Elemental composition in the sediments of the Yangtze and the Yellow Rivers and their tracing implication

Elemental compositions in the surface sediments of the Yangtze River and the Yellow River are quite different. The Yangtze River' s sediment is rich in K, Fe, Mg, Al and most of trace elements, and its elemental composition show remarkable spatial variations, whereas the Yellow River s sediment has higher contents of Ca, Na, Sr, Ba, Zr and Hf, and the elemental composition remains relatively stable. The ratios of some elements are also different in the sediments of the two rivers. The elemental composition of the Yangtze River sediment results from widely distributed igneous rocks and complicated source rocks and strong chemical weathering in the Yangtze River catchment basin, while the main provenance of the Yellow River sediment is the Loess Plateau which has dominant influence on the elemental composition, and the intense physical weathering is another controlling factor. The elements such as Cu, Zn, Sc, Ti, Fe, V, Ni, Cr, Co, Li and element ratios such as La/Sc, La/Co, Th/Co, Ti/Zr and Zr/Y can be used as the tracers to distinguish the Yangtze River sediment from the Yellow River s. The tracers can be used in the study of the mixing and distribution of the substances of the two rivers matters in coastal zones of China.     

青藏高原隆升阶段性

 青藏高原的隆升不仅是印度板块与亚洲板块碰撞导致的地球内部岩石圈地球动力学作用过程的结果,并且对全球和亚洲气候变化、亚洲地貌和地表环境过程及大量地内和地表矿产资源的形成分布产生了深刻影响。因而研究高原隆升的历史不仅对解决上述重大科学问题提供重要途径,而且可为高原区域资源环境的开发和可持续发展提供理论依据。简要回顾和梳理了国内外近年来,围绕青藏高原隆升所取得的主要进展。研究表明新生代青藏高原经历了多阶段、多幕次、准同步异幅且高原南北后期加速隆升的演化过程。具体可划分为55~30、25~10及8~0 Ma 3个主要生长隆升期次。其中55~30 Ma的高原早期隆升,主要集中在高原中南部的拉萨地块和羌塘地块,并且可能隆升到接近3 km高度,或甚至更高,有人称之为“原西藏高原”,但其周缘存在准同步异幅的变形隆升响应;25~10 Ma的中期隆升,“原西藏高原”南北缘的喜马拉雅山和可可西里-昆仑山开始强烈隆升,“原西藏高原”率先隆升到目前高度并开始向东西两侧挤出物质、拉张形成南北向裂谷,高原北缘普遍产生广泛变形隆升但幅度有限;从约8 Ma开始的晚期隆升,高原南、北部边缘的喜马拉雅山和昆仑山-西秦岭以北的高原东北部隆升显著加速,经历一系列短暂快速的多幕次构造变形和生长隆升,最终形成现今高原面貌。     

Modern stalagmite oxygen isotopic composition and its implications of climatic change from a high-elevation cave in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau over the past 50 years

An oxygen isotope record of a stalagmite from Huanglong Cave in the eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau dated with 230Th and 210Pb methods provides variations of the Asian monsoon with an average resolu-tion of 1 year over the past 50 years. This study shows that the δ18O of dripwater in the cave represents the annual mean δ18O of local meteoric precipitation and the stalagmites were deposited in isotopic equilibrium. A comparison of the stalagmite δ18O record with instrumentally meteorological data indi-cates that shifts of the δ18O are largely controlled by the amount effect of meteoric precipitation con-veyed through the southwest monsoon(the Indian monsoon) and less affected by temperature. Therefore,the variations of δ18O record reflect the changes in monsoon precipitation on inter-annual time scales under the influence of the southwest monsoon. Like many other stalagmite δ18O records in the Asian monsoon regions,the δ18O record of the stalagmite from Huanglong Cave also reveals a gradually enriched trend during the past 50 years,i.e. relatively enriched in 18O. This trend may indicate the decline of the Asian monsoon intensity which is consistent with the decrease of monsoon indices. The weakening of the modern Asian monsoon well matched with the temperature changes in strato-sphere,which may illustrate that the weakening of the monsoon mainly results from the lowering of solar radiation.     

