Typical Geochemical Elements in Loess Deposit in the Northeastern Tibetan Plateau and Its Paleoclimatic Implication

Widespread and thick loess deposit in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau records paleoclimatic changes over the Quaternary period. In this study, we investigate a loess section located in a high terrace of the Huangshui River in the Xining Basin, and collect samples at 20-cm intervals by digging a well of 16-m depth （including paleosol S1 and SO and several loess interlayers over the last glacial-interglacial cycle and the Holocene）. Concentration of some active elements （Sr and Ca） and inert elements （Rb, Zr, Ti） in these loess samples are measured. The results show that ratios of those elements （oxide）, such as Rb/Sr, Ti/Sr, and Zr/CaO ratios, would indicate sensitively paleoclimatic changes, especially the history of precipitation over the last glacial-interglacial and the Holocene. Moreover, the curves of Rb/Sr, Ti/Sr, and Zr/CaO ratios had almost the same variable trends from the bottom to the top and also closely correlated with values of magnetic susceptibility and the global marine δ^18O record. But compared with the curves of magnetic susceptibility, the changes of ratios of these elements （oxide） are clearer and easy to understand. Therefore, the ratios of these typical chemical elements in the loess deposit may be used as an excellent index to investigate the history of paleoclimate, particularly precipitation changes in the northeastern Tibetan Plateau.

Elemental geochemical records of seafloor hydrothermal activities in the sediments from the Okinawa Trough

The major and minor element contents in the sediment core H9 from the hydrothermal fields of the Okinawa Trough show a sharp change at the depth of 80 cm. The elements enriched in the upper 80 cm core are those enriched in the hydrothermal deposits and in the surface sediments recovered from the hydrothermal fields in the trough, which indicates the input of hydrothermal materials. Comparing with other hydrothermal sediments from Mid-ocean Ridges or the Lau Basin, the degree of the enrichment of elements iron, copper,cobah, and nickel is relatively low. However, the enrichment of elements manganese, lead, arsenic, antimony and mercury is remarkable. The average contents of these elements in the upper 80 cm core sediments are three to six times those in the lower section, and 3 - 12 times those in the surface sediments which are not influenced by hydrothermal activities. Hydrothermal activities have contributed significant manganese, lead, arsenic, antimony and mercury to the sediments, and these elements are distinct indicators for the hydrothermal activity in the Okinawa Trough. The significant enrichment of these elements in Core H9 upward from the depth 80 cm indicates the start or the significant enhancing of the hydrothermal activity in this area at about 5 740 aB. P. The average accumulation rate of manganese during this period is about 40 461μg/（ cm^2·ka） , which is similar to the hydrothermal sediments in the Lau Basin or the East Pacific Rise.

Elemental Geochemical Anomaly in the Sinian Doushantuo Formation-Dengying FormationBoundary in Miaohe, Hubei

No research has been made on such a lower rank boundary as the Sinian Doushantuo Formation-Dengying Formation boundary in the eastern region of the Yangtze Gorges. Elemental geochemical determination has revealed anomalies of REE and other trace elements around the boundary, which have relatively high contents than those in its overlying and underlying beds. The authors therefore think that a catastrophic event once occurred in the Miaohe area at the end of the Doushantuoan Period, which caused the mass extinction of the Miaohe biota.

Neutron activation analysis (NAA) and geochemical studies of 38 elements in surface sediments from lower reach and estuary of Huanghe (Yellow) River

Using a neutron activation analysis technique, which involves gamma-spectrometry with a Ge(Li) detector coupled to a S40 multichannel analyzer and interfaced to a PDP-11 computer, we determined thirty-eight elements in sediments from the lower reach (downstream from Jinan) and estuary of Huanghe. The results are discussed in this paper.From inter-elemental correlations, it ts found that a large number of metals (Mn.As, Co, Cr.Cs, Rb, Sc, Ti, Ta, V and Zn) correlate positively with Fe. Ba and Ca correlate positively with Al. Whereas some elements (e. g. , Ti and lanthanides) show no correlation with either Fe or Al. On the other hand, Hf and Zr show a negative correlation with Fe. Elements which tend to be scavenged by Fe and Al colloids or suspended particles are enriched in sediments at the Huanghe Estuary relative to its lower reach. On the other hand, the contents of some elements (e. g. , Zr,Hf,U, Ba, etc. )are higher in sediments from the lower reach of Huanghe than in the estuarine sediments,which may be related to the sorting during deposition of source materials. On the basis of their chemical property and geochemical behavior, the 38 elements we studied are classified into seven groups. (1) weathering-prone elements,group A:K,Rb, Cs and Na; (2) weathering-prone elements, group B:Mg, Ca, Ba and Al; (3) transition elements:Fe, Co.Ni, Zn, As, Sb, Mn, Cr, W,Mo,V, Ta and Sc; (4) rare elements:group A (Zr and Hf) and group B (Ti); (5) rare earth elements:the lanthanides; (6) halogens: Cl and Br; amd (7) natural radioactive elements:U and Th. The basis for this classification is discussed and we emphasize that geochemical associations of elements in the natural environment are not necessarily in accord with their chemical properties as dictated by position at the periodic table.

