Method and Description of Sedimentary System Characterization Based on Sequence Stratigraphy

A Oilfield is the most representative mid to deep oil field in the Bohai Sea, with the main oil bearing intervals being the upper and middle Shahejie-3 sections of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation. By combining well seismic analysis, the middle section of Shahejie-3 is divided into high-level system tract and forced lake retreat system tract, corresponding to the II oil formation and I oil formation, respectively. Using sequence stratigraphy methods, based on seismic profiles and drilling lithological cycles, the high stand system tract is divided into 5 stages of delta progradation. The first and second stages are high angle S-type progradation with large sedimentary thickness, the third stage is oblique progradation, and the fourth and fifth stages are S-oblique composite progradation;By combining seismic data, we characterized the large-scale (8 small-scale) progradation bodies of 5 periods, clarified the distribution characteristics of reservoir planes, and laid the foundation for the later exploration of oilfield potential.

Biostratigraphy,Microfacies,Sedimentary Environments and Sequence Stratigraphy of the Late Devonian-Carboniferous Deposits at the Anarak Section,Central Iran

The Late Devonian-early Carboniferous deposits of the Anarak section in northeastern Isfahan,Central Iran,evaluated based on conodont biostratigraphy,sedimentary environment and sequence stratigraphy.According to the field observations,five lithological units were identified.Investigating the conodont fauna of the Late Devonian-Carboniferous(Mississippian-Pennsylvanian)deposits of Bahram,Shishtu,and Qaleh(Sardar 1)formations in Anarak section led to the identification of 67 species of 18 conodont genera,and accordingly 22 conodont biozones were differentiated.The correlation of sea-level change curves,regarding to the conodont biofacies with the global sea-level curve,demonstrates the relative correlation in the mentioned times due to the shallow condition of the central Iran basin compared to the European and American basins.The microfacies analysis led to the identification of 12 microfacies related to the open sea,bioclastic barrier,lagoon and tidal flat sub-sedimentary environments in a homoclinal carbonate ramp environment.Based on sequence stratigraphy studies,three 3rd order sequences were identified.The first sequence,which is of the Late Devonian(upper part of the Bahram Formation,32.5 m),the second sequence(12.5 m)is the Late Devonian(uppermost part of the Bahram Formation),and the third sequence(68 m)is the early Carboniferous(the Shishtu I Formation).

On the Devonian-Carboniferous Boundary in Neritic Facies Areas of South China:A Viewpoint of Integrated StratigraPhy

Biostratigraphical data indicate that in the neritic facies areas of South China, the Devonian -Carboniferous boundary (DCB), matching the boundary between conodont Siphonodella praesulcata zone and S. sulcata zone, should be drawn between rugose coral Cystophrentis zone and Pseudouralina zone, i.e. the Cystophrentis\ Pseudouralina inter val-zone. The top of the sea level fall event bed near the DCB is lower than the boundary between S. praesulcata and S. sulcata zones, but higher than the top of the Cysto phrentis zone. Sequence stratigraphical study shows that the sea level fall event bed near the DCB constitutes the shelf margin system tract (SMST) of a depositional sequence (SQ1) in both neritic and pelagic facies areas. The top surfaces of SMST of SQ1 is slightly lower than the base of S. sulcata zone in the pelagic facies areas. In neritic facies areas of South China, therefore, the Devonian - Carboniferous boundary is marked by the most distinct transgressive surface within the Cystophrentis\ Pseudouralina interval-zone, i.e. the base of the TST of SQ1. This boundary coincides with the top surface of the event bed resulted from the eustatic fall, and approximately corresponds to the base of Pseudouralina assemblage zone.

Lithostratigraphy and Characterisation of Paleocene Limestones for Optimal Exploitation (Senegal, West Africa): Comparative Study of the Bandia and Popenguine Quarries

Limestones of different facies in the Senegal basin are most commonly used as aggregates, regardless of their petrographic properties. These differences may influence their behaviour. The aim of this paper is to study the stratigraphy and characterise the limestones of the Bandia and Popenguine quarries. Sampling and geochemical and geotechnical characterisation were carried out on these limestones. The results show the presence of several very different facies in the Paleocene formation. The geochemical study shows that the Bandia limestones (Bd2) have the highest CaCO3 percentages (98.54%) and the highest SiO2 percentages were recorded in the Popenguine limestones (Pop2). The study also gives MDE values of 22.38 and LA of 22, which are acceptable for use in road construction. It is important to carry out a complete study in order to select the right materials for optimal use.

