Use of Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy (ESS) as an Environmental Forensic Tool to Identify Chlorinated Solvent Sources at a Complex Site in Silicon Valley, California

This paper presents a case study for a complex contaminated groundwater site impacted by a historical release of chlorinated solvents in Silicon Valley, California. The original conceptual site model (CSM) inferred a contaminant migration pathway based on the groundwater gradient interpreted from groundwater elevation data, which is based on the underlying assumption that the subsurface conditions are homogeneous. However, the buried channel deposits render the underlying geology highly heterogeneous, and this heterogeneity plays a significant role in the subsurface migration of contaminants. Chemical fingerprinting evidence suggested that contamination at the downgradient property boundary was related to an off-site contaminant source. But, this alone was not a compelling argument. However, Environmental Sequence Stratigraphy (ESS), a geology-based environmental forensic technique, was applied to define the permeability architecture or the “plumbing” that controls subsurface fluid flow and contaminant migration. First, the geologic and depositional setting was synthesized based on regional geologic data, and representative facies models were identified for the site. Second, the existing CSM and site lithology data were reviewed and existing lithology data were graphically presented to display vertical grain-size patterns. This analysis focused on the nexus between the depositional environment and the site-specific subsurface data resulting in correlations/interpretations between and beyond data points that are based on established stratigraphic principles. The depositional environment results in buried river channels as the primary control on subsurface fluid flow, which defines hydrostratigraphic units (or HSUs). Finally, a hydrostratigraphic CSM that includes maps and cross sections was constructed to depict the HSUs present as a framework to integrate hydro-geology and chemistry data. This study demonstrates that: 1) Highly per-meable buried river channel deposits control subsurface fluid flow and contaminant transport, and have distinct chemical constituents and concentrations (i.e., they represent distinct HSUs), 2) Mapping of such HSUs is feasible with existing boring log data, 3) In settings such as the Santa Clara Valley where groundwater flow is governed by subsurface channel deposits, a hydrostratigraphic mapping approach is superior to a depth-based aquifer zonation approach, and 4) For heterogeneous subsurface, a detailed geology-based definition of the subsurface is an integral component of an environmental forensic analyses to determine contaminant source(s) and pathways.

Sequence stratigraphy and lithofacies paleogeography of the Middle–Upper Cambrian Xixiangchi Group in the Sichuan Basin and its adjacent area, SW China

Based on isotopic, lithologic and electrical data and logging cycle analysis technique, stratigraphic sequences in the Middle-Upper Cambrian Xixiangchi Group in the Sichuan Basin and its adjacent area are divided, and its sedimentary characteristics and evolution are analyzed. The Xixiangchi Group can be divided into 5 third-order sequences(Sql-Sq5), of which sequences Ⅰ to Ⅲ(Sql-Sq3) are relatively complete, sequences Ⅳ and Ⅴ are denuded in the Late Cambrian because of the Dian-Chuan paleo-uplifts.Third-order sequences of the Xixiangchi Group in this area have the characteristics of thin in the west and thick in the east, showing that the Caledonian paleo-uplift is a synsedimentary paleo-uplift and the paleogeomorphology in the platform is a gentle slope. Sequence Ⅰdevelops high stand systems tract and transgressive systems tract. The other third-order sequences are dominated by highstand systems tracts, and the transgressive systems tracts last shortly in time and are limited in area. The basic features of evaporative-restricted platform of gentle slope type developed continuously in the sedimentary period of the Xixiangchi Group, its sedimentary environment of "high in west and low in east" and the change of micro paleogeomorphology in the platform control the continuous development of sedimentary facies. Open platform is developed only in sequence Ⅰ and sequence Ⅱ, and the inner beach of the platform and the edge beach of the platform are mostly developed in sequence Ⅱ and sequence Ⅲ. It indicates that there are two platform margin zones in the study area,a relatively stable, large-scale platform marginal zone in NE Guizhou-Western Hunan and Hubei, and a moving and small-scale platform marginal zone in North Chongqing-Western Hubei.

