The Loess Plateau-Northeastern Tibetan Plateau in China is famous for its deep andcontmuous distributed loess, in which soils (developed from loess) vary gradually with differentbiological climates changing from subhu...The Loess Plateau-Northeastern Tibetan Plateau in China is famous for its deep andcontmuous distributed loess, in which soils (developed from loess) vary gradually with differentbiological climates changing from subhumid to arid, which provide a natural proving ground forstUd}' the coupling of loess-paleosol and climatic changes quantitatively. Thirty-two sections weresampled (collected) for measuring chemical element contents, clay content (and other items) and 60sections were collected for carbonate analysis to establish transfer functions between pedogenesisand climate. Finally, we estimated the paleoclAnate (P/T) in the region with transfer functions,It isrevealed that the variation of paleocldriate reflected by transfer functions accorded closely with theclimatic pattern resulted from recent work. Specifically, it was about 140 ha BP that summermonsoon reached Lanzhou or further, paleosol S1 (equaling to MIS 5 in deep sea records) developedstrongly in a large scale, even touching upon northeanstern Tibetan Plateau. And, the estimated P/Tinformation also indicated the cold and humid period during 50-30 ka BP, mean annual Precipitationwas about 400-500 nun in Angutan recorded by mega-interstadial paleosol Sm.展开更多
Palaeohydmlogical investigations were carried out in the Guchuan Basin in the upper reaches of the Weihe River valley, China. A set of palaeoflood slackwater deposits （SWDs） was found interbedded in the Holocene Ioe...Palaeohydmlogical investigations were carried out in the Guchuan Basin in the upper reaches of the Weihe River valley, China. A set of palaeoflood slackwater deposits （SWDs） was found interbedded in the Holocene Ioess-paleosol sequence at the Guchuanzhen site （GCZ）. These palaeoflood SWDs were studied by field observations and laboratory analyses including concentrations of chemical elements and optically stimulated luminescence （OSL） dating. The results showed that the palaeoflood SWDs were the result of the secondary separations of the surface soil and weathered soil layers during the process of water transport and deposition, and without obvious weathering during soil development. These extraordinary flood events were dated back to 3,200-3,000 a B.P. with the OSL method and checked by archaeological dating of the human remains retrieved from the profile. These extraordinary flood events were therefore considered as regional expression of known climatic events and demonstrated the climatic instability in the Holocene. This result is important for understanding the effects of global climate change on the dynamics of river systems.展开更多
Two-three paleosol layers were formed in the western part of the Northeast Plain. China during Holocene. These paleosol layers interlaid with eolian fine sand layers. Dated by 14C dating. archeology and TL and analyze...Two-three paleosol layers were formed in the western part of the Northeast Plain. China during Holocene. These paleosol layers interlaid with eolian fine sand layers. Dated by 14C dating. archeology and TL and analyzed by statistics.the formation periods of paleosols are divided from the results. The periods are 11, 000- 7000 5500-4500. 3500- 2800 and 1400- 1000 a B. P. respectively.According to the spore-pollen compositions in more than ten sand dune paleosol profiles, it is discovered th.t there is little spore-pollen in the sand layers and a little spore-pollen in the paleosol layers. The spore-pollen compositions in the paleosols are simple. mainly Artemisia (50% - 70%) and Chenopodiaceae. In the paleosols of 11,000 - 7000 a B. P.. the spore-pollen composition is Artemisia-Rubiaceaechenopodiaceae. The contents of Ephedra pollen in the lower and upper parts of the layer are less than that in the middle part. In the paleosols of 5500- 4500 a B. P.,the spore-pollen composition is Artem isal - Chenopod iaceae - Melilotus. There is some Salix sp. and Betula sp. pollen in the lower part of the layer and some Ephedra pollen in the upper part. In the paleosols of 3500- 2800 a B. P.. the spore-pollen composition is Artemisia Chenopodiaceae - Rubiaceae. There are som e Kochia and Baryaceae. In the paleosols of 1400-1000 a B. P., the spore-pollen composition is also Artemisia-Chjenopod tao eae - Rubiaceae. There is a little pine pollen. The grain size of paleosol is relatively coarse, but still finer than that of eolian sand and becomes coarser from the bottom to the top of the profile. This fact reflects that the weathering environments during the paleosol formation periods were wetter than that during the eolian periods and became dryer from middle to late Holocene.展开更多
Based on field investigations,laboratory analyses and 14C dating,this paper discusses the laws of the formation and development of the paleosols in the northeast region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau since Late Pleisto...Based on field investigations,laboratory analyses and 14C dating,this paper discusses the laws of the formation and development of the paleosols in the northeast region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau since Late Pleistocene.The authors reconstruct basic conditions of climate,vegetation,soil and natural zones during the three periods in which the paleosols were formed,i.e.the last interglacial of the Late Pleistocene,warm stage of Late Glacial and the Optimum of Holocene.Finally,this paper discusses the relationship between the paleosols and the uplift of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.展开更多