Characteristics of Geochemical Evolution of Trace Elements and REE in Gejiu Granites, Yunnan Province

The evolution characteristics of Gejiu granites.Yunnan Province are described in terms of theirPetrology,especially their trace elements and REE geochemistry The three major types of Gejiu granites:porphyritic biotite monzonitic granite(stageⅠ),medium-coarse-grained biotite-K-feldspar granite(stage Ⅱ)and two-mica alkali-feldspar granite(stage Ⅲ)are thought to have been formed successively from the samegranite magma source through fractional crystallization(Rayliegh fractionation),because linear correlationsare found between log(Rb/Sr)-log Sn,log(Rb/Ba)-log Sn,log(Rb/Ba)-log(Rb/Sr),log La-log Sr,log Ce-log Sr,log Eu-log Sr,etc In addition.the characteristics of REE distribution patterns in these three major types ofgranites also reflect the magmatic differentiation features of Gejiu granites.Of the three major types,the twomica alkali-feldspar granite of stage Ⅲ nuderwent the strongest differentiation,and thus has the closestgenetic relationship with the Gejiu tin-polymetallic ore deposit Such tin-polymetal mineralized granites arecharacterized by high Rb/Sr and Rb/Ba ratios,low K/Rb and ∑Ce/∑Y ratios and remarkable Eu depletion.

Geochemical evidences of dry climate in the Mid-Holocene in Gonghe Basin, northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau

Previous research on climatic change in the Mid-Holocene in China indicates that it was a warm and humid period, accompanied by stronger summer monsoons, and it is defined as the Megatherrnal in the Holocene, or the Holocene Optimum period. However, this conclusion is mainly dh＇eeted at the monsoonal region in eastem China. In this research, we chose the Gonghe Basin in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau as the study area. Geochemical analysis of the profiles of paleosols and aeolian sand in the Santala area in the middle of the Gonghe Basin, along with OSL （optically stimulated luminescence） dating, indicates that the regional climate has experienced several warm-humid and cold-dry cycles since 11.8 ka. In particular, the Mid-Holocene （8.14.6 ka） was relatively cold and dry as evidenced by drastic fluctuations in chemical weathering degree and humidity, a higher aridity index, and sparse vegetation, accompanying increased winter monsoonal strength. In order to clarify whether this is an individual or local signal, we compared our geochemical analysis results with lake and peat records and aeolian de- posits of the monsoonal boundary region. The results indicate that the climate deteriorated widely, with declines in temperature and moisture, in the Mid-Holocene in the modem monsoonal boundary zone. Furthermore, the duration of climate deteriora- tion （relatively dry period） generally decreased from west to east in the aforementioned regions. Therefore, this dry phase in Gonghe Basin may be representative of dry events in Mid-Holocene in northem China. In addition, we discuss the reasons for this dry climate from several perspectives： （1） it probably can be attributed to a decline in summer monsoonal strength; （2） the regional evaporation loss （forced by high temperature） was not compensated by regional precipitation; （3） the thermal dynamic effect of the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau.

Geochemical anomaly and the causes of transition metal accumulations in late Permian coal from the eastern Yunnan-western Guizhou region

The concentration of 39 trace elements in coal from the late Permian taken from the eastern Yunnan-western Guizhou region was determined using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. It was found that the mean content of Ti, V, Cr, Mo, Co, Ni, Y, and Zr is higher than the national average. The occurrence of Mn, Ni, and Co in the different coalfields is distinctly different. Most of the enriched transition metal elements exist mainly as inorganic minerals. In the Zhina coalfield, Co, Ni, and Nb are primarily associated with sulfur. Mn, Cs, and Mo are mostly sulfides. Almost all Co was organic and a significant part of the Ni is also organic in the Liupanshui coalfield. Cs, Co, and Ni are related to sulfur in the coal taken from eastern Yunnan. Carbonate is the main form of Mn in the coal from eastern Yunnan and the Liupanshui coalfield. Ti is the oxide in the coal samples where Ti is enriched. Zr is in the form of zircon in the samples where Zr is enriched. The situation for most of the transition metal elements is consistent with terrestrial genesis. Coal seams are universally influenced by the sea. The strongly seawater effected peat bog with a reductive and alkaline environment favors the relative enrichment of Mn. A reducing environment is conducive to transition metal element enrichment.

