Middle-Late Triassic sedimentation in the Helanshan tectonic belt: Constrain on the tectono-sedimentary evolution of the Ordos Basin, North China

The Helanshan tectonic belt is located to the west of the Ordos Basin, and separates the Alxa(or Yinshan)Massif to the west from the Ordos block to the east. Triassic sedimentation in the Helanshan tectonic belt records important information about tectono-sedimentary process between the Alxa Massif and the Ordos block. Detailed geological mapping and investigation on the lithological package, sedimentary facies and paleocurrent orientation have been conducted on the Middle to Upper Triassic clastic rocks in the Helanshan tectonic belt. The succession is characterized by upward-fining sequence and comprises coarse grained alluvial-fluvial facies in the lower part as well as deltaic-lacustrine facies in the upper part. Based on detailed study and comparisons on the sedimentary sequence along various sections, the Middle to Upper Triassic strata have been revealed that show clear southeastward-deepening sedimentary differentiation and transgression from southwest to northeast, which are consistent with the southeastward flowing paleocurrent. These features indicate a southeastward-dipping paleogeography in the Helanshan tectonic belt, which was original western part of southeastward orientated fluviallacustrine system in the northwestern proto-Ordos Basin. Further to the east, the Triassic succession in the Ordos Basin displays gradually thickening and alluvial-fluvial system flowed from southeast to northwest, showing a huge thick sedimentary wedge in the western basin margin. Together with the Late Permiane Early Triassic closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean to the north, the Late Triassic extensional structures and diabase dykes in the Helanshan tectonic belt, all the above sedimentary features could be mostly interpreted as records of an extensional basin correlated to post-collisional collapse of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt.

Discovery of the Middle-Late Triassic elasmobranch ichthyoliths from the Guanling area,Guizhou,SW China

应用Johns等(1997)的形态分类系统,对首次报道出现于贵州关岭地区中上三叠统的软骨鱼类的微体化石进行了初步研究,描述了其中的1个牙齿化石(可能属于弓鲛鲨科的)和7个鳞片类化石的形态属种,其中包括两个鳞片类化石的新属种,即Lobaticoronacf.floriditurris,Sacrisubcoronacf.circabasis,Glabrisubcoronacf.arduidevexa,Parvi-coronadacrysulcan.gen.et.n.sp.s.f.,Annulicoronapyramidalisn.gen.et.n.sp.s.f.,new(?)parageneraA和new(?)parageneraB。还初步探讨了软骨鱼类微体化石在三叠纪地层划分中的应用,以及中国西南部三叠纪软骨鱼类与北美相当地层中软骨鱼类的洲际对比。

Characteristics and Natural Gas Origin of Middle-Late Triassic Marine Source Rocks of the Western Sichuan Depression, SW China

A scientific exploration well(CK1) was drilled to expand the oil/gas production in the western Sichuan depression, SW, China. Seventy-three core samples and four natural gas samples from the Middle–Late Triassic strata were analyzed to determine the paleo-depositional setting and the abundance of organic matter(OM) and to evaluate the hydrocarbon-generation process and potential. This information was then used to identify the origin of the natural gas. The OM is characterized by medium n-alkanes(n C15–n C19), low pristane/phytane and terrigenous aquatic ratios(TAR), a carbon preference index(CPI) of ~1, regular steranes with C29 > C27 > C28, gammacerane/C30 hopane ratios of 0.15–0.32, and δDorg of-132‰ to-58‰, suggesting a marine algal/phytoplankton source with terrestrial input deposited in a reducing–transitional saline/marine sedimentary environment. Based on the TOC, HI index, and chloroform bitumen "A" the algalrich dolomites of the Leikoupo Formation are fair–good source rocks;the grey limestones of the Maantang Formation are fair source rocks;and the shales of the Xiaotangzi Formation are moderately good source rocks. In addition, maceral and carbon isotopes indicate that the kerogen of the Leikoupo and Maantang formations is type Ⅱ and that of the Xiaotangzi Formation is type Ⅱ–Ⅲ. The maturity parameters and the hopane and sterane isomerization suggest that the OM was advanced mature and produced wet–dry gases. One-dimensional modeling of the thermal-burial history suggests that hydrocarbon-generation occurred at 220–60 Ma. The gas components and C–H–He–Ar–Ne isotopes indicate that the oilassociated gases were generated in the Leikoupo and Maantang formations, and then, they mixed with gases from the Xiaotangzi Formation, which were probably contributed by the underlying Permian marine source rocks. Therefore, the deeply-buried Middle–Late Triassic marine source rocks in the western Sichuan depression and in similar basins have a great significant hydrocarbon potential.