This paper presents a set of bulk geochemical and mineralogical data from a paleoweathering profile located in Zunyi District, Northern Guizhou, China. It was formed at the top of the Hanjiadian Formation of the Lower...This paper presents a set of bulk geochemical and mineralogical data from a paleoweathering profile located in Zunyi District, Northern Guizhou, China. It was formed at the top of the Hanjiadian Formation of the Lower Silurian. A truncated, argillic, gleyed, kryptic paleospodosol is recognized in the paleoweathering profile. Ratios of immobile elements（Ti/Zr, Ti/Al） and their binary（e.g., Nb vs. Zr/TiO_2 and Th/Sc vs. Zr/Sc）, triangular diagrams（La-Th-Sc, Th-ScZr/10, Zr-Cr-Ga） reflect that the Gaojiayan paleosol is the product of in-situ weathering of gray-green silty mudstone of the underlying Hanjiadian Formation. Mass balance calculations indicate K enrichment and Na enrichment in the upper and lower portions of paleosol, respectively. These findings both are the results of transgression, which brings substantial concentrations of such elements as K, Na, and Sr. In particular, K enrichment is achieved by the illitization of kaolinite. The biological processes of terrestrial vascular plants also enhance K concentration, especially at the top of the paleosol. Na enrichment is a consequence of albitization and/or adsorption by clay minerals through cation exchange. The mass distributions and relative mass changes of rare earth elements（REEs） in the studied profile display characteristics of vertical zonation. Three peaks in total REEs content are observed, indicating two paleoclimatic or paleoenvironmental changes. Mineralogical characteristics indicate that the paleoclimate changed first from warm and humid to cold and dry and later, to dry and lightly warmer. The corresponding soil environment varies from weakly acidic to strongly alkaline and later, to weakly acidic. Mass translocation characteristics of REEs and several transition metals suggest that the Gaojiayan paleosol may have undergone top erosion.展开更多
A paleosol horizon is described from the contact of the Sausar Group（w2400 Ma） and its basement（Tirodi Gneiss; 〉2500 Ma） in Central India. Physical evidence of pedogenesis is marked by the development of stress c...A paleosol horizon is described from the contact of the Sausar Group（w2400 Ma） and its basement（Tirodi Gneiss; 〉2500 Ma） in Central India. Physical evidence of pedogenesis is marked by the development of stress corrosion cracks, soil peds, corestone weathering and nodular rocks. XRD and SEM-EDX data indicate the presence of siderite, ankerite, uraninite, chlorite, alumino-silicate minerals, ilmenite,rutile and magnetite, in addition to quartz, feldspar and mica. The chemical index of alteration, the plagioclase index of alteration, and the chemical index of weathering show an increasing trend from parent rock to the paleosol and indicate a moderate trend of weathering. The A-CN-K plot indicates loss of feldspars, enrichment in Al2O3 and formation of illite. Different major element ratios indicate baseloss through hydrolysis, clay formation, leaching of some elements, and more precipitation with good surface drainage. The paleosol is depleted in HREE in comparison to the parent rock indicating high fluid-rock interaction during weathering. The paleosol samples show flat Ce and Eu anomalies, low SREE, and high（La/Yb）N, indicative of a reducing environment of formation. Reducing condition can also be inferred from the concentration of elements such as V, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the paleosol profile. Although enriched in Fe and Mg, the overall geochemical patterns of the paleosol indicate oxygen deficient conditions in the atmosphere and development by weathering and leaching processes associated with high precipitation and good surface drainage at the time of development of this paleosol during the Archeane Paleoproterozoic transition.展开更多
The loess deposits comprise several paleosol layers reflecting alternation of drier and wetter climate during Quaternary. Such a situation occurs in north of Barlad, on The Sohodau＇s Hill. Morphological study of the ...The loess deposits comprise several paleosol layers reflecting alternation of drier and wetter climate during Quaternary. Such a situation occurs in north of Barlad, on The Sohodau＇s Hill. Morphological study of the quarry paleosols from north of Barlad was accomplished based on field observations and macroscopic physic-chemical results. Three levels of paleosols with variable thickness were determined. These three fossils layers are interbedded by four loess deposits. The physical-chimical data provide important information for the paleosol genesis and depositional/climatic environments. The carbon content and C/N ratio indicate the strength of pedogenesis in the Pleistocene and trends of biomass accumulation.展开更多
The AD 79 eruption of Somma-Vesuvius completely buried the ancient landscape around Pompeii (Italy) to some extent conserving the pre-AD 79 Roman paleosols of the Sarno River plain. To estimate potential post-burial s...The AD 79 eruption of Somma-Vesuvius completely buried the ancient landscape around Pompeii (Italy) to some extent conserving the pre-AD 79 Roman paleosols of the Sarno River plain. To estimate potential post-burial soil developments of these paleosols detailed soil liquid and solid phase analysis were carried out. Firstly, an in-situ soil hydrological monitoring was conducted within a pre-AD 79 paleosol in natural undisturbed stratification. The results show that soil water flow and nutrient transport from the overlying volcanic deposits into the pre-AD 79 paleosol take place. Secondly, to estimate their influence on the paleosol’s mineral soil properties, the solid phase of four pre-AD 79 paleosols and associated modern unburied soils were analysed and compared. By combining the data from the soil liquid and solid phase analysis, potential post-burial changes in the paleosols were estimated. Finally, a rise of the mean groundwater table was determined since AD 79. This distinguishes the Sarno River plain into two different zones of post-burial soil developments: 1) lower altitudes where formerly terrestrial paleosols are now influenced by groundwater dynamics and 2) higher altitudes where the paleosols are still part of the vadose zone and rather influenced by infiltration water or interflow. Thus, the mechanism of potential post-burial soil development being active in the pre-AD 79 paleosols is not uniform for the entire Sarno River plain but strongly depends on the paleotopographic situation.展开更多