Lithostratigraphy, Structure, Geological History, Economic Geology and Paleontology of Mari Bugti Hills and Surrounding Areas of Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh (Pakistan)

Mari Bugti hills and surroundings belong to Sulaiman basin (fragment of Gondwana) lies under the territory of Balochistan, South Punjab and North Sindh (Pakistan) but luckily have diverse marine and terrestrial sediments varying in age from Triassic to Recent, petroleum and a large number of mineral resources especially huge gypsum and cement resources, numerous suitable anticlinal structures and world-famous paleontology. The large-sized poripuchian titanosaurs, theropods, mesoeucrocodiles, pterosaur, bird and snake were reported from the latest Cretaceous Vitakri Formation, and largest terrestrial mammals and eucrocodiles were reported from the Oligocene Chitarwata Formation and other mammals were also reported from Late Paleogene and Neogene terrestrial deposits. Previously part of this area was not mapped due to remoteness and security problems but recently the mapping of these areas was started. Further, the structural and geological maps of previously omitted parts are added here. After performing the multidisciplinary field investigations by senior author, the corresponding results were obtained. The main objective of this work is to focus on the lithostratigraphic deposits, structure, geological history, economic geology and paleontology of the Mari Bugti Hills and surrounding areas.

Microbiostratigraphy, microfacies and sequence stratigraphy of upper cretaceous and paleogene sediments, Hendijan oilfield, Northwest of Persian Gulf, Iran

Hendijan oilfield is located on Northwest of Pesian Gulf offshore of Iran and geologically in the Dezful embayment. In this study, the paleosedimentary depositional environment of the Early Cenomanian to Late Eocene deposits of the Sarvak, Ilam, Gurpi, Pabdeh and JahrumPabdeh Formations was evaluated using microbiostratigraphy, microfacies and D-INPEFA curves which are an accurate method in sequence stratigraphy in terms of regression and transgression of the sea. Also, we used limited elemental geochemical data of oxygen and carbon isotopes in compare with palaeontological data to infer the upper part, 10 m, of the Sarvak Formation. Statistical correlation analyses of geochemical data from upper part of the Sarvak Formation enable inference of differences in paleoconditions at this part and Sarvak Formation, and another Formation, Ilam, was distinguished. Palaentilogical analysis using planktonic foraminifera and calcareous nannofossils enables inference about time scale of each Formation. Petrographic data and different sediment textures support those inferences resulted from Gamma ray logs as D-INPEFA curves about different paleo-conditions that occurred during the development of the studied Formations. Synthesis of the analyses leads to the final interpretation that upper Cretaceous, Sarvak, Ilam and Gurpi Formations, at the Hendijan oil field were formed in a carbonate ramp that was likely closed to the open sea, where Gurpi Formation was deposited, by a shallow barrier that allowed seawater recharge into the basin and deep marine basin where Paleogene sediments, Pabdeh and Jahrum-Pabdeh, were deposited.

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).

The role of mechanical stratigraphy in the lateral variations of thrust development along the central Alberta Foothills, Canada