Sequence framework of two different kinds of margins and their response to tectonic activity during the Middle-Late Triassic, Ordos Basin

Two kinds of margin respectively occur in the Ordos Basin during the Middle-Late Triassic (Yanchang Age), one is foreland margin developed under the background of flexural subsidence by thrusting intensively in the southwest margin, and the other is intracratonic basin margin by stable subsidence in northern and central parts of the basin. The Middle-Late Triassic Yanchang Formation can be divided into four regional third-order sequences, which are separated by gentle angular unconformity or regional erosion surface, made up of lowstand system tract (LST), expanding system tract (EST) and highstand system tract (HST) from lower to upper within a sequence. But there are distinct differences of the sequence framework between the southwest margin and northern and central parts of the basin. The southwest margin develops heavy conglomerate layer and unconformity as a result of orogeny by thrusting, and the intracratonic basin margin by stable subsidence in the northern and central parts grows aggradational sandstone, conglomerate in fluvio-delta system and parallel unconformity. The depositional framework of southwest margin reflects the tectonic evolution from flexural subsidence by thrusting to rebounded uplift. The formation of sequence boundary is related to the resilient uplift and erosion. The sequence stratigraphic framework and depositional system tract configuration in the foreland basin are controlled by structural activity of the fold and thrust belt, and the sequence succession reflects episodic thrusting of the Middle-Late Triassic toward the foreland basin. The sequence evolution in northern and central parts reflects the depositional succession of fluvio-delta system under intracratonic background, composed of coarse-grained sediment in braided channel deposit at the lower, meandering channel deposit in the middle and fine-grained sediment in the flood plain at the upper, dominated by lake level fluctuation. During the deposit of the LST in the intracraton basin, accommodation space is limited, and results in abundant fluvial sediment migration laterally, erosion and transport, forming laterally sandstone composite and aggradational deposit on the alluvial plain, which constitutes specific erosion unconformity boundary.

Percutaneous microwave ablation and transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for serum tumor markers and prognostics of middle-late primary hepatic carcinoma

BACKGROUND Primary hepatic carcinoma(PHC)has an insidious onset and is usually diagnosed in the middle and late stages.Although transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)is the preferred option for treating middle-and advanced-stage PHC,it has limited efficacy in killing tumor cells and poor long-term efficacy.TACE plus percutaneous microwave coagulation therapy(PMCT)is more effective than interventional therapy alone and can improve survival time.However,there are few reports on the effects of TACE and PMCT on serum marker levels and the prognosis of patients with advanced PHC.AIM To investigate the effect of PMCT+TACE on serum tumor markers and the prognosis of middle-late PHC.METHODS This retrospective study included 150 patients with middle-late PHC admitted to Zhongshan People’s Hospital between March 2018 and February 2021.Patients were divided into a single group(treated with TACE,n=75)and a combined group(treated with TACE+PMCT,n=75).Before and after treatment,the clinical efficacy and serum tumor marker levels[carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9),alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),and carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)]of both groups were observed.The 1-year survival rates and prognostic factors of the two groups were analyzed.RESULTS The combined group had 21 and 35 cases of complete remission(CR)and partial remission(PR),respectively.The single group had 13 and 25 cases of CR and PR,decreased,with the decrease in the combined group being more significant(P<0.05).The 1-year survival rate of the combined group(80.00%)was higher than that of the single group(60.00%)(P<0.05).The average survival time within 1 year in the combined group was 299.38±61.13 d,longer than that in the single group(214.41±72.97 d,P<0.05).COX analysis revealed that tumor diameter,tumor number,and the treatment method were prognostic factors for patients with middle-late PHC(P<0.05).CONCLUSION TACE+PMCT is effective in treating patients with mid-late PHC.It reduces the levels of tumor markers,prolongs survival,and improves prognosis.

LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating of tuffites in the Sachakou Pb-Zn mining area, Karakorum, Xinjiang and its establishment of Early Triassic strata

1.Objective In the past decade,a group of medium to giant lead-zinc deposits,represented by Huoshaoyun,Sachakou,and Yuanbaoling,have been discovered in the Aksai Chin region of Karakoram,Xinjiang.They are all located in the Mesozoic carbonate and clastic rock formations.The Sachakou leadzinc mining area is adjacent to the northwest of the Huoshaoyun lead-zinc mining area and is in the same stratigraphic layer as Huoshaoyun.Although many scholars have been arguing about the type and age of Huoshaoyun lead-zinc mineralization,few scholars have paid attention to the classification of the ore-bearing strata in the area.The stratigraphy of the Lower Permian Shenxianwan Group to the Upper Cretaceous Tielongtan Group is exposed in the Sachakou area of Karakorum,Xinjiang,however,the Late Permian-Early Triassic stratigraphy is missing(Fig.1a).Due to the harsh natural conditions in the area and the low level of work,the stratigraphic delineation is not exhaustive,and the regional lithology is dominated by carbonates and clastic rocks,which makes it difficult to identify the age of the regional lithology and causes problems for the exploration and research of lead-zinc in the area.

Geochronology and Geochemistry of the Xingxingxia Triassic A-type Granites in Central Tianshan,NW China:Petrogenesis and Tectonic Implications

The Triassic granitoids in Central Tianshan play a key role in determining the petrogenesis and tectonic evolution on the southern margin of the Central Asian orogenic belt.In this study,we present SHRIMP zircon U-Pb ages,Hf isotopic and geochemical data on the Xingxingxia biotite granite,amazonite granite and granitic pegmatite in Central Tianshan,NW China.Zircon U-Pb dating yielded formation ages of 242 Ma for the biotite granite and 240 Ma for the amazonite granite.These granitoid rocks have high K_(2)O with low MgO and CaO contents.They are enriched in Nb,Ta,Hf and Y,while being depleted in Ba and Sr,showing flat HREE patterns and negative Eu anomalies.They have typical A-type granite geochemical signatures with high Ga/A_(1)(8–13)and TFeO/(TFeO+MgO)ratios,showing an A_(2) affinity for biotite granite and an A_(1) affinity for amazonite granite and granitic pegmatite.Zircon ε_(Hf)(t)values of the granitoids are 0.45–2.66,with Hf model ages of 0.99–1.17 Ga.This suggests that these A-type granites originated from partial melting of the lower crust.We propose that Xingxingxia Triassic A-type granites formed under lithospheric extension from post-orogenic to anorogenic intraplate settings and NE-trending regional strike-slip fault-controlled magma emplacement in the upper crust.

Early Triassic Volcanic Rocks in the Western Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone:Implications for the Opening of the Neo-Tethys Ocean

In this study,zircon U-Pb dating of volcanic rocks from the Zhongba ophiolite of the Yarlung Zangbo Suture Zone(YZSZ)in southern Xizang(Tibet)yielded an age of 247±3 Ma.According to whole rock geochemical and Sr-NdPb isotopic data,the Early Triassic samples could be divided into two groups:Group 1 with P-MORB affinity,showing initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios of 0.70253–0.70602,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 4.2–5.3,(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 16.353–18.222,(^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 15.454–15.564,and(^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 35.665–38.136;Group 2 with OIB affinity,showing initial^(87)Sr/^(86)Sr ratios of 0.70249–0.70513,ε_(Nd)(t)values of 4.4–4.9,(^(206)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 17.140–18.328,(^(207)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 15.491–15.575,and(^(208)Pb/^(204)Pb)_(t)ratios of 36.051–38.247.Group 2 rocks formed by partial melting of the mantle source enriched by a former plume,and assimilated continental crustal material during melt ascension.The formation of Group 1 rocks corresponds to the mixing of OIB melts,with the same components as Group 2 and N-MORBs.The Zhongba Early Triassic rocks belong to the continental margin type ophiolite and formed in the continental–oceanic transition zone during the initial opening of the Neo-Tethys in southern Xizang(Tibet).