Microbial community diversity in the profile of an agricultural soil in northern China

The soil microorganisms at different depths play an important role in soil formation,ecosystem biogeochemistry,recycling of nutrients,and degradation of waste products.The aims of this study were to observe the microbial diversity in the profile of an agricultural soil in northern China,and to research the correlation between soil microbes and geochemistry.First,the soil geochemistry of the profile was investigated through 25 chemical elements.Secondly,the various physiological groups of microorganisms were...

Response of Terrigenous Sediment Input to Sea Level Change and East Asian Monsoon Evolution Since 30kyr in the Southwestern Taiwan Basin

The compositions of grain size,clay minerals,and geochemical elements in core sediments(TS4)from the southwestern Taiwan Basin(South China Sea)were investigated to assess the response of terrigenous sediment input to sea level change and the East Asian monsoon evolution since 30 kyr.The chronology was discussed based on foraminiferal AMS14C dates.Our results indi-cated that rivers in Taiwan have been the major sediment contributors since 30 kyr,followed by the Pearl River;and Luzon Island contribute little sediments to the southwestern Taiwan Basin.In this study,we reconstructed the variations in terrigenous sediment input by using the proxies such as Al2O_(3)(%),F1 score,and TiO_(2)/CaO.The F1 score can be used to indicate the flux of terrigenous sediments.The contribution of Taiwan Residents rivers and the Pearl River were evaluated by using the value of(illite+chlorite)/kaolinite.The variations of Al2O_(3)(%),F1 score,and TiO_(2)/CaO values along the core were clearly correlated to the evolution of the East Asian summer monsoon since 30 kyr.Based on these records,we recognized three evolutionary stages of terrigenous sediment input in the southwestern Taiwan Basin.During stage Ⅰ(29-24kyr),the input of terrigenous sediments continued to increase.During stage Ⅱ(24-11.5 kyr),the sediment input decreased at first and then increased,with the lowest value during the last glacial period(21-17kyr).Terrigenous sediment input during stage Ⅲ(11.5 kyr-)showed the decreasing first and then increasing trends,generally higher than those in the first and second stages.The variations of terrigenous sediment input in the study area corresponded well with the evolu-tion of the East Asian summer monsoon since 30 kyr.Increased terrigenous sediment input during 4-1.8 kyr was suggested to be caused by the enhanced ENSO activity.Sea level change does not alter the overall trend of terrigenous sediment input,but does change the relative contributions of rivers in Taiwan and the Pearl River.

ON CHEMICAL WEATHERING OF WEATHERING CRUST AT THE GREAT WALL STATION REGION, ANTARCTICA

The chief aim of this study is to investigate the chemical weathering process of the weathering crust in Great Wall Station region of China (in Fildes Peninsula), Antarctica by the method of sedimentology.CW,SW,GW,TW,WE weathering crusts developed on volcanic clastic rock, gray aptitic basalt with tuff or basaltic bedrock. On change of minerals, geochemical behaviors of elements, migration and enrichment regularities of elements, Correlation between element geochemical behaviors, change of weathering potential of rocks in chemical weathering process are studied by us.We can see that the sequence fo weathering strengths of the abovementioned sections, from high to low, should reflected in TW, GW, CW and SWT and basical correspond with that calculated from the enrichment and differentiation indexes.

Use of geochemical fingerprints to trace sediment sources in an agricultural catchment of Argentina

Soil erosion and associated sediment redistribution are key environmental problems in Central Argentina.Specific land uses and management practices,such as intensive grazing and crop cultivation,are considered to be significantly driving and accelerating these processes.This research focuses on the identification of suitable soil tracers from hot spots of land degradation and sediment fate in an agricultural catchment of central Argentina with erodible loess soils.Using Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence(EDXRF),elemental concentrations were determined and later used as soil tracers for geochemical characterization.The best set of tracers were identified using two artificial mixtures composed of known proportions of soil sources collected from different lands having contrasting soil uses.Barium,calcium,iron,phosphorus,and titanium were identified for obtaining the best suitable reconstruction of source proportions in the laboratory-prepared artificial mixtures.Then,these elements,as well as the total organic carbon,were applied for pinpointing critical hot spots of erosion within the studied catchment.Feedlots were identified to be the main source of sediments,river banks and dirt roads together are the second most important source.This investigation provides key information for optimizing soil conservation strategies and selecting land management practices and land uses which do not generate great contribution of sediment,preventing pollution of the waterways of the region.

