozamites(Bennettitales) from Middle Jurassic Haifanggou Formation,western Liaoning,China

The Middle Jurassic Hangfanggou Formation is well exposed in Shangsanjiao and Xiasanjiao villages area,Baimashi town of Huludao,western Liaoning,China.Recently,abundant fossil plants were collected from the Hangfanggou Formation.One new species,Anomozamites sanjiaocunensis sp.nov.(Bennettitales),is described in this study.This is the first report of the genus Anomozamites from the Haifanggou Formation based upon the leaf morphology and epidermal structures.The discovery of the new species extends significantly the stratigraphic and geographic distribution of Anomozamites in the Middle Jurassic.It also shows that Anomozamites was a common member of Bennettitales once lived in the Middle Jurassic warm temperate region.The new species also improves the knowledge on understanding the leaf morphology,epidermal features and the diversity of Anomozamites during the Middle Jurassic.The epidermal characters of the new species and its associated plants reveal that the plants grew in a warm and moderately humid environment in the warm temperate zone.The presence of some deciduous plants,such as ginkgoaleans,czekanowskialeans and conifers,indicate the climate with seasonal fluctuations in temperature.

Experimental analysis of the pore structure, relative permeability, and water flooding characteristics of the Yan'an Formation sandstone, southwestern Ordos Basin

The oil and gas potential of the Yan'an Formation in the Ordos Basin has yet to be fully tapped. In this study, the pore structure, mobile fluid saturation, and water flooding micro-mechanism of the Yan'an Formation sandstone are systematically studied through the application of a series of rock physics and fluid experiments. The results show that there is a good positive correlation between porosity and permeability, and the reservoirs are divided into types Ⅰ, Ⅱ, and Ⅲ. Mercury injection tests show that the average pore throat radius of the oil-bearing reservoir ranges from 1 to 7 μm. The displacement pressure of the Yan'an Formation is also relatively low, and it decreases from 0.1 MPa to 0.01 MPa as the rock porosity increases from 11% to 18%. NMR tests show that small (diameter <0.5 μm) and medium pores (diameter ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 μm) are predominant in the reservoir. Different types of reservoirs have different characteristics of relative permeability curve. In addition, when the average oil recovery rate is less than 1 ml/min, the oil displacement efficiency increases faster. However, when the average oil recovery rate is between 1–3.5 ml/min, the oil displacement efficiency is maintained at around 27%–30%. Physical properties of the reservoir, pore-throat structure, experimental pressure difference, and pore volume injected — all have significant effects on oil displacement efficiency. For Type Ⅰ and Type Ⅱ reservoirs, the increase of the pore volume injected has a significant effect on oil displacement efficiency. However, for Type Ⅲ reservoirs, the change of pore volume injected has insignificant effect on oil displacement efficiency. This study provides a reference for the formulation of estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) measures for similar sandstone reservoirs.

Petrographical and geochemical signatures of Jurassic rocks of Chari Formation, Western India： implications for provenance and tectonic setting

members The sandstones of the Ridge and Athleta of Chari Formation （Callovian-Oxfordian） exposed at Jara have been analyzed for their petrographical and geochemical studies. Texturally, these sandstones are medium to coarse grained, poorly to well sorted, sub-an- gular to sub-rounded, and show low to medium sphericity. These sandstones were derived from a mixed provenance including granites, granite-gneisses, low and high-grade metamorphic, and some basic rocks of Aravalli range and Nagarparkar massif. The petrofacies analysis reveals that these sandstones belong to the continental block and recycled orogen tectonic regime. The studied sandstones are modified by paleoclimate, distance of transport, and diagenesis. Mineralogically and geochemically, sandstones are classified as quartzarenite, subarkose, arkose, sublithic arenite, and wacke, respectively. The A-CN-K ternary plot and CIA, CIW, PIA, and ICV values suggest that the similar source rocks suffered moderate to high chemical weathering under a hot-humid climate in an acidic envi- ronment with higher Pco2. Generally good to strong cor- relations between AI2O3 and other oxides in these sediments indicate clay mineral control. The K2O/Na2O versus SiO2 diagram indicates that the studied samples occupy passive margin fields but the SiO2/A12O3 versus K2O/Na20 plot suggests that the Athleta Sandstone and Ridge Sandstone fall within the passive margin field, while Ridge Shale falls within the active continental margin field.