Characteristics and control factors of feldspar dissolution in gravity flow sandstone of Chang 7 Member,Triassic Yanchang Formation,Ordos Basin,NW China

To clarify the formation and distribution of feldspar dissolution pores and predict the distribution of high-quality reservoir in gravity flow sandstone of the 7^(th) member of Triassic Yanchang Formation(Chang 7 Member)in the Ordos Basin,thin sections,scanning electron microscopy,energy spectrum analysis,X-ray diffraction whole rock analysis,and dissolution experiments are employed in this study to investigate the characteristics and control factors of feldspar dissolution pores.The results show that:(1)Three types of diagenetic processes are observed in the feldspar of Chang 7 sandstone in the study area:secondary overgrowth of feldspar,replacement by clay and calcite,and dissolution of detrital feldspar.(2)The feldspar dissolution of Chang 7 tight sandstone is caused by organic acid,and is further affected by the type of feldspar,the degree of early feldspar alteration,and the buffering effect of mica debris on organic acid.(3)Feldspars have varying degrees of dissolution.Potassium feldspar is more susceptible to dissolution than plagioclase.Among potassium feldspar,orthoclase is more soluble than microcline,and unaltered feldspar is more soluble than early kaolinized or sericitized feldspar.(4)The dissolution experiment demonstrated that the presence of mica can hinder the dissolution of feldspar.Mica of the same mass has a significantly stronger capacity to consume organic acids than feldspar.(5)Dissolution pores in feldspar of Chang 7 Member are more abundant in areas with low mica content,and they improve the reservoir physical properties,while in areas with high mica content,the number of feldspar dissolution pores decreases significantly.

An Updated Review of the Middle-Late Jurassic Yanliao Biota: Chronology,Taphonomy,Paleontology and Paleoecology

The northeastern Chinese Yanliao Biota （sometimes called the Daohugou Biota） comprises numerous, frequently spectacular fossils of non-marine organisms, occurring in Middle-Upper Jurassic strata in western Liaoning, northern Hebei, and southeastern Inner Mongolia. The biota lasted for about 10 million years, divided into two phases： the Bathonian-Callovian Daohugou phase （about 168-164 million years ago） and the Oxfordian Linglongta phase （164-159 million years ago）. The Yanliao fossils are often taphonomically exceptional （many vertebrate skeletons, for example, are complete and accompanied by preserved integumentary features）, and not only are taxonomically diverse but also include the oldest known representatives of many groups of plants, invertebrates, and vertebrates. These fossils have provided significant new information regarding the origins and early evolution of such clades as fleas, birds, and mammals, in addition to the evolution of some major biological structures such as feathers, and have demonstrated the existence of a complex terrestrial ecosystem in northeast China around the time of the Middle-Late Jurassic boundary.

Field Efficacy Trial and Optimum Control Period of Rice False Smut(Ustilaginoidea virens) in Single Cropping Middle-late Rice

[Objective]The paper was to study optimum chemical agents and control periods against rice false smut( Ustilaginoidea virens) in single cropping middle-late rice. [Method]Taking chemical agents( triadimefon,armure,Jinggangmycin) as main treatments and spraying periods( within 7 d before initial heading stage,within 7 d before initial heading stage + initial heading stage,initial heading stage) as assisted treatments,the field efficacy trial and optimum control period of U. virens in single cropping middle-late rice were studied using Huanghuazhan and Jinnongsimiao as experimental materials in 2013. [Result] Three chemical agents,triadimefon,armure,Jinggangmycin,extremely reduced diseased panicle rate and disease index of U. virens,but there was no significant difference among three chemical agents. Spraying period did not have significant impact on diseased panicle rate and disease index of U. virens,whereas spraying within7 d before initial heading stage and during initial heading stage had relatively good control effect. Yield increased significantly after application of three chemical agents,and armure led to greater increase. The reason for yield increase was that seed setting rate was significantly increased,and the number of filled grains per panicle was significantly increased. Although spraying period influenced yield,the difference was not significant. [Conclusion] Triadimefon,armure and Jinggangmycin had good control effects against U. virens in single cropping middle-late rice,of which armure had better control effects. Spraying chemical agents increased seed setting rate,and further increased the number of filled grains per panicle and yield. Spraying within 7 d before initial heading stage and during initial heading stage had relatively better control effect against U. virens.