The potential leaching and mobilization of trace elements from FGD-gypsum of a coal-fired power plant under water re-circulation conditions

Experimental and geochemical modelling studies were carried out to identify mineral and solid phases containing major, minor, and trace elements and the mechanism of the retention of these elements in Flue Gas Desulphurisation（FGD）-gypsum samples from a coal-fired power plant under filtered water recirculation to the scrubber and forced oxidation conditions. The role of the p H and related environmental factors on the mobility of Li, Ni, Zn, As, Se, Mo, and U from FGD-gypsums for a comprehensive assessment of element leaching behaviour were also carried out. Results show that the extraction rate of the studied elements generally increases with decreasing the p H value of the FGD-gypsum leachates. The increase of the mobility of elements such as U, Se, and As in the FGD-gypsum entails the modification of their aqueous speciation in the leachates; UO2SO4, H2 Se, and HAs O2 are the aqueous complexes with the highest activities under acidic conditions.The speciation of Zn, Li, and Ni is not affected in spite of p H changes; these elements occur as free cations and associated to SO4 ^2 in the FGD-gypsum leachates. The mobility of Cu and Mo decreases by decreasing the p H of the FGD-gypsum leachates, which might be associated to the precipitation of Cu Se2 and Mo Se2, respectively. Time-of-Flight mass spectrometry of the solid phase combined with geochemical modelling of the aqueous phase has proved useful in understanding the mobility and geochemical behaviour of elements and their partitioning into FGD-gypsum samples.

Paleoenvironmental reconstruction and organic matter accumulation of the paleogene shahejie oil shale in the Zhanhua Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, Eastern China

The controlling factors of organic-rich shale accumulation is essential for the exploration and development of shale oil and gas resources.The sedimentary environment plays a vital role in the formation of organic-rich sediments in lacustrine facies.This article unravels the mineralogy,geochemistry,and paleoenvironmental evolution during the deposition of the Paleogene Shahejie Formation(Es_(3)^(L)).It discusses the effects of paleoclimate,paleosalinity,paleoredox conditions,paleowater depth,and paleoproductivity on organic matter(OM)enrichment.Finally,the OM enrichment model was established.The results show that the mineralogical compositions are mainly composed of calcite(avg.40.13%),quartz(avg.21.64%)and clay minerals(avg.24.07%),accompanied by dolomite(avg.7.07%),feldspar(avg.6.36%)and pyrite(avg.2.95%).The Es_(3)^(L) shale has a high abundance of OM,with total organic carbon(TOC)ranging from 1.07%to 5.12%.The organic matter type is mainly composed of type I-II_(1) kerogen,which is generally considered a good-quality source rock.The source of OM is a mixture of lower bacteria,algae,and plants.During the early sedimentary period,the paleoclimate was dry and cold,with high salinity,intense reducibility,and relatively low productivity.During the late sedimentary period,the climate became warmer and more humid.As a result,the salinity decreased to a level that was suitable for biological reproduction,and productivity increased gradually due to the input of terrigenous plants.Paleosalinity and paleoclimate determined the environment of the sedimentary period,in addition,paleoproductivity and paleoredox condition indicated the formation and preservation conditions of OM.The warm and humid climate,brackish water,suitable reduction conditions and high productivity are the favorable conditions for the generation and preservation of organic matter.The research results may have implications for the genetic mechanisms of organic matter accumulation.They will provide theoretical and technical insights into the exploration and development of shale oil.

Composition, origin and weathering process of surface sediment in Kumtagh Desert, Northwest China

Kumtagh Desert is one of the eight biggest deserts in China, but poorly investigated before our interdisciplinary study because of the difficulty of access. In this paper, 33 representative surface sediment samples were collected from the Kumtagh Desert and analyzed in the laboratory to obtain heavy mineral components and geochemical element contents. Results show that various kinds of heavy minerals are present in these samples, with high levels of epidote and hornblende. Si and AI take up a large part of chemical composition. Compared with the average composition of geochemical elements of the upper continental crust （UCC）, except Si and Ca, all elements are depleted to a certain degree; Fe, Mg, Ca, P, Ti and Mn have high correlation coefficients in their contents. The mineral and geochemical composition of the Kumtagh Desert sediments have a similarity with that of rocks of Altyn Tagh Mountains, and the surface sediments of the alluvial/diluvial fans around the Altyn Tagh Mountains and that of the Taklamakan Desert, indicating that one major source of the Kumtagh Desert sediments is located in the Altyn Tagh Mountains. Alluvial deposits and lake sediments in Aqik valley and lower reaches of Shule River are prone to be eroded and transported by the strong northeasterly wind into the Kumtagh Desert, forming another source of the desert deposits. An A-CN-K ternary diagram shows that a weak degree chemical weathering by the loss of Na and K occurred in these sediments, whereas A-CNK-FM ternary diagram suggests that Fe and Mg have undergone a significant chemical differentiation. Physical weathering processes cause easy erosion and enrichment in fine particles for mafic minerals, thus coarse desert sand particles can be relatively depleted in Fe and Mg. The mineral and geochemical composition of sediments in arid regions experiencing less chemical weathering are mostly affected by physical weathering.