Lacustrine sedimentary responses to earthquakes—soft-sediment deformation structures since late Pleistocene:A review of current understanding

The traces left by earthquakes in lacustrine sediments are studied to determine the occurrence of ancient earthquakes by identifying seismically induced soft-sediment deformation structures(SSDS).Dating can help reconstruct the relative frequency of earthquakes.Identifying seismically induced seismites,which carry abundant seismic information from numerous SSDS,is both critical and challenging.Studying the deformation mechanism of SSDS and learning about the common criteria of seismically induced SSDS improve the identification of earthquake triggers.With better research into SSDS,seismic events can be effectively captured,and temporal constraints can be carried out by 14C dating and optically stimulated luminescence(OSL)dating to identify and date the occurrence of ancient earthquakes.The present contribution primarily addresses the meaning and mechanism of SSDS and their relationship with earthquake magnitude as well as the common criteria of the SSDS induced by earthquakes.

A Preliminary Study on the Soft–Sediment Deformation Structures in the Late Quaternary Lacustrine Sediments at Tashkorgan, Northeastern Pamir, China

This study identified soft-sediment deformation structures （SSDS） of seismic origin from lacustrine sediments in the late Quaternary paleo-dammed lake at Tashkorgan, northeastern Pamir. The observed deformation structures include sand dykes, liquefied diapir and convolute structures, gravity induced SSDS, and thixotropic pillar and tabular structures. We conducted a preliminary study on the morphology, formation and trigger mechanisms of pillar and tabular structures formed by liquefaction of underlying coarse sand and thixotropy of the upper silty clay. The regional tectonic setting and distribution of lacustrine strata indicate that the most probable trigger for the SSDS in lacustrine sediments was seismic activity, with an approximate earthquake magnitude of M〉6.0; the potential seismogenic fault is the southern part of the Kongur normal fault extensional system. AMS ^4C dating results indicate that the SSDS were formed by seismic events occurring between 26050±100 yrBP and 22710±80 yrBP, implying intense fault activity in this region during the late Pleistocene. This study provides new evidence for understanding tectonic activity and regional geodynamics in western China.

Sedimentation History of Neogene Lacustrine Sediments of Sueoka Bela Stena Based on Geochemical Parameters(Valjevo-Mionica Basin,Serbia)

Sediments of the western part of the Valjevo-Mionica basin （Serbia） were examined both geochemically and mineralogically to explain, on the basis of their sedimentologicai characteristics, the causes of changes in their qualitative and quantitative composition. A total of 62 samples obtained from the drillhole at depths up to 400 m was investigated. Using correlation of the obtained data, six geochemical zones were defined, two of which being specially distinguished by their mineralogical, geochemical and sedimentological characteristics. The first one, upper zone A, consists of banded marlstones interbedded with clay and oil shales and is characterized by presence of analcite and searlesite. These minerals and very high contents of Na20 indicate sedimentation in alkaline conditions with increased salinity in arid climate. That provided pronounced water stratification, as well as higher bioproductivity in the basin and sedimentary organic matter preservation. Therefore, the zone A sediments are characterized by high organic matter contents of the type which provides good potential for production of liquid hydrocarbons. Another specific zone, zone F, contains sediments with very high MgO, K2O and Li concentrations. Their geochemical correlation, as well as almost complete absence of illite in this zone, indicates the presence of interstratified clay mineral type illite-saponite （lithium-bearing Mg-smectite）.

Variation in δ^(15)N of a lacustrine sedimentary sequence in the Nanling Mountains and its potential implication for climatic conditions over the past ~16000 years