Event Stratigraphy, Biostratigraphy and Sequence Stratigraphy of Neoproterozoic in North China

The aim of this study is to discuss the chronostratigraphy, catastrophic event stratigraphy, biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy of Neoproterozoic. In the eastern part of the North China, the Neoproterozoic consists of Qingbaikou System (1 000-800 Ma) and Sinian System (800-600 Ma). The Qingbaikou System is widely distributed over the whole area and the Sinian System only in the eastern and southern parts of the plate. In this paper, we discuss the age limit of the formations, and try to establish the Neoproterozoic chronostratigraphic frame, the ages of which are partly based on recently obtained carbonate whole rock Pb Pb isotope. Based on the event records of ancient earthquake, which are well developed in Sinian carbonates, “a vibrational liquefaction seismic sequence” in carbonate rocks is established. We propose a time correlation for the Sinian formation in eastern North China, on the bases of event records of earthquake in combination with biostratigraphy, and thus revise the traditional correlation scheme that has been used for nearly 30 years. Some biostratigraphic results were obtained in fossil microplants, megafossils and metazoans in North China. A large amount of big double layered and complex ornamented acritarchs are found in Qingbaikou and Sinian systems. On the basis of the correlation by earthquake events, the Huainan fauna is regarded as Late Sinian, probably between 700 Ma and 600 Ma. Altogether 16 depositional sequences are distinguished in the Neoproterozoic, with an average time interval of about 15-16 Ma.

Larger Foraminiferal Biostratigraphy and Facies Analysis of the Oligocene–Miocene Asmari Formation in the Western Fars Sub-basin, Zagros Mountains, Iran

The Oligocene–Miocene carbonate record of the Zagros Mountains, known as the Asmari Formation, constitutes an important hydrocarbon reservoir in southern Iran. This marine carbonate succession, which developed under tropical conditions, is explored in terms of larger foraminiferal biostratigraphy, facies analysis and sequence stratigraphy in a new section at Papoon cropping out in the western Fars sub-basin, in the south-east of the Zagros belt. Facies analysis shows evidence of re-working and transport of skeletal components throughout the depositional system, interpreted here as a carbonate ramp. The foraminifera-based biozones identified include the Globigerina–Turborotalia cerroazulensis–Hantkenina Zone and Nummulites vascus–Nummulites fichteli Zone, both of Rupelian age, the Archaias asmaricus–Archaias hensoni–Miogypsinoides complanatus Zone of Chattian age and the ‘Indeterminate’ Zone of Aquitanian age. The vertical sedimentary evolution of the formation exhibits a progressive shallowing of the facies belts and thus the succession is interpreted as a high-rank low-order regressive systems tract. This long-lasting Rupelian–Aquitanian regressive event is in accordance with accepted global long-term eustatic curves. Accordingly, long-term eustatic trends would have been a factor controlling accommodation during the deposition of the Asmari Formation studied in the western Fars sub-basin.

Sequence Microbiostratigraphy of Jahrum and Asmari Formation in Shiraz Area, Zagros, Fars, Iran