江河源地区不同荒漠化草地物种多样性研究

在江河源地区的高寒草甸、高寒草原中选择8个具有代表性的荒漠化草地进行物种多样性研究,其中对玉树州曲麻莱县郊、果洛州玛多县郊、果洛州达日县窝赛乡三个地区进行了不同演替梯度下的物种多样性分析。结果表明：曲玛莱地区退化草地物种多样性指数、均匀度指数随退化程度的加剧而减小,丰富度指数为重度退化大于极度退化大于轻度退化;玛多县郊、达日县窝塞乡重度退化草地物种多样性、均匀度、丰富度高于极度退化。不同荒漠化地区随演替度的减小多样性指数、均匀度指数总体有递减趋势,而丰富度指数变化不明显。     

Humification degrees of peat in Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and palaeoclimate change

In this article we report a new and sensitive palaeoclimate proxy indieator-humification degrees of peat. Based on the comparison of humification degrees with other climate proxy records, such as δ^13C time series of the C. mulieensis remains cellulose in the same peat profile, we suggest that humifieation degrees of peat in Qinghai-Xizang Plateau can served as a palaeoclimate proxy indicator. The higher the hnmification degrees of peat, the warmer-wetter the climate; on the contrary, the lower the humification degrees, the colder-drier the climate. Due to the simple method of deter-mination, humifieation degree of peat is worthy studying and applying further.     

Eolian sand deposition and its environmental significance in the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau

The dry climate which appeared about 8#x2013;7 Ma ago in South Asia has been interpreted as results of the intensification of Asian monsoon caused by the uplift of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau at its maximum altitude around that time. Whether it is or not, it is a critical problem. A total of 55 samples were taken from the Tertiary red earth and Quaternary lacustrine deposits and loess in the Linxia Basin which is located in the northeastern margin of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, for the analysis of quartz types and contents using electron probe microanalyzer. The results indicate that the eolian sands have existed since 15Ma and reached its maximum content at 8 and 6#x2013;5 Ma, respectively. This means that the climate was very dry during 8-5 Ma period in western China, which was regarded as the result of global climatic change at that time. Mean size of quartz sand grains was about 0.4 mm during 15#x2013;3.6/2.6 Ma period and dropped to 0.1–0.07 mm dramatically after 3.6–2.6 Ma. This demonstrates that the local eolian deposition was decreased significantly and even disappeared since Late Pliocene and was replaced by dust deposits from distal source, suggesting the uplift of Qinghai-Xizang Plateau and the change of air circulation after 3.6–2.6 Ma.     

Test of the uplift of Tibetan Plateau by FG5 absolute gravimeter at Lhasa station

The uplift of the Tibetan Plateau has been monitored by the FG5 absolute gravimeter, whose observing accuracy is as high as 2×10^-8 m/s². The analysis of the gravity observation results at the Lhasa station in 1999 and 1993 shows that the gravity value has decreased by 12×10^-8 m/s², and it is confirmed that the Lhasa region is uplifting at a rate of 10 mm/a.     

近10年来青藏高原地表温度时空变化特征分析

基于2008-2017年青藏高原地区133个地面气象站的地表温度观测数据和五套地表温度模拟资料(ERA-5、ERA-Interim、GLDAS2.1-Noah、JRA-55、MERRA-2),分析了近10年以来青藏高原地区地表温度的时空变化特征以及多种地表温度模拟资料在青藏高原的适用性。结果表明：(1)青藏高原地区的地表温度呈现边缘地区高、中心地区低,由边缘地区向中心地区递减的变化趋势,地表温度的空间分布主要受海拔高度影响,同时服从纬度的地带性规律;(2)五套地表温度模拟资料均能够描述青藏高原地区地表温度的空间分布特征,但是均出现了低估现象,可以基于模拟资料所使用的高程数据与实际观测之间的高程差,对地表温度模拟结果进行修正;(3)近10年,青藏高原地区的地表温度呈现变暖趋势,且随着海拔高度的降低,地表温度增暖趋势越剧烈;(4)在青藏高原多年冻土区3个地面气象站,五套地表温度模拟资料与观测资料呈显著相关(相关系数>0.96),模拟误差具有季节性特征,在夏季和冬季偏差较大,在春季和秋季偏差较小。     

Comparison between a numerical model and an investigating model on the uplift of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibetan) Plateau

A comparison between a nttmcrical model (NM) and an investigationg model (IM) on the uplift of the Qinehsi-Xhng Plateau was condueted. Resuhs show that the NM is capable of describing the uplifting proc-of the plateau. They are in good agreement with each other concerning the major uplifting processes.     