Although extensive studies have been performed on nitrogen isotopes in lake sediments, understanding the complexity of the δ15N variation related to past environmental and climatic conditions still remains unclear. Supported by multi-proxy records including litho-units, organic carbon isotopes, ration of total organic carbon and total nitrogen, organic matter content, bulk dry density, the accumulation rate of organic matter, median grain size, magnetic susceptibility, and Rb/Sr and Ca/Mg ratios obtained from a sedimentary sequence in a small lake （i.e., Dahu Swamp） in the eastern Nanling Mountains in South China, we deduce that variation in the δ15N values results primarily from the sources of organic matter, which are significantly influenced by climatic conditions over the past -16 000 years. A low （or high） lake level resulting from dry （or wet） conditions would lead to more （or fewer） vascular plant remains in the sediments and stronger （or weaker） denitrification associated with hypolimnetic anoxia, resulting in lower （or higher） 615N values. In addition, dry （or wet） conditions would favor weakened （or strengthened） biogeochemical activity in the catchment, which could result in less （or more） external input of δ15N-enriched OM, thus leading to decreased （or increased） δ15N values. Our results indicate that the lake sediment δ15N record in the Nanling Mountains has the potential to provide valuable insight into past East Asian monsoon climate- driven environmental changes.

Aeolian component records in lacustrine sediments and its atmospheric circulation significance for evolution of Qarhan salt lake,NE Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

1 Introduction The Qarhan Playa of Qaidam Basin is located at the northeastern QinghaiTibetan Plateau(QTP),in which thick lacustrine and evaporate sediments deposited since the late Pleistocene(Chen et al.,1985,1986).As surrounded by capacious Gobi and yardang fields and suffered strong westerly-northwesterly wind,abundant aeolian materials were trapped in these sediment sequences in the

Microplastic contamination in lacustrine sediments in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau:Current status and transfer mechanisms

This paper aims to investigate the present situation and transfer mechanisms of microplastics in lacustrine sediments in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.The study surveyed the average abundance of microplastics in sediments.The abundance of microplastics in sediments of lakes from the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is 17.22-2643.65 items/kg DW and 0-60.63 items/kg DW based on the data of the Qinghai Lake and the Siying Co Basin.The microplastic abundance in sediments from small and medium lakes is very high compared to that in other areas in the world.Like microplastics in other lakes of the world,those in the lakes in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau mainly include organic polymers PA,PET,PE,and PP and are primarily in the shape of fibers and fragments.The microplastic pollution of lacustrine sediments in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is affected by natural changes and by human activities,and the concentration of microplastics in lacustrine ecosystems gradually increases through food chains.Furthermore,the paper suggests the relevant administrative departments of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau strengthen waste management while developing tourism and pay much attention to the impacts of microplastics in water environments.This study provides a reference for preventing and controlling microplastic contamination in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The Mid-Pleistocene Climate Transition Recorded in a 1.6 Myr-Period Lacustrine Sediment Sequence from Mazatage, Tarim Basin

The mid-Pleistocene climate transition （MPT） has been widely reported in worldwide geological events. As a key issue of the Quaternary geology, it has attracted much attention from the paleoclimate community. MPT refers to a period lasting for several hundreds of thousand years, during which the dominant climate periodicity gradually extended from 41 kyr to 100 kyr （Ruddiman et al., 1989）,

Holocene climate change in the Central Tibetan Plateau inferred by lacustrine sediment geochemical records

Multi-proxies of lacustrine sediments, such as total carbon (TC), total organic carbon (TOC), total inorganic carbon (TIC), total nitrogen (TN), total sulfur (TS), hydrogen index (HI), oxygen index (OI) and stable carbon isotopic composition of organic matter (δ^(13)C_(org)), were analyzed using a 7.3 m core from Zige Tangco. The source of the organic matter in the sediment was mainly from autochthonous phyto-plankton, therefore the significances of proxies can be interpreted as that high TOC, TOC/TS, HI and δ^(13)C_(org) values, low TC, TIC values corresponded to warm and wet climatic condition, and vice versa. The process of climatic development in the Zige Tangco region was hence recovered. During the early and Mid-Holocene, the climate was warm and wet and intensive cold events occurred during the periods of 8600 to 8400 cal a BP and 7400 to 7000 cal a BP. In the second half of Holocene, the climate became cold and dry gradually. The palaeoclimatic process during Holocene in Zige Tangco region matched well with that in Co Ngoin region which is ca 40 km to the south-east. Therefore this palaeoclimatic process represents the Holocene climatic feature in the Central Tibetan Plateau which has the same pattern in the Northern Tibetan Plateau, but the time and duration of some climatic events might be different. We can conclude that in Holocene solar insolation controlled the climatic pattern on the central Tibetan Plateau.