34 samples of loess-paleosol from the Luochuan and kifeng sections in the Loess Plateau, north-ern China were separated into sand, silt and clay fractions and analyzed for their mineral composi -tions. The results ind...34 samples of loess-paleosol from the Luochuan and kifeng sections in the Loess Plateau, north-ern China were separated into sand, silt and clay fractions and analyzed for their mineral composi -tions. The results indicate that there is almost no difference between loess and paleosol in mineralcomposition. Major mineral species are quartz, mica, feIdspar and chlorite, accounhng for about88-92% of the total, other minerals are kandite, smectite, vermiculite and a few heavy minerals. Thecalcite, magnetite and hematite were not taken into consideration because of their removal in the pro-cess of sample preparation. The main difference with respect to the mineral composition of samplescollected from different sections and different stratigraphic leveIs lies in the amount and grain sise ofminerals hosted. Comparisons between the Luochuan section and the kifeng section, between paleosoland loess and between the upper part and the lower part of some paleosol layers show that the for-mers contain less feldspar but more mica and vermiculite and are finer in grain sise, indicahng theco-occurrence of both biochemical weathering process responsible for mineral change and physicalweathering process leading to grain-stie change during the soiI-forming processes. This result favourssuch an explanation of the soi1-forming mechanism that loess deposition and paleosol developmentoccurred synchronously, though the rate of soil formation was greater than that of loess deposition,thus leading to soil development.展开更多
The type, grain size and origin of ferrimagnetic minerals separated from red paleosols of Pleistocene Epoch (Q\-2) in eastern China, were studied by using mineral magnetic measurement, X\|ray powder diffraction and el...The type, grain size and origin of ferrimagnetic minerals separated from red paleosols of Pleistocene Epoch (Q\-2) in eastern China, were studied by using mineral magnetic measurement, X\|ray powder diffraction and electron microscopy. Results showed that the iron oxides in red paleosols were composed of hematite (α\|Fe\-2O\-3), maghemite (γ\|Fe\-2O\-3) and goethite(α\|FeOOH). Mineral magnetic parameters and X\|ray diffraction patterns indicated that maghemite was the dominant remanence carrier in red paleosols, which is characterized by superparamagnetic (SP) and stable single domain (SSD) grains. The variations of magnetic susceptibility (χ), anhysteretic magnetic susceptibility (χ\-\{ARM\}) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) for red paleosols following heating to various temperatures showed two peak values at 700℃ and 900℃. The spherulitic magnetic particles measuring \{250-1000\}μm in diameter in red paleosols were separated by the magnetic separation method, indicating that these magnetic particles were an assemblage of superparamagnetic and stable single domain ferrimagnetic grains. It is suggested that the ferrimagnetic minerals of red paleosols be a pedogenic ferrimagnetic component under high temperature and high humid conditions in the Pleistocene Epoch (Q\-2). It is concluded that the magnetism characteristics of red paleosols can be used to evaluate the environmental changes of Quaternary in eastern China.展开更多
Changes in global climate have a positive effect on the changes in hydrologic cycle, and leave their traces in the cycles of hydrogenic sediments and geomorphic evolutions. It is possible to explain the law of the cli...Changes in global climate have a positive effect on the changes in hydrologic cycle, and leave their traces in the cycles of hydrogenic sediments and geomorphic evolutions. It is possible to explain the law of the climate change and tectonic movement in the course of the environmental evolutions during the Quaternary by way of identifying the different cycles and ages of hydrogenic sediments in each geomorphic period. This study is very much展开更多
The advantages of thermal methods for mineral-magnetic research of loess/paleosolsequences are illustrated in an introductory overview. When applying thermal methods, magnetiteand maghemite can be distinguished, somet...The advantages of thermal methods for mineral-magnetic research of loess/paleosolsequences are illustrated in an introductory overview. When applying thermal methods, magnetiteand maghemite can be distinguished, something which is difficult with field-dependentmeasurements at room temperature. Also, variable low-temperature oxidation that is related toclimate may be quantified. Thirdly, grain-size estimates pertaining to the whole superparamagneticrange can be inferred from LT warming experiments and to a lesser extent from variable chemicalalteration during heating. Application of mineral-magnetic techniques may lead to thedevelopment of quantifiable proxy parameters for paleoclimate.展开更多