Early tectonic uplift of the northern Tibetan Plateau

The Hexi Corridor is the northmost foreland basin of the Tibetan Plateau and its formation is controlled by the northern marginal fault of Tibet, Altyn Tagh Fault （ATF）-North Qilian Shan marginal Fault （NQF）, and the southern Kuantan Shan-Longshou Shan Fault （KLF）. So its study is important to understanding the mechanism of Tibet formation and its influence on global climate change. The oldest Cenozoic sediments in the Corridor is the Huoshaogou Formation which consists of terrigenous fine conglomerate, sandstone, sandy mudstone and mudstone, depositing in al- luvial to lacustrine and fan delta sedimentary environments. Detailed paleomagnetic measurements of this sequence at Yumen clearly reveal eleven pairs of normal and reversed polarities. Fossil mammals found around the section support that most of the observed polarities can be well correlated with chrons between 13n and 18r of the standard geomagnetic polarity time scale, yielding ages of 40.2-33.35 Ma. The mean declinations of this sequence and its immediately above stratigraphy indicate an 18.3° rapid clockwise rotation of the Hexi Corridor. Since this sequence has been strongly folded and is capped by an angular unconformity, we think that the presence of the thick alluvial fan conglomeration at the bottom of the foreland basin may indicate the initial deformation and uplift of the northern Qilian Shan. This process could occur at latest at 40.2 Ma, driven by the faults NQF and KLF that thrust onto the Hexi corridor respectively from its southern and northern margins. These faults are in an early response to the collision of India with Asia, while the unconformable termination and rotation of the Huoshaogou Formation at -33.35 Ma indicate other early episode of rapid tectonic deformation and uplift of the northern Tibet.     

New evidence for the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau as a pilot region of climatic fluctuation in China

Over 40 a observed temperature data in 172 stations in China and historical proxy data were analyzed. Evidence suggested that during 1980–1994, the warmest year appeared first in southeastern part of the Qinghai-Xizang (Tibet) Plateau (henceforth SETP) and then gradually spread northwards and eastwards to eastern China. The climatic change on century time scale in recent 600 a shows 3 relatively warm and clod stages in China. Each warm and cold stage appeared first in Tibet Plateau (henceforth TP) and then in the Qilian Mountains, then in the eastern parts of China. The warm and cold stages in TP were 10–60 a earlier than in the eastern China. The facts show that TP is a pilot region of climatic fluctuation in China on the time scale shorter than 10³a.     

Role of atmospheric heat source/sink over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in quasi-4-year oscillation of atmosphere-land-ocean interaction

Using 1961—1995 monthly atmospheric apparent heat source/sink <Q₁> over the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau (QXP) and reanalysis data of NCEP/NCAR, and 1961—1994 monthly SST of UK/GISST2, the statistical study is undertaken on the QXP heat source/sink in relation to both atmospheric circulation in Asia and El Niño/La Niña events. It is discovered that there exists noticeable interaction in a quasi-4-year period among the <Q₁> of the QXP, low-level meridional winds east of the QXP, low-level zonal winds in the equatorial Pacific, SST in the equatorial eastern Pacific, and the circulation at mid and high latitudes north of the QXP. They have difference in phase. The cold source intensity of the QXP in winter favours a low-level meridional wind anomaly to prevail in the mainland of China and its coast east of the QXP and to last until the subsequent autumn. The wind anomaly can induce a low-level zonal wind anomaly of the tropic Pacific that finally affects an El Niño/La Niña event in the autumn and subsequent winter. The event in autumn/winter has effect on the deep trough position and cold air track of East Asia in next winter that influences the intensity of the QXP winter cold source.     

Uplift of the Tibetan Plateau and environmental changes

Major progress, problems, and challenges of recent investigation of the Tibetan Plateau uplift processes and resulting environmental changes are reviewed and summarized briefly, which especially covers the National Tibetan Research Projects of the Chinese Eighth (1992-1996) and Ninth (1997-2001) "Five-Year Projects". The Tibetan Plateau uplift is a complicated multiple cyclic process. The Gangdise and Himalayas began to uplift in the Middle Eocene and Early Miocene respectively, while the main part of the Plateau merely underwent corresponding passive deformation and secular denudation, resulting in two planation surfaces. The third and also the strongest uplift involved the whole Plateau and its marginal mountains commenced at 3.6 Ma. Successive Kunlun-Huanghe movement at 1.1-0.6 Ma and Gonghe movement at 0.15 Ma raised the Plateau to its present height. The Asian monsoonal system and Asian natural environment formed in response to these tectonic uplifts.     