Fold-thrust belts generally exhibit significant variations in structural styles such as differences in thrust geometries and frequencies in imbrication. A natural laboratory of this pattern is preserved in the central Alberta Foothills of the Canadian Rockies, where differences in thrust geometries are represented by the existence vs. non-existence of triangle zones. To seek the factors that make this difference in these regions in terms of structural geometry, stratigraphic thickness variations and mechanical stratigraphy of the sedimentary layers, structural interpretation is conducted based on admissible cross-sections and well log interpretations. In northern region, a backthrust is detached from an incompetent layer(viz.Nomad Unit of the Wapiabi Formation), which gets thinner from the Foothills to the Plains, indicating that it is developed where the shale layers are pinched out where triangle zone is developed. Backthrust is also developed in the southern region, where mechanical strengths of strata(viz. Bearpaw Formation)increase toward the foreland. In the central region, however, only forethrusts are developed along the weak continuous decollement layers(viz. Turner Valley and Brazeau formations), forming an imbricate fan without development of the triangle zone. Incompetent layers such as the top Wapiabi(Nomad),Brazeau(Bearpaw), Coalspur and Paskapoo formations are also pinched out laterally, forming fault glide horizons in different stratigraphic levels in each region. These results indicate that, along the transport direction, triangle zone is developed in relation to the stratigraphic pinch out of the Nomad Unit in the northern region, and is formed associated with the variations in strengths of the layers constituting the Bearpaw Formation in the southern region. It is notable that all the glide horizons are developed along incompetent layers. However, triangle zones are not developed in the areas of continuous stratigraphy of the Nomad Unit, which does not serve as a glide horizon in the central region. This suggests that factors such as stratigraphic thickness changes of incompetent layers and mechanical stratigraphy of the sedimentary layers play an important role in the development of lateral variations in thrust system evolution in terms of triangle zone vs. imbricate fan in the central Alberta Foothills.

Subtle traps prediction using sequence stratigraphy and 3D seismic technology: A case study from Qikou depression in Huanghua basin

Forecasting subtle traps by sequence stratigraphy and 3D seismic data is a sensitive topic in hydrocarbon exploration. Research on subtle traps by geophysical data is the most popular and difficult. Based on the sufficiently drilling data, log data, core data and 3D seismic data, sediment sequence of Qikou depression, Huanghua basin was partitioned by using sequence stratigraphy theory. Each sediment sequence system mode was built. Sediment faces of subtle traps were pointed out. Dominating factors forming subtle traps were analyzed. Sandstone seismic rock physics and its response were studied in Tertiary System. Sandstone geophysical response and elastic modulus vary laws with pressure, temperature, porosity, depth were built. Experimental result and practice shows that it is possible using seismic information forecasting subtle traps. Integrated using geology, log, drilling data, special seismic processing technique, interpretation technique, high precision horizon calibration technique, 3D seismic visualizing interpretation, seismic coherence analysis, attribute analysis, logging-constrained inversion, time frequency analysis, subtle trapsobject is identified and interpreted. Finally, advantage object of subtle trap in this area was determined. Bottomland sand stratigraphic and lithologic reservoirs in Qinan slope zone have been founded by means of high resolution 3D seismic data field technique, high resolution 3D seismic data processing technique and seismic wave impendence inversion technique.

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.

Stratigraphy of late Quaternary deposits in the mid-western North Yellow Sea

The North Yellow Sea(NYS) is characterized by strong land-sea interaction and paleoenvironmental changes with sea-level fluctuations during the late Quaternary. However, large-time scale depositional stratigraphy in this area and its relationship with sea-level changes remain unresolved. Highresolution seismic profiles from NYS were subdivided into eleven seismic units(U1 to U11 in descending order). A 70.6-m-long borehole(DLC70-2) from localities on seismic profiles, analyzed for lithology, microfossil assemblages and geochronology, comprises eleven sedimentary units(D1 to D11 in descending order), which were clearly correlated with the eleven seismic units. These units constitute four distinctive sequences(SQ1 to SQ4 from top to bottom) bounded by three sequence boundaries(S3, S5 and S10) with obvious depositional hiatus, correlated with sea-level lowstands of MIS2, MIS4 and MIS6, respectively. The lowermost SQ4 below S10, has been identified only upper part of transgressive systems tract(TST)(D11, tidal flat facies in early MIS6). SQ3 overlying S10 consists of a set of lowstand systems tracts(LST)(D10, fluvial to incised-channel filling facies in late MIS6), TST and highstand systems tracts(HST)(D9 to D6, interactive deposits of neritic and littoral facies in MIS5 and early MIS4). SQ2 above S5 is composed of LST(D5, channel-filling facies in late MIS4) and TST(D4, littoral to estuary facies in early-middle MIS3), but lack of HST resulting from subaerial exposure and channel incising during the Last Glacial Maximum(LGM). The uppermost SQ1 overlying S3 comprises LST(D3, channel-filling to flooding plain or marsh facies in MIS2), Holocene TST(D2, littoral and tidal sand ridge facies) and HST(D1, neritic facies). The unusual depositional stratigraphy was largely dominated by sea-level fluctuations and the Bohai Strait topography. This study confirms that TSTs are relative continuous and widely distributed, while LSTs vary considerably in thickness and lateral extent since MIS6 in NYS.