The study of sequence microbiostratigraphy of Jahrum and Asmari formation in Shiraz, Fars, Zagros, SW of Iran and recognition of relationship between depositional sequence parameters and microbiostratigraphy 3 stratigraphic sections (Beyza, Sarvestan A, B and Estahban sections) have been selected and studied. Jahrum and Asmari formations in study area with unconformity overlying together have been exposed. Based on Field and laboratory studies such as microfossils, microbiostratigraphy, microfaceis, sedimentary environment models and sequence stratigraphy evi- dences recognized 3 depositional sequences in study area that presented during Paleocene-Oli- gomiocene. Jahrum formation consists of one depositional sequence and Asmari formation consists of two depositional sequences. Microfossils and microbiostratigraphy studies will lead to the identification of 6 biozones in the studied area. In Beyza and Estahban sections biozones 1, 2 and 3 are related to Jahrum formation and suggest Paleocene to Middle Eocene age for this formation and biozone 4 is related to Asmari formation and suggests Oligocene age for this formation. In Sar- vestan section biozones 1, 2 and 3 are related to Jahrum formation and suggest Paleocene to Middle Eocene age for this formation and biozones 4 and 5 are related to Asmari formation and these biozones indicate Oligocene-Miocene (Aquitanian) age for Asmari formation. Sequence microbiostratigraphy studies indicate that biozones of Jahrum formation are formed in DS1 and biozones of Asmari formation are formed in DS2 and DS3. Also, some relationship between depositional sequence parameters and distribution of microfossils and biozones as in the case of in SB1 and LST facies didn’t found any microfossil and we can’t suggest biozonation. In study area upper part of HST of DS1 (Jahrum formation) and some biozones related to Upper Eocene have been eliminated, for example in Estahban, Sarvestan B and Beyza sections all biozones related to Upper Paleocene to Middle Eocene and eliminated biozones of Upper Eocene. In study area SB2 existed in lower boundary of DS1 (between Sachun and Jahrum formation) and between DS2 and DS3 of Asmari formation. Some parts of biozones in study area could correlate with SB2. For example for upper limit of biozones no 4 in Estahban section overlies to SB2 of DS2 in Asmari formation. Paleoecological situation in TST systems tract suitable for reproduction and growth large foraminifera and biozones 1, 2 and 3 are formed in systems tract. MFS and MFZ in all sections are recognized by mixed pelagic and benthonic foraminifera wackestone. More biozones in Jahrum and As- mari formations have been identified in HST system tract. For example in Beyza section biozones 2 and 3 (Jahrum formation) and biozone 4 (Asmari formation) are in HST. In Saevestan B section bi- ozones 3 and 4 (Jahrum formation) and biozones 5 and 6 (Asmari formation) are in this system tract. In Estahban section biozones 3 and 4 (Jahrum formation) and biozones 4 and 5 (Asmari formation) have been in HST. Also, tests of most identified large foraminifera in HST such as Alveolona sp, Alveolina aragonensis, Austrotrilina sp, Austrotrilina asmaricus and Archias sp are made of porcelaneous calcite and foraminiferal tests in TST systems tract, such as Nummulites sp. Nummulites intermedius, Nummulites fichtelli and Operculina sp are made of hyaline calcite.

The Golden Spike Still Glitters:The(Re)construction of a Global Chronostratigraphy

1 Introduction Stratigraphy,placing the sequence of events in Earth history into order,is a fundamental part of the geosciences.Traditionally the starting point is a regional stratigraphy,based on lithological,mappable units,correlated by fossils with local,regional and global chronostratigraphical schemes.Chronostratigraphic units were traditionally defined on their fossil content,as essentially unit stratotypes.But,commonly there were no clear boundaries.

Problems of Sequence Stratigraphy in China

A comprehensive study of outcrop sequence stratigraphy in China began in the early 1990s. The investigated strata range from Mesoproterozoic to Quaternary and the studied areas cover the three platforms and margins, the Southern Himalayas and the East China and South China seas. Problems of general concern in the sequence stratigraphy of China are discussed. These are: the hierarchy for sequence stratigraphy, the third order Sequence and eustasy, the chronostratigraphic boundaries and GSSP, and the International Stratigraphic Chart and the sequence chronostratigraphy of China. The average time interval of Mesosequence (25-40 Ma) and of the Sequence (2-5 Ma) is suggested and the minor sequences below the Sequence are discussed. The time interval of the Sequence shows no evident decrease with time, but several epochs with remarkable short intervals occur in the Phanerozoic, which may represent a planetary behavior denoting the special development stages in earth’s evolution. Sea level change curves are given separately for the three platforms and the different regions. The Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) concept and practice are discussed, and a comparison between the first appearance point of biozone and the first flooding surface in the Sequence is made for designation of the chronostratigraphic boundary. It is suggested that the chronostratigraphic boundaries might be set at the first flooding surface in the Sequence for easy recognition. The idea of sequence chronostratigraphy is recommended, and a comparison between the International Stratigraphic Chart and the sequence chronostratigraphy of China is made. The close relation between chronostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy makes it possible for sequence stratigraphy to improve chronostratigraphic research. It is pointed out that multidisciplinary study in chronostratigraphy is necessary and should be promising and profitable.