On the Unusual Holocene Carbonate Sediment in Lake Nam Co,Central Tibet

In lacustrine sediments,aragonite is a widespread mineral,whereas monohydrocalcite is a rare carbonate mineral. In the cold and high-attitude Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau,where aragonite has been commonly found in lacustrine sediments,there is no aragonite,but low-Mg calcite,monohydrocalcite and trace dolomite. The lake receives solutes primarily from surface runoffs and remains fairly constant water chemistry for a long time. The total CaCO3 percentage in sediments could be controlled by evaporation and inflow of detrital materials. The absence of aragonite is unusual when compared to other lacustrine sediments from the Tibetan Plateau. This could be due to low Ca/Mg ratio,low salinity,low Mg and Ca concentration. Monohydrocalcite might precipitate from the lake water mediated by biological activities. Low-Mg calcite originated from minor ostracoda shell and the precipitation of lake water with biological activities.

Reservoir Characteristics of Fine-grained Sedimentary Rocks in Saline Lakes in the Cenozoic Upper Ganchaigou Formation,Southwestern Qaidam Basin,NW China

Cenozoic fine-grained sedimentary rocks in the southwestern Qaidam Basin,as typical salinized lacustrine sediments,are significantly different from those in other freshwater lakes under the impact of the high salinity in the lake.Many fine-grained sedimentary rock samples were selected from the lower member of Neogene(N_(1))in the Gaskule Oilfield,Qaidam Basin,northwest China,with the aim to analyze and test their petrology,pore structure,and organic geochemical characteristics and determine its genesis and geological significance.Based on previous results,a new genesis of mixed sedimentary rocks is proposed.The Cenozoic lacustrine fine-grained sedimentary rocks in SW Qaidam Basin belong to mixed sedimentary rocks,which can be divided into three types,including carbonate and terrigenous clastic-bearing mudstone,carbonate-bearing to terrigenous clastic mixed sedimentary rocks,and carbonate-terrigenous clastic mixed sedimentary rocks.The geneses of mixing are quite different from that of mixed marine rocks.According to the sedimentary characteristics of the salinized lakes,three new geneses of mixed deposits are proposed:syn-sedimentary mixing,varve interbedded mixing,and biogenic mixing.The reservoir spaces of the Cenozoic lacustrine fine-grained sedimentary rocks in SW Qaidam Basin include residual intergranular pores,intercrystalline pores,microfractures,and minor dissolved pores.The reservoirs have super-low porosity and ultra-low permeability,with a porosity of 1.82%-21.04%,averaging 7.71%,and permeability of(0.0028-254.86)×10^(−3)μm^(2),averaging 2.82×10^(−3)μm^(2).The test results of total organic carbon(TOC)content show that the highest content of organic carbon reached 1.41%,and those of vitrinite reflectance show that Ro ranges from 0.525%-0.824%,with an average of 0.806%.The organic geochemical characteristics show that the fine-grained mixed sedimentary rocks of SW Qaidam Basin have the potential for self-generation and self-storage.As an unconventional reservoir,it has potential industrial value.This is the first study of fine-grained sedimentary rocks in the Qaidam Basin,which offers certain theoretical and practical values.

Uranium distribution in the lacustrine calcareous clastic-evaporite sequence in the western Qaidam Basin,and implications for U behavior in concentration of closed water

Uranium(U)provides especially useful information for reconstructing paleoredox conditions due to its unique geochemical properties and behavior in supergene environments.The proxy potential under suboxic-oxic

Geochemistry of Sediments from a Subalpine Lake Sedimentary Succession in the Western Nanling Mountains,Southern China:Implications for Catchment Weathering During the Last 15400 Years