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.

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.

Coal-Forming Model in the Context of Non-marine Sequence Stratigraphy:A Case Study of Jurassic Coal Measures in Northern Qaidam Basin,Northwestern China

Previous studies of coal sequence stratigraphy have concentrated on coals associated with paralic depositional systems.Little attention has been paid to their counterparts in non-marine intra-mountain coal basins.The northern Qaidam Basin of northwestern China has been extensively developed with abundant oil and gas as well as coal resources in its Jurassic non-marine successions.A total of six sedimentary systems of the Early and Middle Jurassic

Facies and Sequence Stratigraphy Analyses of Klasaman Formation in the “X Well”, Northern Salawati Basin, Papua, Indonesia

The “X Well” is located in the Salawati Basin which is part of Western Papua. The interval of study is the Klasaman Formation that is characterized by thick sediment intercalated sandstones and shales. The movement of Sorong Fault strongly controlled the sedimentation of this formation. This study is very important to give a contribution for developing exploration prospect by predicting reservoir distribution since localized facies change may mark the distribution of sandstones. The current study aims: 1) to define the age of Klasaman Formation;2) to define the vertical facies;3) to define the sequence stratigraphy;and 4) to predict the lateral change of facies. Five nannofossil datum planes are found throughout the interval and cover the age Late Miocene to Early Pliocene. LO Sphenolithus abies points the age 3.65 Ma, LO Reticulofenestra pseudoumbilicus points the age 3.79 Ma, FO Pseudoemiliania lacunosa points the age 4 Ma, LO Discoaster quinqueramus and LO Discoaster berrgrenii point the age 5.59 Ma and Top of small Reticulofenestra Interval points the age 7.167 Ma. They define the NN11 up to NN16 Martini’s zonation. The age of Klasaman Formation is known as the uppermost Late Miocene to the Early Pliocene. Four facies can be identified, namely Upper Shoreface, Lower Shoreface, Offshore Transition and Offshore. The upper shoreface facies is characterized by thick and clean sandstones, about 2.41 - 20.64 meters thick, while the lower shoreface facies consists of predominantly very fine to fine-grained sandstones intercalated by siltstones and claystones. The offshore transition facies is marked by thick claystones and siltstones intercalated with thin sandstones, whilst the offshore facies is marked by thick laminated claystones. Nine Parasequences 4th order can be identified within study interval, namely Progradational Parasequence-1 to 2, Retrogradational Parasequence-3, Progradational Parasequence-4 to 6, Retrogradational Parasequence-7 to 9. They are bounded by Sequence Boundary-1 to 8. The upper shoreface sandstones of Parasequence-4 to 9 can be potential reservoir rocks in the Klasaman Formation since the sandstones are very thick and clean. The sediments of Klasaman Formation have been sourced from elevated highland in the northeast area, so the upper shoreface sandstones have changed become the offshore claystones from northeast to southwest. High sedimentation rate and rapid subsidence of the basin mark the deposition of Klasaman Formation especially during the deposition of Parasequence-6 to 9 as a result of Sorong Fault tectonics.