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

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

Sequence Stratigraphy of the Desert System: A Case Study of the Lower Cretaceous in the Kuqa Basin in Xinjiang, Northwestern China

The Lower Cretaceous strata in the Kuqa Basin in Xinjiang are marked by a set of arid red beds. Several types of sedimentary fades can be identified in this set of arid red beds: mudstones of the plaza and intracontinental sebkha, aeolian sandstones, sandy conglomerates of the intermittent river, conglomerates of the pluvial fan, etc. These types of sedimentary facies constitute a typical desert system. Therefore, the Cretaceous strata in the Kuqa Basin provide a favorable condition for studies of sequence stratigraphic divisions of the desert system. With the rise and fall of the base level of the sedimentary basin, cyclicity is clearly revealed in stratigraphic records, which helps the identification of the third-order sequences. Based on the cyclicity in stratigraphic records, 5 third-order sequences can be found in the strata of the Early Cretaceous in the Kuqa Basin. These sequences comprise a second-order tectonic sequence. The primary feature of these third-order sequences is of an upward-fining sedimentary succession formed by a succession of 'coarse sediments of the alluvial system-fine sediments of the lake system'. The result of this study shows that aeolian sandstones are the best reservoirs of natural gas in the Cretaceous strata in the Kuqa Basin, and that the Kela-2 gas field is the first large gas field dominated by aeolian sandstone reservoirs in China.

Sequence Stratigraphy of the Permian--Triassia Boundary Section of Changxing, Zhejiang, Southern China

Three third-order sequences and about one hundred high-frequency cycles or Milankovitchcycles within the Late Permian Changxingian to Early Triassic Griesbachian are identified in theMeishan Section of Changxing, Zhejiang Province, southern China, the candidate stratotype sec-tion of the global Permo-Triassic boundary, based on a detailed study of the biological,ecological and high-resolution allochthonous cyclic events, microfacies and depositional systems.Furthermore, the stacking pattern of the depositional systems across various Changxingian andGriesbachian sedimentary facies of the Lower Yangtze and the sequence stratigraphic frameworkare outlined with the Meishan section as the principal section. In this paper the habitat types offossil biota are applied to semiquantitative palaeobathymetry and the study of relative sea levelchanges.

Sequence stratigraphy, paleogeography, and coal accumulation regularity of major coal-accumulating periods in China

There are 9 major coal-accumulating periods during geological history in China,including the Early Carboniferous,Late Carboniferous-Early Permian,Middle Permian,Late Permian,Late Triassic,Early-Middle Jurassic,Early Cretaceous,Paleogene and Neogene.The coal formed in these periods were developed in different coal-accumulating areas(CAA)including the North China,South China,Northwest China,Northeast China,the Qinghai–Tibet area,and China offshore area.In this paper,we investigated depositional environments,sequence stratigraphy,lithofacies paleogeography and coal accumulation pattern of five major coal-accumulating periods including the Late Carboniferous to Middle Permian of the North China CAA,the Late Permian of the South China CAA,the Late Triassic of the South China CAA,the Early-Middle Jurassic of the North and Northwest China CAA,and the Early Cretaceous in the Northeast China CAA.According to distribution of the coal-bearing strata and the regional tectonic outlines,we have identified distribution range of the coal-forming basins,sedimentary facies types and coal-accumulating models.The sequence stratigraphic frameworks of the major coal-accumulating periods were established based on recognition of a variety of sequence boundaries.The distribution of thick coals and migration patterns of the coal-accumulating centers in the sequence stratigraphic framework were analyzed.The lithofacies paleogeography maps based on third-order sequences were reconstructed and the distribution of coal accumulation centers and coal-rich belts were predicted.

Upper Devonian and Lower Carboniferous Sequence Stratigraphy of South China

In South China four depositional sequences are recognized in the upper part of Upper Devonian and Tournaisian. They are named SQ0 SQ1, SQ2 and SQ3 in ascending order. SQ0 is Strunian (uppermost Devonian), and the other three Tournaisian in age. These four depositional sequences appear to correlate fairly well with the four sequence recognized in Europe, North America and other areas. This may suggest that these sequences are synchronous depos- its resulted from the eustatic changes. The present study on sequence stratigraphy, biostratigraphy and event stratigraphy indicates that in neritic facies areas of South China, the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary, matching the boundary between Siphonodella praesulcata zone and S. sulcata zone in pelagic facies areas, is not only higher than the top of the Cystophrentis zone, but also higher than the top of the Devonian-Carboniferous boundary event bed. In neritic facies areas, the Devonian-Carbonifrerous boundary is marked by the most distinct transgressive surface within the Cystophrentiseudouralina interval zone, i. e. at the base of the TST of the SQ1. This boundary coincides with the top surface of the event bed resulted from the eustatic fall, and approximately corresponds to the basal part of Rseudouralina assemblage zone.