The Shishugou Fauna of the Middle-Late Jurassic Transition Period in the Junggar Basin of Western China

The Middle-Late Jurassic transition period is a critical period for the evolution of terrestrial vertebrates,but the global fossil record from this time is relatively poor.The Shishugou Fauna of this period has recently produced significant fossil remains of dinosaurs and other vertebrate groups,some representing the earliest known members of several dinosaurian groups and other vertebrate groups and some representing the best-known specimens of their group.These discoveries are significant for our understanding of the origin and evolution of several vertebrate lineages.Radiometric dating indicates that the fauna is aged approximately 159-164 Ma.Comparisons with other similarly-aged terrestrial faunas such as Shaximiao and Yanliao show both taxonomic similarities and differences between these faunas and indicate that the Junggar deposits might have preserved the most complete vertebrate fossil record for a Middle-Late Jurassic Laurasian terrestrial fauna.

Types,characteristics and geological significance of event deposits of Chang 9 Member of Triassic Yanchang Formation in southwestern Ordos Basin,NW China

Through core observation,thin section identification,and logging and testing data analysis,the types and characteristics of event deposits in the ninth member of Yanchang Formation of Triassic(Chang 9 Member)in southwestern Ordos Basin,China,are examined.There are 4 types and 9 subtypes of event deposits,i.e.earthquake,gravity flow,volcanic and anoxic deposits,in the Chang 9 Member in the study area.Based on the analysis of the characteristics and distribution of such events deposits,it is proposed that the event deposits are generally symbiotic or associated,with intrinsic genetic relations and distribution laws.Five kinds of sedimentary microfacies with relatively developed event deposits are identified,and the genetic model of event deposits is discussed.Seismites are mainly developed in the lake transgression stage when the basin expands episodically,and commonly affected by liquefaction flow,gravity action and brittle shear deformation.Gravity flow,mainly distributed in the high water level period,sandwiched in the fine-grained sediments of prodelta or semi-deep lake,or creates banded or lobate slump turbidite fan.It is relatively developed above the seismites strata.The volcanic event deposits are only seen in the lower part of the Chang 9 Member,showing abrupt contact at the top and bottom,which reflects the volcanic activity at the same time.Anoxic deposits are mostly formed in the late stage of lake transgression to the highstand stage.Very thick organic-rich shales are developed in the highstand stage of Chang 9 Member,and the event deposits in the depositional period of these shales are conducive to potential reservoirs.

Petroleum geology of marl in Triassic Leikoupo Formation and discovery significance of Well Chongtan1 in central Sichuan Basin,SW China

In 2022,the risk exploration well Chongtan1(CT1)in the Sichuan Basin revealed commercial oil and gas flow during test in a new zone–the marl of the second submember of the third member of Leikoupo Formation(Lei-32)of Middle Triassic,recording a significant discovery.However,the hydrocarbon accumulation in marl remains unclear,which restricts the selection and deployment of exploration area.Focusing on Well CT1,the hydrocarbon accumulation characteristics of Lei-32 marl are analyzed to clarify the potential zones for exploration.The following findings are obtained.First,according to the geochemical analysis of petroleum and source rocks,oil and gas in the Lei-32 marl of Well CT1 are originated from the same marl.The marl acts as both source rock and reservoir rock.Second,the Lei-32 marl in central Sichuan Basin is of lagoonal facies,with a thickness of 40–130 m,an area of about 40000 km^(2),a hydrocarbon generation intensity of(4–12)×10^(8) m^(3)/km^(2),and an estimated quantity of generated hydrocarbons of 25×10^(12) m^(3).Third,the lagoonal marl reservoirs are widely distributed in central Sichuan Basin.Typically,in Xichong–Yilong,Ziyang–Jianyang and Moxi South,the reservoirs are 20–60 m thick and cover an area of 7500 km^(2).Fourth,hydrocarbons in the lagoonal marl are generated and stored in the Lei-32 marl,which means that marl serves as both source rock and reservoir rock.They represent a new type of unconventional resource,which is worthy of exploring.Fifth,based on the interpretation of 2D and 3D seismic data from central Sichuan Basin,Xichong and Suining are defined as favorable prospects with estimated resources of(2000–3000)×10^(8) m^(3).