The relationship between the carbon isotopic composition of paleosols and paleovegetation on the Loess Plateau is still unclear. One of the main reasons is that we are short of knowledge about the characteristics of t...The relationship between the carbon isotopic composition of paleosols and paleovegetation on the Loess Plateau is still unclear. One of the main reasons is that we are short of knowledge about the characteristics of the carbon isotopic composition of modern soil in this area. A preliminary investigation of the carbon isotopic compositions of the modern soil and the loess/paleosol sequence on the Loess Plateau shows that the carbon isotopic composition of modern soil is consistent with the distribution of modern plants on the Loess Plateau, where the ecosystem is dominated by a mixture of C4 and C3 plants. Comparing theδ13C values of modern soil and loess-paleosol sequences from the Xunyi profile, we conclude that C3 plants dominated the landscape during loess sediment stages, while C4 plants expanded during paleosol stages.展开更多
Major and trace element analyses of the Luochuan loess-paleosol sequence in China were performed in order to understand the cheniical weathering processes occurring on the I.oess Plateau during the last 600 ka. Result...Major and trace element analyses of the Luochuan loess-paleosol sequence in China were performed in order to understand the cheniical weathering processes occurring on the I.oess Plateau during the last 600 ka. Results reveal that most elements in the loess remain immobile durlng chemical weathering. The typical stable elements are Al, K, Ti, Rb and REE, while the main mobile elements are Ca, Sr, P, Mg and Na. 120ess and paleosol experience the incipient stage of chemical weathering characterized by acid leaching and carbonate dissolution. Alteration of silicates in the sequence seems to be limited. Features of less chemical weathering of the loess and paleosol could he indicators for the dry-cold clinlate dominated on the Loess Plateau during the Quaternary.展开更多
Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique, a series of biomarkers were identi- fied, including n-alkanes, n-alkane-2-ones, isoprenoid etc. from the loess-paleosol samples collected from the S4 and a...Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique, a series of biomarkers were identi- fied, including n-alkanes, n-alkane-2-ones, isoprenoid etc. from the loess-paleosol samples collected from the S4 and adjacent L5, L4 of the Luochuan loess section, Northwestern China. Based on these data, especially n-alkanes and high-resolution magnetic susceptibility and grain size data, the pa- leoenvironment and paleovegetation history during S4 was reconstructed. The CPI (Carbon Predomi- nance Index) and correlation between n-alkanes and magnetic susceptibility and grain size data dem- onstrated that the molecular fossils in paleosol and loess layers can reflect the vegetation condition during the loess-paleosol formation, if the allochthonous organic inputs could be excluded reasonably. The ACL (average chain length) index is correlated well with paleomagnetic susceptibility and grain size variations, displaying their good synchrony with warm and humid climate. However, it relatively lagged behind the paleomagnetic susceptibility and the grain size variations when the climate began to deteriorate. During the formation period of paleosol, the n-alkanes was dominated by C31 homologue, indicating that the primary organic input originated from herbs. Our study also demonstrated that the herbs were more flourish than wood plants in Loess Plateau, especially in the Luochuan area during the warm and humid phase, and there was no typical forest vegetation developed in the studied period.展开更多
The Late Quaternary loess-soil sequences in Xifeng, Luochuan and Weinan are studied to investigate the micromorphology of both loess and paleosols. Many features have clear climatic implications and may be used as ind...The Late Quaternary loess-soil sequences in Xifeng, Luochuan and Weinan are studied to investigate the micromorphology of both loess and paleosols. Many features have clear climatic implications and may be used as indications for morpho-stratigraphic and climatic correlation. The temporal and spatial variations of these features allow us to define 16 climatic events for the last 130 ka, which are highly consistent with the variations in palco-weathering intensity. Part of these events are attributable to the orbital forcing while others are more or less synchronous with the Heinrich events recorded in the North Atlantic Ocean. During the last events, the Loess Plateau was characterized by sparse vegetation cover and strong winds while the climatic conditions between these events were considerably humid, resulting in a significant steppe cover.展开更多
The loess-paleosol sequence in the central Loess Plateau of China is produced under arid to sub-humid climatic conditions and contains abundant carbonates. These carbonates could be partly detrital derived from proven...The loess-paleosol sequence in the central Loess Plateau of China is produced under arid to sub-humid climatic conditions and contains abundant carbonates. These carbonates could be partly detrital derived from provenance by aerosol and partly authigenic precipitated during weathering and pedogenesis after deposition of the aerosol. Some previous studies have examined oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions of the carbonates by means of whole rock samples containing various amounts of detrital carbonates.This study separates authigenic carbonate from detrital one and only examines the former in order to investigate isotopic composition of the pedogenic carbonate and to discuss its relationships to the Asian paleomonsoon probably existing during the last interglacial time.展开更多
