Acanthomorph Biostratigraphic Succession of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation in the East Yangtze Gorges,South China

Large acanthomorphic acritarchs have been found in chert of the Ediacaran Doushantuo Formation at several localities in South China, including the East Yangtze Gorges of Hubei Province,Weng＇an area of Guizhou Province, and elsewhere. However, their potential for biostratigraphic subdivision and correlation of Ediacaran successions is limited by facies control, taphonomic biases,and taxonomic problems. In the Yangtze Gorges, the Doushantuo Formation is generally subdivided into four lithologic members. However, in the Weng＇an area, the Doushantuo Formation comprises just a lower and upper part separated by a mid-Doushantuo erosional surface. In the Yangtze Gorges at the Zhangcunping section, the Doushantuo succession is similar to that at Weng＇an. So far, the correlation between the Yangtze Gorges and Weng＇an area, and elsewhere has been an issue of debate. To resolvethe debate, we selected eight sections in the Yangtze Gorges area and systemically sampled chert nodules of the Doushantuo Formation, focusing in particular on the upper Doushantuo Formation. Our data confirm two different assemblages appearing separately in the second and third members, which are separated by a negative δ13C excursion （EN2）. The lower assemblage is characterized by Tianzhushania and a diverse suite of large acanthomorphic acritarchs. The upper assemblage is distinguished from the lower assemblage, by （1） absence of Tianzhushania; （2） occurrence of abundant,100-150 μm, smooth-walled spherical microfossils; （3） occurrence of highly diverse acanthomorphic acritarchs including species extending from the second member and new forms in this member; （4）occurrence of unnamed new forms of protist; and （5） occurrence of the tubular microfossil Sinocyclocylicus guizhouensis. Since the Tianzhushania-dominated assemblage is not present in Australia, it seems that only the upper acanthomorph assemblage is present and thus the lower Doushantuo acanthomorph assemblage is missing in Australia.

Dynamic Analysis of Deformational Structures of the Xianniishan Fault Zone in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River

Field investigation and laboratory work reveal that inhomogeneity of the deformation of the Xiannushan fault is mainly characterized by lateral zonation, longitudinal segmentation and downward stratification. Based on these results, a 3-D deformational structure model of the fault was established and its geometrical and kinematic characteristics in two main deformational stages i.e. the main Yanshanian and Himalayan were discussed. The directions of principal and the differential stresses in these two stages were determined by using conjugate joints, striations of fault planes and microstructures of the fault zone. The direction of σI is N-S in direction with differential stresses of 150-250 MPa in the Yanshanian, and N70E with a differential stress ranging from 80-120 MPa in the Himalayan.

The Shizikou Gravitational Gliding Structure in the Three Gorges of the Yangtze River

A study has been made about the structural attribute of the NNW-trendingShizikou linear image belt in the head area of the reservoir of the Yangtze River Gorges and theevaluation of its crustal stability. On the basis of regional geological surveys and by making astructural analysis and a multidisciplinary study, it has been ascertained that the segment withthe best displayed image characteristics is marked by a gravity gliding structure with a multilay-er gliding fold type architecture. This paper also analyzes the medium conditions, slope struc-ture and dynamic setting for the formation of the structure system.

REMOTE SESING INVESTIGATION AND APPRAISAL OF LAND USE AND CAPACITY IN THE REGION OF THE YANGTZE RIVER GORGES’PROJECT

The region around the Three Gorges project on the Yangtze River has an area of 62552 square kilometres and population of 20.14 million. It limits a range hetween the sorth-north watersheds and from Yichang of Hubei Province to Jiangjin of Sichuan, including 24 cities and counties-Chongjing, Yichang and Wanxian etc. In this region, relief are mainly hills and middle-low mountains. Remote censing investigation and appraisal of land use and capacity which are two of the major restrict factors for the Three Gorges project have provided related scientific bases for macro-dicision-making of the project.