Characteristics and exploration targets of Chang 7 shale oil in Triassic Yanchang Formation, Ordos Basin, NW China

The geological characteristics and enrichment laws of the shale oil in the third submember of the seventh member of Triassic Yanchang Formation(Chang 7_(3)) in the Ordos Basin were analyzed by using the information of core observations, experiments and logging, and then the exploration potential and orientation of the Chang 7_(3) shale oil were discussed. The research findings are obtained in three aspects. First, two types of shale oil, i.e. migratory-retained and retained, are recognized in Chang 7_(3). The former is slightly better than the latter in quality. The migratory-retained shale oil reservoir is featured with the frequent interbedding and overlapping of silty-sandy laminae caused by sandy debris flow and low-density turbidity current and semi-deep-deep lacustrine organic-rich shale laminae. The retained shale oil reservoir is composed of black shale with frequent occurrence of bedding and micro-laminae. Second, high-quality source rocks provide a large quantity of hydrocarbon-rich high-quality fluids with high potential energy. The source-reservoir pressure difference provides power for oil accumulation in thin interbeds of organic-poor sandstones with good seepage conditions and in felsic lamina, tuffaceous lamina and bedding fractures in shales. Hydrocarbon generation-induced fractures, bedding fractures and microfractures provide high-speed pathways for oil micro-migration. Frequent sandstone interlayers and felsic laminae provide a good space for large-scale hydrocarbon accumulation, and also effectively improve the hydrocarbon movability. Third, sand-rich areas around the depression are the main targets for exploring migratory-retained shale oil. Mature deep depression areas are the main targets for exploring retained oil with medium to high maturity. Theoretical research and field application of in-situ conversion in low-mature deep depression areas are the main technical orientations for exploring retained shale oil with low to medium maturity.

Geological characteristics and models of fault-foldfracture body in deep tight sandstone of the second member of Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation in Xinchang structural belt of Sichuan Basin,SW China

In the second member of the Upper Triassic Xujiahe Formation(T_(3)x_(2))in the Xinchang area,western Sichuan Basin,only a low percent of reserves has been recovered,and the geological model of gas reservoir sweet spot remains unclear.Based on a large number of core,field outcrop,test and logging-seismic data,the T_(3)x_(2) gas reservoir in the Xinchang area is examined.The concept of fault-fold-fracture body(FFFB)is proposed,and its types are recognized.The main factors controlling fracture development are identified,and the geological models of FFFB are established.FFFB refers to faults,folds and associated fractures reservoirs.According to the characteristics and genesis,FFFBs can be divided into three types:fault-fracture body,fold-fracture body,and fault-fold body.In the hanging wall of the fault,the closer to the fault,the more developed the effective fractures;the greater the fold amplitude and the closer to the fold hinge plane,the more developed the effective fractures.Two types of geological models of FFFB are established:fault-fold fracture,and matrix storage and permeability.The former can be divided into two subtypes:network fracture,and single structural fracture,and the later can be divided into three subtypes:bedding fracture,low permeability pore,and extremely low permeability pore.The process for evaluating favorable FFFB zones was formed to define favorable development targets and support the well deployment for purpose of high production.The study results provide a reference for the exploration and development of deep tight sandstone oil and gas reservoirs in China.

Analysis of Sedimentary Environment and Sequence Stratigraphy of Middle-Late Permian Sediments in Coastal Fars, Iran (Zireh Gas Field, Well ZH-A)

The current paper is focused on the facies, sedimentary environment and depositional cycles study of the Middle-Late Permian sediments in the South Fars Zireh Gas Field, the subsurface section of well ZH-A. Four hundred thin-sections obtained from cores and cuttings were examined under standard petrographic microscope. For this study research, Corel Draw X6, Corel Photo-Paint, DN2 Microscopy Image Processing System, Scope Photo, Autodesk Map, Geocalc and Auto Cad 2014 were utilized. Based on microfacies analysis and significant founa and flora, fourteen major facies in four facies associations comprising tidal flat (A), lagoon (B), shoal (C) and open marine (D) identified in the well ZH-A. This formation was deposited in inner part of a homoclinal ramp. Based on depositional cycles, seven main 3rd order sequences were revealed in the Well ZH-A. The ooid grainstone facies with interparticle and oomoldic porosity has high reservoir potential. The diagenetic processes like dolomitization and dissolution have significant effect in the reservoir quality. Based on research results, a major framework can be weaved and used to correlate reservoir layering.