Grain size distribution of bulk loess-paleosol and quartz chemically extracted from the loess/paleosol shows that mean size of the bulk samples is always finer than that of the quartz. The original aeolian depositions...Grain size distribution of bulk loess-paleosol and quartz chemically extracted from the loess/paleosol shows that mean size of the bulk samples is always finer than that of the quartz. The original aeolian depositions have been modified to various degrees by post-depositional weathering and pedogenic processes. The grain size distribution of the isolated quartz should be close to that of the primary aeolian sediment because the chemical pretreatment excludes secondary produced minerals. Therefore, the grain size of the quartz may be considered to more clearly reflect the variations of winter monsoon intensity.展开更多
A paleosol dated for about 500-700 kaBP and developed on a glacial deposit at -3 000 in a.s.l. in the Yulong Mountains is studied using soil chemical, morphological and mineralogical methods. The analytical results in...A paleosol dated for about 500-700 kaBP and developed on a glacial deposit at -3 000 in 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展开更多
文摘The Loess Plateau-Northeastern Tibetan Plateau in China is famous for its deep andcontmuous distributed loess, in which soils (developed from loess) vary gradually with differentbiological climates changing from subhumid to arid, which provide a natural proving ground forstUd}' the coupling of loess-paleosol and climatic changes quantitatively. Thirty-two sections weresampled (collected) for measuring chemical element contents, clay content (and other items) and 60sections were collected for carbonate analysis to establish transfer functions between pedogenesisand climate. Finally, we estimated the paleoclAnate (P/T) in the region with transfer functions,It isrevealed that the variation of paleocldriate reflected by transfer functions accorded closely with theclimatic pattern resulted from recent work. Specifically, it was about 140 ha BP that summermonsoon reached Lanzhou or further, paleosol S1 (equaling to MIS 5 in deep sea records) developedstrongly in a large scale, even touching upon northeanstern Tibetan Plateau. And, the estimated P/Tinformation also indicated the cold and humid period during 50-30 ka BP, mean annual Precipitationwas about 400-500 nun in Angutan recorded by mega-interstadial paleosol Sm.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(41030637)the Science and Technology Project of Baoji City(14SFGG-2)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for Key Subject Physical Geography of Baoji University of Arts and ScienceShaanxi Province and the Key Library Program of Education Department of Shaanxi Province(15JS008)
文摘Palaeohydmlogical investigations were carried out in the Guchuan Basin in the upper reaches of the Weihe River valley, China. A set of palaeoflood slackwater deposits （SWDs） was found interbedded in the Holocene Ioess-paleosol sequence at the Guchuanzhen site （GCZ）. These palaeoflood SWDs were studied by field observations and laboratory analyses including concentrations of chemical elements and optically stimulated luminescence （OSL） dating. The results showed that the palaeoflood SWDs were the result of the secondary separations of the surface soil and weathered soil layers during the process of water transport and deposition, and without obvious weathering during soil development. These extraordinary flood events were dated back to 3,200-3,000 a B.P. with the OSL method and checked by archaeological dating of the human remains retrieved from the profile. These extraordinary flood events were therefore considered as regional expression of known climatic events and demonstrated the climatic instability in the Holocene. This result is important for understanding the effects of global climate change on the dynamics of river systems.
文摘Two-three paleosol layers were formed in the western part of the Northeast Plain. China during Holocene. These paleosol layers interlaid with eolian fine sand layers. Dated by 14C dating. archeology and TL and analyzed by statistics.the formation periods of paleosols are divided from the results. The periods are 11, 000- 7000 5500-4500. 3500- 2800 and 1400- 1000 a B. P. respectively.According to the spore-pollen compositions in more than ten sand dune paleosol profiles, it is discovered th.t there is little spore-pollen in the sand layers and a little spore-pollen in the paleosol layers. The spore-pollen compositions in the paleosols are simple. mainly Artemisia (50% - 70%) and Chenopodiaceae. In the paleosols of 11,000 - 7000 a B. P.. the spore-pollen composition is Artemisia-Rubiaceaechenopodiaceae. The contents of Ephedra pollen in the lower and upper parts of the layer are less than that in the middle part. In the paleosols of 5500- 4500 a B. P.,the spore-pollen composition is Artem isal - Chenopod iaceae - Melilotus. There is some Salix sp. and Betula sp. pollen in the lower part of the layer and some Ephedra pollen in the upper part. In the paleosols of 3500- 2800 a B. P.. the spore-pollen composition is Artemisia Chenopodiaceae - Rubiaceae. There are som e Kochia and Baryaceae. In the paleosols of 1400-1000 a B. P., the spore-pollen composition is also Artemisia-Chjenopod tao eae - Rubiaceae. There is a little pine pollen. The grain size of paleosol is relatively coarse, but still finer than that of eolian sand and becomes coarser from the bottom to the top of the profile. This fact reflects that the weathering environments during the paleosol formation periods were wetter than that during the eolian periods and became dryer from middle to late Holocene.