In the present work,15400 yr old geochemical records of a core from the subalpine Daping swamp are presented with the aim to examine the relationship between the chemical weathering and the climatic changes in the region of the western Nanling Mountains,China.The climate of the study region was deeply controlled by the East Asian summer monsoon.The results indicate that,in the past 15400 yrs,the values of chemical index of alteration(CIA)ranged from 73.9%to 88.2%(mean:85.3%),suggested a medium and high intensity of chemical weathering.The local exogenous clastic materials,which were derived from the weathered residues,played a key role in contributing towards the sediments.Since the climate-induced chemical weathering exerted strong influences on the geochemical features of weathered residues,the geochemical characteristics of the sediments were deeply impacted by climatic conditions.Wetter and warmer conditions would favor increased chemical weathering,resulting in more leaching of soluble and mobile elements(e.g.,Ba and Sr)and leaving the resistant and immobile elements(e.g.,Al and Ti)enriched in the weathered residues.These materials were then eroded and transported into the lake,and led to the sediments characterized by the characteristic of having depleted soluble elements.In contrast,dry and cold conditions would result in an opposite trend.In this sense,the geochemical records can serve as proxies to indicate changes of chemical weathering intensity,which were closely related to the evolution of summer monsoon.

Simulation of the dynamic disturbance characteristics of the soft sediment in the Diexi ancient dammed lake,China

In an earlier study of the Diexi ancient dammed lake along the Minjiang River in Southwest China,10 disturbed layers with envelope and flame structures were found in more than 240 m of lacustrine sediments.In this paper,the soft-sediment disturbances caused by earthquakes in the Diexi ancient dammed lake were studied based on field investigations and laboratory core observations.A two-to three-degree-of-freedom spring-type earthquake simulation vibration table was used to carry out disturbance tests on lacustrine sediments under different dynamic conditions.The results support the following conclusions:(1)The disturbance layers in the lacustrine sediments were caused by strong earthquakes in the region.(2)The characteristics of the disturbance layers are related to the seismic parameters and the degree of sediment consolidation.(3)The greater the earthquake intensity is,the greater the disturbance amplitude is;moreover,the lower the consolidation degree is,the greater the disturbance amplitude.(4)The simulation tests verify that the disturbance layers in the sediments of the Diexi ancient dammed lake correspond to strong earthquakes in the region.These results are valuable for ongoing palaeoseismic research in the region.

Relationship between pollen assemblages and organic geochemical proxies and the response to climate change in the Zhuye Lake sediments

This paper examines the relationship among organic geochemical proxies （TOC, C/N ratio and ~13C） and pollen assemblages in Zhuye Lake sediments since the Late Glacial. Results show that the reaction extent of organic geochemical proxies and pollen as- semblages to environment changes are different. Organic geochemical proxies are sensitive to overall environmental change, while pollen assemblages indicate detailed information of environmental change. For the entire sedimentary section （except the sand layer fi＇om the bottom of the section）, when values of TOC, C/N ratio and total pollen concentrations are high, 813C values are low, and vice versa. The different responses of organic geochemical proxies and pollen records in Zhuye Lake are mainly due to their different sensitivity and diverse influencing factors in different environmental conditions.

Lacustrine high resolution sequence records from Upper Cretaceous Nenjiang Formation in Songliao Basin

The Nenjiang Formation was continuously cored in the SK-1 borehole(China Cretaceous Continental Scientific Drilling Project-SongKe1well).Over 95.7%recovery rate,the obtained continuous core is 827.6 m in length,covering the geological age ranges from late Santonian to middle Campanian.This is the most complete and continuous sedimentary deposits in the Songliao basin till now.Here we systematically presented the lithological results of the observation of the cores in 2--5 cm thickness scale at the drilling spot,and the analysis on lithofacies and sedimentary sequence,cyclic stratigraphy.13 types of sedimentary rocks deposited mainly in lacustrine,delta and fluvial environments were found in the Nenjiang Fromation,and they were subdivided into 19 microfacies including dolomite,marl,argillaceous limestone,turbidite,mudstone of still water,volcanic ash,channel-lag deposit,point bar,natural levee,crevasse splay,crevasse channel,floodplain,flood lake,distributary mouth bar,subaqueous distributary channels,subaqueous natural levee,subaqueous inter-distributary bay,distal bar and adjacent shore sand bar.The whole sedimentary column is composed of 630 sixth-order depositional cycles in the meter-scale,which can be further organized in 148 fifth-order depositional cycles,38 fourth-order depositional cycles and 5 third-order depositional cycles.Meticulous depiction(centimeter level)of the whole Formation provides an approach to study its sedimentary process with high precision.The centimeter-scale description of the sequent core presented some previously unidentified dolomite and volcanic ash layers.The cyclostratigraphy of the Nenjiang Formation was controlled by Milankovitch cycled,which is helpful to discover the climatic changes of the late Santonian to the middle Campanian in Songliao Basin.In addition,the detailed description of the sequent section is significant for the upcoming oil and gas exploration in the Songliao Basin if regarding the new type of oil/gas systems.