Base-level Chang and Sequence Stratigraphy of Lishu Fault Lacustrine Basin

Base-level is a kind of surface which controls sedimentation and erosion. So, it can be concluded that it is base-level change that controls the formation and internal structure of a sequence. A single cycle of base-level change can generate four sets of different stacking patterns. They are two sets of aggradation, one progradation and one retrogradation, which affects the features of the internal structure of a sequence. Lishu fault subsidence of Songliao basin is a typical half-graben lacustrine basin. Comprehensive base-level change analysis indicates that six base-level cycles and their related six sequences can be recognized between T 4 and T 5 seismic reflection surface. The contemporaneous fault is the main controlling factor of the fault lacustrine basin. There are obvious differences exist in the composition of sedimentary systems and all systems tracts between its steep slope (the side that basin control fault existed) and flat slope. Except highstand systems tract is composed of fan delta-lacustrine system, lowstand systems tract, transgressive systems tract and regressive systems tract are all made up of fan delta-underwater fan-lacustrine sedimentary systems in the side of steep slope.

Sedimentary Environments and Correlative Sequence Stratigraphy of Upper Cretaceous—Paleogene Succession in Shiraz Area, Fars, SW IRAN

Sequence stratigraphic evidences have been used in this research to investigate the stratigraphic correlation of cretaceous paleogene succession in Shiraz area, Fars, SW Iran. For this purpose, 4 stratigraphic sections have been chosen and provided. According to petrographic study and field evidences, 4 depositional sequences were identified including the Tarbur, Sachun and Jahrum formations in the east and the Gurpi, Pabadeh and Asmari formations in the west of study area. After identifying the boundaries and systems tract facies, it has been found that the mentioned formations have been deposited among the continuous/discontinuous boundaries in an equivalent manner. In this case, the purple shale (between the Gurpi and Pabdeh formations) could be considered equivalent to the upper part of the Sachun formation. From the point of Paleogeography, the plat-form sedimentary environment covered almost the whole area during the Oligo-Miocene age, so that the Asmari formation would have been deposited, which is marked by sharp contact as disconformity on Jahrum formation in the east of the basin and with continuous contact (C.C) on the Pabdeh formation in the west and southwest.

Sequence Stratigraphy and Paleogeography of the Early and Early Middle Jurassic Coal Measures in the Turpan-Hami Basin,Northwestern China

This paper analyses the sequence stratigraphy and palaeogeography of the Early and early Middle Jurassic coal measures in the Turpan-Hami Basin, northwestern China.The controls of the palaeogeography and sequence stratigraphy on the coal accumulation in this basin have been discussed.The results show that the coal measures were formed in a fluvial-delta-lacustrine sedimentary system,and a total of 4 third-order sequences were developed,

Cenozoic basin evolution of the Central Patagonian Andes:Evidence from geochronology, stratigraphy, and geochemistry

The Central Patagonian Andes is a particular segment of the Andean Cordillera that has been subjected to the subduction of two spreading ridges during Eocene and Neogene times. In order to understand the Cenozoic geologic evolution of the Central Patagonian Andes, we carried out geochronologic(U-Pb and^(40)Ar/^(39)Ar), provenance, stratigraphic, sedimentologic, and geochemical studies on the sedimentary and volcanic Cenozoic deposits that crop out in the Meseta Guadal and Chile Chico areas(～47°S). Our data indicate the presence of a nearly complete Cenozoic record, which refutes previous interpretations of a hiatus during the middle Eocene-late Oligocene in the Central Patagonian Andes. Our study suggests that the fluvial strata of the Ligorio Marquez Formation and the flood basalts of the Basaltos Inferiores de la Meseta Chile Chico Formation were deposited in an extensional setting related to the subduction of the Aluk-Farallon spreading ridge during the late Paleocene-Eocene. Geochemical data on volcanic rocks interbedded with fluvial strata of the San Jose Formation suggest that this unit was deposited in an extensional setting during the middle Eocene to late Oligocene. Progressive crustal thinning allowed the transgression of marine waters of Atlantic origin and deposition of the upper Oligocene-lower Miocene Guadal Formation. The fluvial synorogenic strata of the Santa Cruz Formation were deposited as a consequence of an important phase of compressive deformation and Andean uplift during the early-middle Miocene. Finally, alkali flood basalts of the late middle to late Miocene Basaltos Superiores de la Meseta Chile Chico Formation were extruded in the area in response to the suduction of the Chile Ridge under an extensional regime. Our studies indicate that the tectonic evolution of the Central Patagonian Andes is similar to that of the North Patagonian Andes and appears to differ from that of the Southern Patagonian Andes, which is thought to have been the subject of continuous compressive deformation since the late Early Cretaceous.