文摘Based on field investigations,laboratory analyses and 14C dating,this paper discusses the laws of the formation and development of the paleosols in the northeast region of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau since Late Pleistocene.The authors reconstruct basic conditions of climate,vegetation,soil and natural zones during the three periods in which the paleosols were formed,i.e.the last interglacial of the Late Pleistocene,warm stage of Late Glacial and the Optimum of Holocene.Finally,this paper discusses the relationship between the paleosols and the uplift of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau.
基金supported by 12th Five-Year Plan Project of State Key Laboratory Of Ore Deposit Geochemistry Chinese Academy of Sciences(SKLODGZY125-08)funds from State Key Laboratory of Palaeobiology and Stratigraphy Chinese Academy of SciencesChinese National Program on Key Basic Research and Development(2007CB411408)
文摘This paper presents a set of bulk geochemical and mineralogical data from a paleoweathering profile located in Zunyi District, Northern Guizhou, China. It was formed at the top of the Hanjiadian Formation of the Lower Silurian. A truncated, argillic, gleyed, kryptic paleospodosol is recognized in the paleoweathering profile. Ratios of immobile elements（Ti/Zr, Ti/Al） and their binary（e.g., Nb vs. Zr/TiO_2 and Th/Sc vs. Zr/Sc）, triangular diagrams（La-Th-Sc, Th-ScZr/10, Zr-Cr-Ga） reflect that the Gaojiayan paleosol is the product of in-situ weathering of gray-green silty mudstone of the underlying Hanjiadian Formation. Mass balance calculations indicate K enrichment and Na enrichment in the upper and lower portions of paleosol, respectively. These findings both are the results of transgression, which brings substantial concentrations of such elements as K, Na, and Sr. In particular, K enrichment is achieved by the illitization of kaolinite. The biological processes of terrestrial vascular plants also enhance K concentration, especially at the top of the paleosol. Na enrichment is a consequence of albitization and/or adsorption by clay minerals through cation exchange. The mass distributions and relative mass changes of rare earth elements（REEs） in the studied profile display characteristics of vertical zonation. Three peaks in total REEs content are observed, indicating two paleoclimatic or paleoenvironmental changes. Mineralogical characteristics indicate that the paleoclimate changed first from warm and humid to cold and dry and later, to dry and lightly warmer. The corresponding soil environment varies from weakly acidic to strongly alkaline and later, to weakly acidic. Mass translocation characteristics of REEs and several transition metals suggest that the Gaojiayan paleosol may have undergone top erosion.
文摘A paleosol horizon is described from the contact of the Sausar Group（w2400 Ma） and its basement（Tirodi Gneiss; 〉2500 Ma） in Central India. Physical evidence of pedogenesis is marked by the development of stress corrosion cracks, soil peds, corestone weathering and nodular rocks. XRD and SEM-EDX data indicate the presence of siderite, ankerite, uraninite, chlorite, alumino-silicate minerals, ilmenite,rutile and magnetite, in addition to quartz, feldspar and mica. The chemical index of alteration, the plagioclase index of alteration, and the chemical index of weathering show an increasing trend from parent rock to the paleosol and indicate a moderate trend of weathering. The A-CN-K plot indicates loss of feldspars, enrichment in Al2O3 and formation of illite. Different major element ratios indicate baseloss through hydrolysis, clay formation, leaching of some elements, and more precipitation with good surface drainage. The paleosol is depleted in HREE in comparison to the parent rock indicating high fluid-rock interaction during weathering. The paleosol samples show flat Ce and Eu anomalies, low SREE, and high（La/Yb）N, indicative of a reducing environment of formation. Reducing condition can also be inferred from the concentration of elements such as V, Co, Cu, Pb, and Zn in the paleosol profile. Although enriched in Fe and Mg, the overall geochemical patterns of the paleosol indicate oxygen deficient conditions in the atmosphere and development by weathering and leaching processes associated with high precipitation and good surface drainage at the time of development of this paleosol during the Archeane Paleoproterozoic transition.
文摘The loess deposits comprise several paleosol layers reflecting alternation of drier and wetter climate during Quaternary. Such a situation occurs in north of Barlad, on The Sohodau＇s Hill. Morphological study of the quarry paleosols from north of Barlad was accomplished based on field observations and macroscopic physic-chemical results. Three levels of paleosols with variable thickness were determined. These three fossils layers are interbedded by four loess deposits. The physical-chimical data provide important information for the paleosol genesis and depositional/climatic environments. The carbon content and C/N ratio indicate the strength of pedogenesis in the Pleistocene and trends of biomass accumulation.
基金part of the interdisciplinary SALVE-research project undertaken by the German Archaeological Institute(DAI)in cooperation with the Heidelberg Academy of Sciences and Humanities(HAW)and the University of Tübingen(www.salve-research.org)Project directors are Florian Seiler(DAI)and Michael Märker(HAW)and it was funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft(German Research Foundation).