Early Holocene environment at a key location of the northwest boundary of the Asian summer monsoon: a synthesis on chronologies of Zhuye Lake, Northwest China

The intensified monsoon increases summer rainfall and creates wet conditions in the Asian summer monsoon region during the early Holocene. Along with millennial-scale changes of the monsoon intensity, it is still unclear whether the boundary of the monsoon region changes according to monsoon variability. Investigations into the early Holocene environment in monsoon marginal zones are crucial for understanding the monsoon boundary changes. Zhuye Lake is located at the northwest edge of the Asian summer monsoon, the northern Qilian Mountains, which are less affected by modern summer monsoon water vapor. Previous studies have reached different conclusions regarding the early Holocene climatic and environmental changes based on different dating methods（^14C and OSL（optically stimulated luminescence）） and materials（shells, carbonate, pollen concentrates and bulk organic carbon）. In this study, we synthesized 102 ^14C dates and 35 OSL dates from ten Holocene sedimentary sections and ten paleo-shorelines in the lake basin. A comparison between ages from different dating methods and materials generally shows that carbon reservoir effects are relatively slight in Zhuye Lake while the disordered chronologies are mainly related to the erosion processes and reworking effects. In addition, proxy data, including lithology, pollen, total organic carbon and carbonate, were collected from different sites of Zhuye Lake. According to the new synthesis, the early Holocene environment was relatively humid, associated with high runoff and lake water levels. The result indicates that the monsoon boundary moves to the north during the period of the intensified monsoon. A typical arid-area lake was formed during the mid-Holocene when carbonate accumulation and high organic matter contents were the main features of this period. The lake retreated strongly during the late Holocene, showing a drought trend. Overall, the lake evolution is generally consistent with the Holocene Asian summer monsoon change, showing the monsoon influence to monsoon marginal zones.

Distribution and Significance of Methyl Steranes in Bohai Bay Basin, East China

31 samples of shales and mudstones developed in reducing hypersaline andfreshwater setting and 20 oil samples of Bamianhe oilfield, Bohai Bay basin were collected for adetailed study of petroleum system. Composition and distribution, especially significance ofsteroids, are discussed as a part of those. Abundant steroidal biomarkers, including C_(27-29)regular Steranes, C_(28-30) 4-methyl steranes, di-nosteranes and aromatic steranes, were detected.Results show that the composition and distribution of the steroids in samples studied are functionsof thermal maturity, organic source, paleoenvironment and lithology of potential source rocks.Alga-rich Es_4 shales (brackish water) developed in the south slope of depocenter (Niuzhuang sag)were found particularly rich in steroidal biomarkers including C_(30) 4-methyl steranes anddinosteranes. Es_3 mudstones (fresh water) were found devoid of dinosteranes. Distribution patternsof regular steranes are completely different from methyl steranes indicating different origins ofthe specific compounds of the fractioa Diagnostic distribution of steranes in rock extracts ofdiverse intervals makes the compounds to be essential indictors of source-rock tracing. Methylsteranes prove to be much more useful in oil-source rock correlation than regular steranes. Resultsalso show that alga-rich Es_4 shales located in the south slope are not likely the primary sourcerock responsible for the oils discovered based on the composition and distribution of steroids.