TRIASSIC SEQUENCE STRATIGRAPHY AND CORRELATION FROM POLY-ARC AND BACK-ARC SYSTEM IN EASTERN TIBET

It is dominantly characterized that arc and back\|arc basin occur mutually in arc\|basin systems, Jomda arc and Sinda back\|arc basin located in Qamdo area are typical(Fig.1). Jomda arc covered by Triassic with thickness about 10000m.Marine sediments predominate, and are Characterized by the largely thick turbidity rocks and arc volcanic rocks of calc\|alkali suite which frequent volcanic events raised. Sinda back\|arc basin with a land\|crust basement is filled by the Upper Triassic sedimentary strata of more than 5000m. The active marginal sediments are composed of terrigenous,basinal and volcanic turbidity deposits of bathyal to deep\|sea facies,Characteristic extensive alkali basalts and submarine spout hot water deposits. Based on investigation of the cutcrop pro\|file, isotime grillwork for Triassic sequence stratigraphy has been established. for example Jomda arc basin, including 6 type 1 and 4 type 2 boundaries.10 three\|order sequences are divided, including 6 type 1 and 4 type 2 sequences. These sequences evolves during 37Ma,the estimated average time of a sequences is 3～7Ma,with being generally 1～2Ma,the longest being about 10Ma. type 1 and type 2 sequence boundaries are identified, in Upper Triassic Sinda back\|arc basin two type 1 and one type 2 sequences are divided. Relations have been first concluded among mainly controlled factors of sequence stratigraphies in arc and back\|arc basin systems. First, more sequences product and three\|units of its structures are complete in arc systems of complicated tectonic\|volcanic topographies, for example Jomda arc area of island\|sea framework, because lots of deposits are supplied and accumulations are allowed. Secondly, tectonic control is very clear, type 1 boundaries of SQ1 and SQ7 are clearly unconformity interfaces stressed by tectonism.Thirdly,volcanic rocks is greatly related with sequences, and there are various volcanic rocks in mang sequences,for example Jomda sequence stratigraphies,volcanic rocks of calc alkaline suite occurs in LST which thickness occupying in LST is middle; both tholeiite and calc\|alkaline,alkaline suite (Sinda back\|arc area) in TST, thickness smallest; calc\|alkaline suite in HST, Thickness biggest. It proves that intra\|genetic association between volcanic and relative sea\|level changes, which is gained by the concordance of thick curves of volcanic rock and sea\|level in different systematic traces. When thickness of volcanic rocks growing or progressing, relative sea\|level falls; otherwise, when reducing, it rises. There are larger differences in quantities, structures and types of sequences by comparing sequence stratigraphies of arc, back\|arc with craton area. Those varieties are responses for interactions among tectonic\|volcano, sediment and eustacy. It is pointed out that tectonic and arc volcanic processes are crucial.

The New Data on Stratigraphy of the Riphean Stratotype in the Southern Urals, Russia

A recent series of U-Pb age determinations of zircons (SHRIMP, IDTIMS) from volcanic flows of several levels permitted to refine stratigraphy of the Riphean of Bashkirian megaanticlinorium (Urals, Russia), and provide a better correlation of this straton with the International and Chinese scales of the Proterozoic.