文摘The AD 79 eruption of Somma-Vesuvius completely buried the ancient landscape around Pompeii (Italy) to some extent conserving the pre-AD 79 Roman paleosols of the Sarno River plain. To estimate potential post-burial soil developments of these paleosols detailed soil liquid and solid phase analysis were carried out. Firstly, an in-situ soil hydrological monitoring was conducted within a pre-AD 79 paleosol in natural undisturbed stratification. The results show that soil water flow and nutrient transport from the overlying volcanic deposits into the pre-AD 79 paleosol take place. Secondly, to estimate their influence on the paleosol’s mineral soil properties, the solid phase of four pre-AD 79 paleosols and associated modern unburied soils were analysed and compared. By combining the data from the soil liquid and solid phase analysis, potential post-burial changes in the paleosols were estimated. Finally, a rise of the mean groundwater table was determined since AD 79. This distinguishes the Sarno River plain into two different zones of post-burial soil developments: 1) lower altitudes where formerly terrestrial paleosols are now influenced by groundwater dynamics and 2) higher altitudes where the paleosols are still part of the vadose zone and rather influenced by infiltration water or interflow. Thus, the mechanism of potential post-burial soil development being active in the pre-AD 79 paleosols is not uniform for the entire Sarno River plain but strongly depends on the paleotopographic situation.
文摘34 samples of loess-paleosol from the Luochuan and kifeng sections in the Loess Plateau, north-ern China were separated into sand, silt and clay fractions and analyzed for their mineral composi -tions. The results indicate that there is almost no difference between loess and paleosol in mineralcomposition. Major mineral species are quartz, mica, feIdspar and chlorite, accounhng for about88-92% of the total, other minerals are kandite, smectite, vermiculite and a few heavy minerals. Thecalcite, magnetite and hematite were not taken into consideration because of their removal in the pro-cess of sample preparation. The main difference with respect to the mineral composition of samplescollected from different sections and different stratigraphic leveIs lies in the amount and grain sise ofminerals hosted. Comparisons between the Luochuan section and the kifeng section, between paleosoland loess and between the upper part and the lower part of some paleosol layers show that the for-mers contain less feldspar but more mica and vermiculite and are finer in grain sise, indicahng theco-occurrence of both biochemical weathering process responsible for mineral change and physicalweathering process leading to grain-stie change during the soiI-forming processes. This result favourssuch an explanation of the soi1-forming mechanism that loess deposition and paleosol developmentoccurred synchronously, though the rate of soil formation was greater than that of loess deposition,thus leading to soil development.
文摘The type, grain size and origin of ferrimagnetic minerals separated from red paleosols of Pleistocene Epoch (Q\-2) in eastern China, were studied by using mineral magnetic measurement, X\|ray powder diffraction and electron microscopy. Results showed that the iron oxides in red paleosols were composed of hematite (α\|Fe\-2O\-3), maghemite (γ\|Fe\-2O\-3) and goethite(α\|FeOOH). Mineral magnetic parameters and X\|ray diffraction patterns indicated that maghemite was the dominant remanence carrier in red paleosols, which is characterized by superparamagnetic (SP) and stable single domain (SSD) grains. The variations of magnetic susceptibility (χ), anhysteretic magnetic susceptibility (χ\-\{ARM\}) and saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) for red paleosols following heating to various temperatures showed two peak values at 700℃ and 900℃. The spherulitic magnetic particles measuring \{250-1000\}μm in diameter in red paleosols were separated by the magnetic separation method, indicating that these magnetic particles were an assemblage of superparamagnetic and stable single domain ferrimagnetic grains. It is suggested that the ferrimagnetic minerals of red paleosols be a pedogenic ferrimagnetic component under high temperature and high humid conditions in the Pleistocene Epoch (Q\-2). It is concluded that the magnetism characteristics of red paleosols can be used to evaluate the environmental changes of Quaternary in eastern China.
文摘Changes in global climate have a positive effect on the changes in hydrologic cycle, and leave their traces in the cycles of hydrogenic sediments and geomorphic evolutions. It is possible to explain the law of the climate change and tectonic movement in the course of the environmental evolutions during the Quaternary by way of identifying the different cycles and ages of hydrogenic sediments in each geomorphic period. This study is very much
文摘The advantages of thermal methods for mineral-magnetic research of loess/paleosolsequences are illustrated in an introductory overview. When applying thermal methods, magnetiteand maghemite can be distinguished, something which is difficult with field-dependentmeasurements at room temperature. Also, variable low-temperature oxidation that is related toclimate may be quantified. Thirdly, grain-size estimates pertaining to the whole superparamagneticrange can be inferred from LT warming experiments and to a lesser extent from variable chemicalalteration during heating. Application of mineral-magnetic techniques may lead to thedevelopment of quantifiable proxy parameters for paleoclimate.