Reservoir characteristics of Datta Formation (Early Jurassic), Marwat-Khisor Ranges, sub-Himalayas, Pakistan

The present work has been accomplished to carry out a detailed study of the characteristics of the Early Jurassic Datta Formation of Trans-Indus Ranges, Pakistan. The discovery of Saib well-1 (Gas and condensate discovery from Jurassic limestone) in the study basin takes an active interest in carrying out extensive exploration activities in the same basin. Jurassic rocks especially Datta Sandstone and Samana Suk Limestone are acting as good reservoirs. The study unit consists of variegated sandstone interbedded with siltstone, carbonaceous clay, and shale and coal stringer. For the current work, two stratigraphic sections (Pezu and Abbo Wanda) have been measured. To examine its sedimentology, depositional environment, diagenetic settings, and reservoir characteristics, a detailed study was conducted and various laboratory techniques have been utilized. About 95 rock samples from the bottom to the top of both sections were collected, and 50 rock samples have been selected for thin section analysis and were examined under a polarizing microscope to show their mineralogical composition, diagenesis, and their reservoir characteristics. XRD (X-ray diffraction), Cathodoluminescence (CL), SEM (Scanning electron microscope) with EDS (Energy-dispersive spectroscope), and Core plug porosity and permeability analysis have been used to interpret its chemical and mineralogical composition and its reservoir characteristics, respectively. Based on field observations and thin section analysis, four depositional facies and six lithofacies have been established. The sedimentary structures, depositional facies, and lithofacies indicate that Datta Formation was deposited in a deltaic environment. Compactions, cementation, fracturing and dissolution can greatly affect the quality of reservoir rock. Based on thin section and SEM analysis, large numbers of primary pores, fracture and secondary pores were observed and connectivity between the pores is good, and at some places, these pores were filled through the authigenic clay minerals like kaolinite, mixed layers illite/smectite and chlorite that influences the reservoir characteristics. Primary pores (thin section) and secondary pores (dissolution pores) and core plug porosity and permeability data (porosity 13.23%-26.89% and permeability 0.12 to 149 mD) shows that Datta Formation has a good reservoir quality.

Sequence structure, sedimentary evolution and their controlling factors of the Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation in the East Sichuan Basin, SW China

Based on the data of outcrops, seismic sections, thin sections, heavy mineral assemblages and detrital zircon U-Pb dating, the sedimentary characteristics, lake level fluctuation and provenance characteristics of the Middle Jurassic Lianggaoshan Formation(J_(2)l) in eastern Sichuan Basin, SW China, were investigated to reveal the control of tectonic movements of the surrounding orogenic belts on the sedimentary systems. The J_(2)lmainly developed a delta–lake sedimentary system, which contained a complete third-order sequence that was subdivided into four lake level up-down cycles(fourth-order sequence).The lake basins of cycles Ⅰ and Ⅱ were mainly distributed in eastern Sichuan Basin, while the lake basins of cycles Ⅲ and Ⅳ migrated to central Sichuan Basin, resulting in the significant difference in sedimentary characteristics between the north and the south of eastern Sichuan Basin. The provenance analysis shows that there were three types of provenances for J_(2)l. Specifically, the parent rocks of Type Ⅰ were mainly acidic igneous rocks and from the proximal northern margin of the Yangtze Plate;the parent rocks of Type Ⅱ were intermediate-acid igneous rocks and metamorphic rocks and from the central parts of the southern and northern Qinling orogenic belts;the parent rocks of Type Ⅲ were mainly metamorphic rocks followed by intermediate–acid igneous rocks, and from the North Daba Mountain area. It is recognized from the changes of sedimentary system and provenance characteristics that the sedimentary evolution of J_(2)lin eastern Sichuan Basin was controlled by the tectonic compression of the Qinling orogenic belt. In the early stage, the lake basin was restricted to the east of the study area, and Type Ⅰ provenance was dominant. With the intensifying north-south compression of the Qinling orogenic belt, the lake basin expanded rapidly and migrated northward, and the supply of Type Ⅱ provenance increased. In the middle and late stages, the uplift of the North Daba Mountain led to the lake basin migration and the gradual increase in the supply of Type Ⅲ provenance.

Action mechanisms of abnormal fluid pressure on physical properties of deep reservoirs: A case study on Jurassic Toutunhe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin, NW China

Considering the action mechanisms of overpressure on physical changes in skeleton particles of deep reservoir rocks and the differences in physical changes of skeleton particles under overpressure and hydrostatic pressure, the sandstone of the Jurassic Toutunhe Formation in the southern margin of Junggar Basin was taken as an example for physical modeling experiment to analyze the action mechanisms of overpressure on the physical properties of deep reservoirs. (1) In the simulated ultra-deep layer with a burial depth of 6000-8000 m, the mechanical compaction under overpressure reduces the remaining primary pores by about a half that under hydrostatic pressure. Overpressure can effectively suppress the mechanical compaction to allow the preservation of intergranular primary pores. (2) The linear contact length ratio under overpressure is always smaller than the linear contact length ratio under hydrostatic pressure at the same depth. In deep reservoirs, the difference between the mechanical compaction degree under overpressure and hydrostatic pressure shows a decreasing trend, the effect of abnormally high pressure to resist the increase of effective stress is weakened, and the degree of mechanical compaction is gradually close to that under hydrostatic pressure. (3) The microfractures in skeleton particles of deep reservoirs under overpressure are thin and long, while the microfractures in skeleton particles of deep reservoirs under hydrostatic pressure are short and wide. This difference is attributed to the probable presence of tension fractures in the rocks containing abnormally high pressure fluid. (4) The microfractures in skeleton particles under overpressure were mainly formed later than that under hydrostatic pressure, and the development degree and length of microfractures both extend deeper. (5) The development stages of microfractures under overpressure are mainly controlled by the development stages of abnormally high pressure and the magnitude of effective stress acting on the skeleton particles. Moreover, the development stages of microfractures in skeleton particles are more than those under hydrostatic pressure in deep reservoir. The multi-stage abnormally high pressure plays an important role in improving the physical properties of deep reservoirs.