Mid-Holocene Climate Variations Recorded by Palaeolake in Marginal Area of East Asian Monsoon: A Multi-proxy Study

Traditionally, the mid-Holocene in most parts of China was thought to be warmer with higher precipitation, resulting from a strong Asian summer monsoon. However, some recent researches have proposed a mid-Holocene drought interval of millennial-scale in East Asian monsoon margin areas. Thus whether mid-Holocene was dry or humid remains an open issue. Here, Zhuyeze palaeolake, the terminal lake of the Shiyang River Drainage lying in Asian monsoon marginal areas, was selected for reconstructing the details of climate variations during the Holocene, especially mid-Holocene, on the basis of a sedimentological analysis. Qingtu Lake (QTL) section of 6.92m depth was taken from Zhuyeze palaeolake. Multi-proxy analysis of QTL section, including grain size, carbonate, TOC, C/N and δ13C of organic matter, was used to document regional climatic changes during 9-3 cal ka B.P. The record shows a major environmental change at 9.0-7.8 cal ka B.P., attributed to a climate trend towards warmth and humidity. This event was followed by a typical regional drought event which occurred during 7.8-7.5 cal ka B.P. And a warm and humid climate prevailed from 7.5 to 5.0 cal ka B.P., attributed to the warm/humid Holocene Optimum in this region. After that, the climate gradually became drier. Moreover, comparison of the climate record from this paper with the summer insolation at 30°N indicates that the climate pattern reflecting the Asian monsoon changes was caused by insolation change.

Potential application of biogenic silica as an indicator of paleo-primary productivity in East Antarctic lakes

We collected two lake sediment cores （MC and DM） from the East Antarctic region for analysis of biogenic silica and other biogeochemical parameters （e.g., organic matter, C, N, S, H）. Based on synthetically comparative research, we focused on the potential application of biogenic silica （BSi） for the reconstruction of paleo-primary productivity in the East Antarctic lakes. Analytical results showed that a large number of diatoms were well preserved in the freshwater lake sediments, and that concentrations of biogenic silica displayed notable fluctuations over different water depths. The content of biogenic silica had a consistent profile over water depth, and this pattern changed with organic matter, reflecting their potential as eco-environmental proxies. Low lev- els of BSi and organic matter indicated reduction of lake algal production, and corresponded to decreased lake primary productivity. Due to the fragile ecosystem state and limited contribution of terrestrinl organic matter in the East Antarctic lakes, the contents of biogenic silica in the lacustrine sediments can sensitively indicate the evolutionary history of paleo-primary productivity. Overall, BSi is an ideal proxy for the reconstruction of past eeo-environmental change recorded in the lacustrine sediments on East Antarctica.

On the Possibility of Obtaining a High Resolution Relative Paleointensity Record of the Pringle Falls Excursion at the Type Locality of Pringle Falls, Oregon, USA

In order to further understand the full vector excursional details of the geomagnetic field, a paleomagnetic and rock magnetic study of four sites has been conducted at the type locality of Pringle Falls, Oregon where 827 samples were drilled and spaced along a distance of 5 km, for their detailed directional and relative paleointensity studies. The profiles have registered a high-reso- lution (>10 cm/kyr) paleomagnetic record of the excursion (ca. 211+/13 ka) as recorded by diatomaceous lacustrine sediments. Remanence as well as induced magnetization experiments to investigate the reproducibility of the signal throughout the profiles have been conducted. In addition, low-field susceptibility vs. temperature analysis was performed indicating that the main magnetic carrier is pure magnetite (Curie point 575 ℃). The magnetic grain size also has indicated Single Domain-Multi-Domain (SD-MD) magnetite. The demagnetization was done by alternating field (a.f.) experiments, and the mean directions were determined by principal component analyses. In addition, induced magnetic tests were done, such as magnetic susceptibility (x) analyses, saturation IRM, anhysteretic remanent magnetization (ARM70) as well as the normalization of J17.5 mT/ARM70 to attempt to obtain relative paleointensity records of these sediments in question. The results of the induced rock magnetic tests such as the normalization studies indicate a direct correlation between the decrease of the relative paleointensity variations (i.e. lows) with respect to the directional changes. The detailed behavior of the paleosignal is highly consistent, since they are rapidly deposited sediments providing a detailed representation of the paleofield. The dissected VGP paths in 3 different phases are highly internally consistent and are defined by clockwise and anticlockwise loops traveling from the high northern latitudes over eastern North America and the North Atlantic to South America and then to high southern latitudes. They then return to the high northern latitudes through the Pacific and over to Kamchatka. This VGP behavior defines the geomagnetic signature of the Pringle Falls excursion as recorded at the type locality.