Geochemical Stratigraphy and Microvertebrate Assemblage Sequences across the Silurian/Devonian Transition in South China

Carbon isotope （δ13Corg） analyses of non-marine clastic rocks and neritic carbonates and black shales spanning the Silurian/Devonian transition are compared from two richly fossiliferous sequences in Qujing of East Yunnan and Zoige of Sichuan, South China. The two sections, Xishancun and Putonggou sections in South China, reveal positive δ13Corg shifts happening in the Upper Pridoli and Lower Devonian and reaching peak values as heavy as -25.2‰ （Xishancun） and -19.9‰（Putonggou） in the lowermost Lochkovian following the first occurrence of the thelodont Parathelodus and the conodont Icriodus woschmidti woschmidti （only in Putonggou Section and together with Protathyris-Lanceomyonia brachiopod fauna）. These results replicate a globally known positive shift in δ13Corg from the uppermost Silurian to the lowermost Devonian. The δ13Corg variations across the Silurian/Devonian Boundary （SDB） at the two sections in South China exhibit a shift in carbon isotopic composition similar to the detailed SDB curves from the borehole Klonk-1 drilled at top of the Klonk Global Standard Stratotype-Section and Point （GSSP） in the Prague Basin, Czech Republic. In addition, four microvertebrate assemblages, including the Liaojiaoshan, Xishancun, Yanglugou and Xiaputonggou assemblages, are recognized from the Silurian/Devonian transition exposed in the Xishancun and Putonggou sections, respectively. The results from both carbon isotope stratigraphy and microvertebrate assemblage sequences suggest that the SDB in South China is located at the base of the Xishancun Formation （between sample QX-20 and sample QX-21） in the Xishancun Section and the lower part of the Xiaputonggou Formation （between sample ZP-09 and sample ZP-10） in the Putonggou Section. The isotopic trend for organic carbon together with the changes of microvertebrate remains across the SDB can offer an approach to a potential correlation of the SDB from different sedimentary facies, which help to correlate the marine with non-marine deposits.

Carbonate Sequence Stratigraphy of a Back-Arc Basin: A Case Study of the Qom Formation in the Kashan Area, Central Iran

The Qom Formation comprises Oligo-Miocene deposits from a marine succession distributed in the Central Basin of Iran. It is composed of five members designated as A-F. Little previous work exists on the sequence stratigraphy. Based on an integrated study of sequence stratigraphy with outcrop data, wells and regional seismic profiles, the Qom Formation is interpreted as a carbonate succession deposited in a mid.Tertiary back-arc basin. There are two second-order sequences （designated as SS1 and SS2） and five third-order sequences （designated as S1-S5）. Five distinct systems tracts including transgressive, highstand, forced regressive, slope margin and Iowstand have been recognized. The relationship between the sequences and lithologic sub-units has been collated and defined （S1 to S5 individually corresponding to A-C1, C2--C4, D-E, the lower and upper portions of F）; a relative sea level change curve and the sequence stratigraphic framework have been established and described in detail. The coincidence of relative sea level change between that of the determined back-arc basin and the world indicates that the sedimentary cycles of the Qom Formation are mainly controlled by eustatic cycles. The variable combination of the systems tracts and special tectonic-depositional setting causally underpin multiple sequence stratigraphic framework styles seen in the carbonates of the back-arc basin revealing： （1） a continental margin basin that developed some form of barrier, characterized by the development of multiple cycles of carbonate-evaporites; （2） a flat carbonate ramp, which occurred on the southern shelf formed by the lack of clastic supply from nearby magmatic islands plus mixed siliciclastics and carbonates that occurred on the northern shelf due to a sufficient clastics supply from the land; and （3） a forced regressive stratigraphic stacking pattern that occured on the southern shelf and in basin lows due to the uplifting of the southern shelf. Thick and widespread aggradational framework limestone usually occurs in the initial sequences （S1 and S3） of the supersequence, which led to preferential oil reservoir deposition but a lack of source and cap rocks, whereas the retrogradational and progradational framework limestone usually occurs in the later sequences （S2 and S4-S5） of the supersequence, which results in two perfect sets of source, reservoir and cap rock assemblies, so that the limestone in sub-member C2-C4 and the F-Member can be predicted as important objects for oil exploration.

Late Carboniferous-Early Permian Sequence Stratigraphy and Depositional Evolution in the Northeast Ordos Basin,North China

Sequence stratigraphical analysis was applied to the Upper Carboniferous-Lower Permian sedimentary succession of the northeastern Ordos Basin, north China based on data acquired from ten entire logging curves and eight outcrops. The facies framework of the lithostratigraphical unit, the Taiyuan Formation comprises seven facies in two facies associations, varying from fluvio-delta to shelf-barrier islands. The facies are presented within a chronostratigraphical framework, linked by systems tract, which in turn are limited by flooding surfaces and sequence boundaries. Six third-order depositional sequences are recognised, bounded by six type 2 unconformities. An upwards-shallowing epicontinental sea sedimentary model is created, which consists of a sandstone, coal seam and carbonate succession.