Hydrocarbon Potential of the Triassic-Jurassic Sediments in Southeast Sulawesi, Indonesia, Based on Lithofacies and Geochemical Analysis

Triassic-Jurassic carbonates widely distributed in Eastern Indonesia are believed as oils source rock. The Mesozoic Tokala Formation exhibit source rock potential, as evidenced by high contents of organic matter. Recent exploration has been conducted in southeastern Sulawesi, targeting the Mesozoic intervals. Therefore, in this study, we attempted to determine source rock potential of Tokala Formation outcropped in southeastern Sulawesi area and its capability to generate hydrocarbon. Five distinct lithofacies were delineated, emphasizing lithological and mineralogical features: foraminifera wackestone (FW), lime mudstone (LM), massive bioturbated calcareous-argillaceous shale (MBCAS), weakly laminated argillaceous-calcareous shale (WLACS), and strongly laminated calcareous-argillaceous shale (SLCAS). Subsequent analyses showed that carbonate-rich samples (FW and LM facies, >50% CaO) had poor source rock potential. Conversely, shale facies with moderate carbonate content (WLACS, MBCAS, and SLCAS, 15% - 50% CaO) had good to excellent source rock characteristics, qualifying them as preferable source rock. In addition, levels of SiO2 and Al2O3 should not be neglected, as these constituents play important roles in clay mineral adsorption. Laminated shale facies with moderate CaO content tended to be more promising as source rock than bioturbated facies. The shale facies of Tokala Formation indicate prospective source rock horizon.

A New Genus of Mesoserphidae (Hymenoptera: Proctotrupoidea) from the Upper Jurassic of Northeast China

The genus Beipiaoserphus gen. nov. is established and referred to Mesoserphidae with Beipiaoserphus elegans sp. nov. as its type species. The type specimens were collected from the lower part of the Upper Jurassic Yixian Formation at Huangbanjigou Village near Shangyuan Town, Beipiao, Liaoning Province, China and are housed at Nanjing Institute of Geology and Palaeontology, Academia Sinica, Nanjing.

New Jurassic Fossil True Bugs of the Pachymeridiidae(Hemiptera:Pentatomomorpha)from Northeast China

Four new fossil genera and species of true bugs from the family Pachymeridiidae, Beipiaocoris multifurcus, Bellicoris mirabilis, Nitoculus regiUus, and Viriosinervis stolidus, are described. New specimens were collected from the Middle and Upper Jurassic non-marine sedimentary strata from the Jiulongshan and Yixian Formations of northeast China. The species Karatavocoris asiatica Becker-Migdisova, 1963, which was considered to be a member of the family Coreidae is transferred to the Pachymeridiidae. A new map of all known and newly discovered fossil pachymeridiid localities is given. The diagnosis of the family is modified.

Early Jurassic basal sauropodomorpha dominated tracks from Guizhou, China: Morphology, ethology, and paleoenvironment

The newly discovered large(350 m^2) Yantan dinosaur tracksite, in the Lower Jurassic Ziliujing Formation of Guizhou Province, China, reveals at least 250 footprints of which ~97 can be resolved into trackways of sauropodomorphs. All the trackways are sub parallel likely indicating gregarious behavior. One theropod track(cf. Grallator) was recorded. The sauropodomorph tracks predominantly represent quadrupedal progression(Morphotype A), and footprint morphology is similar to the ichnospecies Liujianpusshunan, characterized by outward pes rotation. Three trackways indicate bipedal progression, and two of these(Morphotype B) indicate inward pes rotation, accompanied by elongate pes digit scratch marks. For the latter phenomenon three possible scenarios are discussed:(1) significant rotation changes accompanying changes in gait,(2) swimming behavior,(3) formation of undertracks.Sedimentological evidence indicates the tracks were made on a linguloid rippled, muddy, immature sandstone substrate characterized by significant differences in substrate consistency across the trackbearing surface. Microbially induced sedimentary structures(MISS) characterized by distinctive wrinkle marks indicate a stressed, probably semi-arid, paleoenvironment that was not conducive to habitation by invertebrate organisms. This is consistent with other evidence that Lower Jurassic sauropodomorph tracks are often associated with semi-arid paleoenvironments.