基金This research was supported by the Chi-nese Academy of Sciences(Grant Nos.KZCX2-SW-118)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.40373008 and 40121303)the foundation for the Author of National Excellent Doctonl Dissertation of China
文摘The relationship between the carbon isotopic composition of paleosols and paleovegetation on the Loess Plateau is still unclear. One of the main reasons is that we are short of knowledge about the characteristics of the carbon isotopic composition of modern soil in this area. A preliminary investigation of the carbon isotopic compositions of the modern soil and the loess/paleosol sequence on the Loess Plateau shows that the carbon isotopic composition of modern soil is consistent with the distribution of modern plants on the Loess Plateau, where the ecosystem is dominated by a mixture of C4 and C3 plants. Comparing theδ13C values of modern soil and loess-paleosol sequences from the Xunyi profile, we conclude that C3 plants dominated the landscape during loess sediment stages, while C4 plants expanded during paleosol stages.
文摘Major and trace element analyses of the Luochuan loess-paleosol sequence in China were performed in order to understand the cheniical weathering processes occurring on the I.oess Plateau during the last 600 ka. Results reveal that most elements in the loess remain immobile durlng chemical weathering. The typical stable elements are Al, K, Ti, Rb and REE, while the main mobile elements are Ca, Sr, P, Mg and Na. 120ess and paleosol experience the incipient stage of chemical weathering characterized by acid leaching and carbonate dissolution. Alteration of silicates in the sequence seems to be limited. Features of less chemical weathering of the loess and paleosol could he indicators for the dry-cold clinlate dominated on the Loess Plateau during the Quaternary.
基金the Hundred Talent Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences and the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant No. 40371117)
文摘Using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) technique, a series of biomarkers were identi- fied, including n-alkanes, n-alkane-2-ones, isoprenoid etc. from the loess-paleosol samples collected from the S4 and adjacent L5, L4 of the Luochuan loess section, Northwestern China. Based on these data, especially n-alkanes and high-resolution magnetic susceptibility and grain size data, the pa- leoenvironment and paleovegetation history during S4 was reconstructed. The CPI (Carbon Predomi- nance Index) and correlation between n-alkanes and magnetic susceptibility and grain size data dem- onstrated that the molecular fossils in paleosol and loess layers can reflect the vegetation condition during the loess-paleosol formation, if the allochthonous organic inputs could be excluded reasonably. The ACL (average chain length) index is correlated well with paleomagnetic susceptibility and grain size variations, displaying their good synchrony with warm and humid climate. However, it relatively lagged behind the paleomagnetic susceptibility and the grain size variations when the climate began to deteriorate. During the formation period of paleosol, the n-alkanes was dominated by C31 homologue, indicating that the primary organic input originated from herbs. Our study also demonstrated that the herbs were more flourish than wood plants in Loess Plateau, especially in the Luochuan area during the warm and humid phase, and there was no typical forest vegetation developed in the studied period.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘The Late Quaternary loess-soil sequences in Xifeng, Luochuan and Weinan are studied to investigate the micromorphology of both loess and paleosols. Many features have clear climatic implications and may be used as indications for morpho-stratigraphic and climatic correlation. The temporal and spatial variations of these features allow us to define 16 climatic events for the last 130 ka, which are highly consistent with the variations in palco-weathering intensity. Part of these events are attributable to the orbital forcing while others are more or less synchronous with the Heinrich events recorded in the North Atlantic Ocean. During the last events, the Loess Plateau was characterized by sparse vegetation cover and strong winds while the climatic conditions between these events were considerably humid, resulting in a significant steppe cover.
基金Project supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China.
文摘The loess-paleosol sequence in the central Loess Plateau of China is produced under arid to sub-humid climatic conditions and contains abundant carbonates. These carbonates could be partly detrital derived from provenance by aerosol and partly authigenic precipitated during weathering and pedogenesis after deposition of the aerosol. Some previous studies have examined oxygen and carbon isotopic compositions of the carbonates by means of whole rock samples containing various amounts of detrital carbonates.This study separates authigenic carbonate from detrital one and only examines the former in order to investigate isotopic composition of the pedogenic carbonate and to discuss its relationships to the Asian paleomonsoon probably existing during the last interglacial time.
文摘Grain size distribution of bulk loess-paleosol and quartz chemically extracted from the loess/paleosol shows that mean size of the bulk samples is always finer than that of the quartz. The original aeolian depositions have been modified to various degrees by post-depositional weathering and pedogenic processes. The grain size distribution of the isolated quartz should be close to that of the primary aeolian sediment because the chemical pretreatment excludes secondary produced minerals. Therefore, the grain size of the quartz may be considered to more clearly reflect the variations of winter monsoon intensity.
基金This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Grant Nos. 49894170-06 and 49725206) and the National Key Project for Basic Research on the Tibetan Plateau (Grant No. G199804800).
文摘A paleosol dated for about 500-700 kaBP and developed on a glacial deposit at -3 000 in 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