青藏高原东北缘临夏盆地王家山地区沉积环境分析与构造隆升

通过对青藏高原东北缘临夏盆地王家山地区新生代地层沉积相研究，划分出7个沉积旋回；盆地沉积与高原隆升的响应关系揭示出高原29Ma以来先后经历了初期隆升至稳定阶段(29．0—21．4Ma)、中期随升至稳定阶段(21．4—6．25Ma)、后期逐步隆升阶段(6．25—3．58Ma)和晚期急剧强烈隆升阶段(3．58—0Ma)，可见青藏高原的隆升是一个多阶段、不等速和非均变的复杂过程．     

平衡剖面反映的柴西新生代变形对青藏高原隆升的响应

柴达木盆地为一中新生代盆地,位于青藏高原北缘,盆内中新生代地层发育很好地记录了印度一欧亚板块自约55Ma以来碰撞传到高原北缘的地质事件.在最新的高精度磁性地层绝对年代控制下,通过盆内西部五条北东-南西向地震大剖面,用平衡剖面方法恢复了新生代以来盆地因两大板块碰撞而引起的地壳收敛缩短量.结果显示:在宏观上柴西地区存在两个相对快速收缩期:早始新世-渐新世和晚中新世或上新世-现今(E_(1+2)末-N_1,43.80～22.00Ma和N~2_2或N_2~3-现今,8.20或2.65～0Ma)和两个相对较弱收缩期:中生代末-早始新世和渐新世-晚中新世(M_z-E_(1+2)初期,65.00～43.80Ma和N_1末-N~2_2,22.00～2.65Ma)以及两个主要的断裂活动期次,早期路乐河组末-下干柴沟组上段时期(E_(1+2)-E_3~2)和晚期上油砂山组至今(N~2_2-Q).在微观上,盆地内部受自身断裂活动的控制,发育了独特的形态.表明在印欧板块碰撞高原隆升的早期,柴西地区就开始变形响应,随后盆地在整个新生代发展过程中,都处于板块碰撞高原隆升的大环境影响下而发生整体的变形缩短,同时自身的断裂活动控制了盆地的微观形态.     

A tropical paleosol at high elevation in the Yulong Mountains and its implication on the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau

A paleosol dated for about 500–700 kaBP and developed on a glacial deposit at ～3 000 m a.s.l. in the Yulong Mountains is studied using soil chemical, morphological and mineralogical methods. The analytical results indicate that this soil was formed under tropical and humid conditions and can be classified as red soil, which cannot be formed in the present alpine environment at the studied site. This implies that the southeast margin of the Tibetan Plateau has experienced intense uplift since the formation of the paleosol. According to the necessary conditions for the formation of the modern red soil in China, we estimate that the uplift height of the Plateau since 500–700 kaBP would have exceeded 800 m.     

Isotopic evolution of the terminal Neoproterozoic and early Cambrian carbon cycle on the northern Yangtze Platform, South China

Profound geotectonic, climatic and biological changes occur during the terminal Neoproterozoic and its transition into the early Cambrian. These are reflected in temporal variations of the chemical and isotopic composition of seawater. We are studying a sequence of sedimentary rocks at the Shatan section, northern Yangtze Platform, Sichuan Province of China. This succession comprises, in ascending stratigraphic order, predominantly calcareous sediments of the Sinian upper Dengying Formation and black shales of the lower Cambrian Guojiaba Formation (time equivalent of Niutitang Fm.). Paleoenvironmental setting represents shallow-water shelf deposits. The objective of our study is to provide temporal records for the isotopic compositions of organic and carbonate carbon throughout this time interval. Organic carbon isotope values display a range between -35.8‰ and -30.1‰ with clear stratigraphic variations. Carbonate carbon isotope data vary between -3.5‰ and +0.5‰. These secular variations are interpreted to reflect perturbations of the global carbon cycle, specifically changes in the fractional burial of organic carbon. However, local conditions have further affected the isotopic signals.