Triassic Nappe in the Central Part of the Southern Central Asian Orogenic Belt(Ejinaq,NW China):Evidence from Structural Analysis and Geothermochronology

The thrust nappe played an important role in the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the middle part of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt(CAOB).However,the timing,structural style and kinematic processes of the thrust nappe remain controversial,particularly the detail of the thrust nappe in the Guaizihu region(110 km east of Ejinaq).In this study,we investigate new field mapping,seismic sections,geochronology and low-temperature thermochronometric dating to provide constraints on the history of this thrust nappe in the Chaheilingashun area(northwestern Guaizihu region).The field mapping,seismic sections and structural analysis reveal that the autochthonous system had developed a series of strong fold structures in the upper Permian strata.The allochthonous system mainly contains Devonian monzogranite(U-Pb age,ranges from 386.7 to 389.0 Ma)and Meso–Neoproterozoic schists(the maximum depositional age,~880 Ma),which were thrust upon the upper Permian strata during Middle to Late Triassic.Based on similar rocks,geochronological dating and the Yagan thrust,we suggest that the postulated root zone of this allochthon might have originated from the Huhetaoergai area(40–60 km northwest of the study area).The geochronological results reveal that the lower age limit of this thrust nappe is constrained by the Lower–Middle Triassic syntectonic sediments(tuffaceous sandstone,~247 Ma),which is the sedimentary response of the fold structure.,The timing of the termination of this thrust nappe is defined by the cooling age(^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar data,217–211 Ma)of the Devonian monzogranite and Meso–Neoproterozoic schists.Thus,we consider this thrust event in the study area to potentially have occurred in the period from 247 Ma to 211 Ma,which may represent the tectonic response to the closure of the Paleo-Asian Ocean.

The morphology and histology of a juvenile Sinokannemeyeria from the Middle Triassic Ermaying Formation of Shanxi, North China

Kannemeyeriiformes were dominated tetrapods in the Middle Triassic terrestrial faunae of China.Although abundant materials of Sinokannemeyeria have been collected, their postcranial morphology information is not well studied, especially the juveniles. This paper presents a description of an articulated Sinokannemeyeria skeleton from the Middle Triassic Ermaying Formation and reports the histological microstructure of its femur. This specimen represents a late-stage juvenile based on the histological information. For the first time, this specimen offers insights into the postcrania information of juvenile Sinokannemeyeria.

Coal petrology,sedimentology and depositional environment of the Parvadeh coais in the Upper Triassic,Tabas Block of Central-East Iran

Peat forming environment strongly influences the economic value of any coal seam and coal-bearing strata.Hence,pal-aeoenvironmental studies provide important information for coal resource exploration.In this context,detailed studies on selected coals from the Parvadeh Area,Iran,were conducted using sedimentology,coal petrology,X-ray diffraction(XRD),scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray analyzer(SEM-EDX),and proximate analysis.The sedi-mentary facies above and below the coal seams are mainly marine or marine-influenced facies,supporting that the coal-forming mires in the Parvadeh Area developed in a paralic environment,where the base level must be closely related to sea level.Sulfur contents are moderate to high and mark the influence of brackish/marine water,especially during transgres-sion after peat growth in a lower delta plain environment.The peat-forming mires extended on coastal/delta plain lobes.The lower delta plain/coastal plain coals are characterized by lateral continuity and substantial thickness,whereas few coals possibly representing the upper delta plain are thin and more discontinuous.The detrital nature and composition of the numerous partings and the overall high ash yield in the coal seams indicate an active tectonic area with high rates of creation of accommodation space over peat growth.Coal petrology and coal facies analysis exhibits a permanently high water table within a forest swamp and mostly rheotrophic conditions,sometimes with connection to the seawater.Accord-ing to paleoenvironmental reconstructions,it seems that coal layers may be thicker,with less sulfur(pyrite),but more clastic minerals and partings toward the western part of the area.Although these coal seams presently have low economic potential for the mining operation,partly due to great depth,this humic,high-volatile to medium-volatile bituminous coal may be suitable for exploration of coal bed methane resources.