Stratigraphy and TL Dating of Paleolithic Sites in the Luonan Basin,China

Between 1995 and 1999 the Longyadong cave site and 50 open air Paleolithic sites were investigated and excavated in the Luonan Basin of China. A total of 1?751 stone artifacts were collected from open air sites, and fossils from about 20 animal species as well as 65?000 lithic artifacts were excavated from the cave site. This paper provides a preliminary study of site lithic stratigraphics in their geological context as well as the results of thermoluminescence (TL) dating. The TL dates of five soil samples place the sites into the middle to late period of the Middle Pleistocene (Q 2 2—3 ). Upon further taking into account strata relationships, three cultural periods were identified in Longyadong cave. When compared with the TL dates and stratigraphy from Zhoukoudian Locality 1, loess deposits in Shaanxi Luochuan, red earth in Anhui and deep sea records, Longyadong is in the range of 500—250 kyr, approximately the same timeframe as Zhoukoudian Locality 1.

A Scheme of the Hierarchy for Sequence Stratigraphy

Depositional sequences may be distinguished into six ranks of units as giga-, mega-, meso-, ortho-, sub- and micro-sequence, and are interpreted to be formed during the eustatic cycles with time-intervals of 500-6000 Ma, 60-120 Ma, 30-40 Ma, 2-5 Ma, 0.1-0.4 Ma and 0.02-0.04 Ma respectively. All of them are thought to be essentially related to cosmological cycles, except the megasequence which may be caused by the long-term geothermal cycles on cratons. We deem that the depositional sequences, though often influenced variably by local tectonics and other factors, are primarily global and periodic in nature. We also hold that as one of the planets within the Galaxy, the earth must have been affected in various ways by other asteroids, and that the depositional sequences are merely the responses of the hydrosphere to the cosmological cycles in sedimentation.

Stratigraphy and Geochronology of Vertebrate Fossil-Bearing Jurassic Strata from Linglongta,Jianchang County,Western Liaoning,Northeastern China

Northeastern China contains widely distributed Jurassic terrestrial strata that have yielded many spectacular mammal and pterosaur fossils, in addition to feathered dinosaur fossils and more recent discoveries from Jianchang, particularly from western Liaoning. However, the fossil-bearing stratigraphic succession, regional correlation, and age estimates of the fossils found in Jianchang County and nearby areas have been contentious. Here, we report on the vertebrate fossil-bearing Jurassic stratigraphy from Linglongta, Jianchang County, western Liaoning, including a SHRIMP U-Pb zircon date unambiguously associated with the fossil horizons. The primary goal was to determine the vertebrate fossil-bearing succession. A further aim was to provide age estimations for the fossil-bearing horizon as well as the earliest appearance of feathered dinosaurs, the eutherian-placental clade, and transitional pterosaurs. Field investigations showed that the vertebrate fossil-bearing stratigraphic succession in Jianchang County mainly consists of basal andesites overlain by rhythmic tufts and tuffaceous lacustrine sediments, with the upper intermediate or acidic lavas interbedded with laminated more or less tuffaceous lacustrine deposits. This sequence correlates well with the Middle Jurassic Lanqifl＇iaojishan Formation in northeastern China. Detailed and accurate field observations showed that the well- preserved vertebrate fossils were buried in either the middle or the upper fine-grained laminated lacustrine deposits. Previous and current SHRIMP U-Pb zircon dates provide an age estimation of 161- 159 Myr for the fossil-bearing horizon and vertebrates. This indicates that the earliest appearance of feathered dinosaurs here was more than 159 Myr ago and unquestionably older than Archaeopteryx from Germany, making these the earliest known feathered dinosaurs in the world. Furthermore, the eutherian-placental clade and the known transitional pterosaurs first emerged no later than 161 Myr. The vertebrate assemblage unearthed recently from Linglongta and neighboring areas in Jianchang County belongs to the Daohugou Biota. In addition to feathered dinosaurs, this biota was characterized by mammals, primitive pterosaurs, insects, and plants and was present in Inner Mongolia, western Liaoning, and northern Hebei in northeastern China during the Middle-Late Jurassic.