bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Seismogenic Structure around the Epicenter of the May 12, 2008 Wenchuan Earthquake from Micro‐seismic Tomography
Authors: AN Meijian , FENG Mei , DONG Shuwen , LONG Changxing , ZHAO Yue , YANG Nong , ZHAO Wenjin , ZHANG Jizhong
Published: August 2010

A three‐dimensional local‐scale P‐velocity model down to 25 km depth around the main shock epicenter region was constructed using 83821 event‐to‐receiver seismic rays from 5856 aftershocks recorded by a newly deployed temporary seismic network. Checkerboard tests show that our tomographic model has lateral and vertical resolution of ∼2 km. The high‐resolution P‐velocity model revealed interesting structures in the seismogenic layer: (1) The Guanxian‐Anxian fault, Yingxiu‐Beichuan fault and Wenchuan‐Maoxian fault of the Longmen Shan fault zone are well delineated by sharp upper crustal velocity changes; (2) The Pengguan massif has generally higher velocity than its surrounding areas, and may extend down to at least ∼10 km from the surface; (3) A sharp lateral velocity variation beneath the Wenchuan‐Maoxian fault may indicate that the Pengguan massif's western boundary and/or the Wenchuan‐Maoxian fault is vertical, and the hypocenter of the Wenchuan earthquake possibly located at the conjunction point of the NW dipping Yingxiu‐Beichuan and Guanxian‐Anxian faults, and vertical Wenchuan‐Maoxian fault; (4) Vicinity along the Yingxiu‐Beichuan fault is characterized by very low velocity and low seismicity at shallow depths, possibly due to high content of porosity and fractures; (5) Two blocks of low‐velocity anomaly are respectively imaged in the hanging wall and foot wall of the Guanxian‐Anxian fault with a ∼7 km offset with ∼5 km vertical component.
Relationship between Crustal 3D Density Structure and the Earthquakes in the Longmenshan Range and Adjacent Areas
Authors: ZHANG Jisheng , GAO Rui , ZENG Lingsen , LI Qiusheng , GUAN Ye , HE Rizheng , WANG Haiyan , LU Zhanwu
Published: August 2010

This paper presents the 3D density structure of crust in the Longmenshan range and adjacent areas, with constraints from seismic and density data. The density structure of crust shows that the immense boundary plane of density distribution in relation to the Longmeshan fault belt is extended downward to ∼80 km deep. This density boundary plane dips towards the northwest and crosses the Moho. With the proximity to the Longmenshan fault belt, it has a larger magnitude of undulation in the upper and middle crust levels. Density changes abruptly across Longmeshan fault belt. Seismic data show that most of the earthquakes in the Longmenshan area after the 2008 Ms8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake occurred within the upper to middle crust. These earthquakes are clearly distributed in the uplifted region of the basement. A few of them occurs in the transitional zone between the uplifted and subsided areas. But most of the earthquakes distributes in transitional zone from subsided to uplifted areas in the upper and middle crust where relatively large density changes occurr The 3D density structure of crust in the Longmenshan and adjacent areas can thus help us to understand the pattern of overthrusting from the standpoint of deep crust and where the earthquakes occurred.
Preliminary Results of In‐situ Stress Measurements along the Longmenshan Fault Zone after the Wenchuan Ms 8.0 Earthquake
Authors: WU Manlu , ZHANG Yueqiao , LIAO Chunting , CHEN Qunce , MA Yinsheng , WU Jinsheng , YAN Junfeng , QU Mingyi
Published: August 2010

Four months after the Wenchuan Ms 8 earthquake in western Sichuan, China, in situ stress measurements were carried out along the Longmenshan fault zone with the purpose of obtaining stress parameters for earthquake hazard assessment. In‐situ stresses were measured in three new boreholes by using overcoring with the piezomagnetic stress gauges for shallow depths and hydraulic fracturing for lower depths. The maximum horizontal stress in shallow depths (∼20 m) is about 4.3 MPa, oriented N19°E, in the epicenter area at Yingxiu Town, about 9.7 MPa, oriented N51°W, at Baoxing County in the southwestern Longmenshan range, and about 2.6 MPa, oriented N39°E, near Kangding in the southernmost zone of the Longmenshan range. Hydraulic fracturing at borehole depths from 100 to 400 m shows a tendency towards increasing stress with depth. A comparison with the results measured before the Wenchuan earthquake along the Longmenshan zone and in the Tibetan Plateau demonstrates that the stress level remains relatively high in the southwestern segment of the Longmenshan range, and is still moderate in the epicenter zone. These results provide a key appraisal for future assessment of earthquake hazards of the Longmenshan fault zone and the aftershock occurrences of the Wenchuan earthquake.
Process Analysis of In‐situ Strain during the Ms8.0 Wenchuan Earthquake—Data from the Stress Monitoring Station at Shandan
Authors: PENG Hua , MA Xiumin , JIANG Jingjie
Published: August 2010

There were huge life and property losses during the Ms8.0 Wenchuan earthquake on May 12, 2008. Strain fluctuation curves were completely recorded at stress observatory stations in the Qinghai‐Tibet plateau and its surroundings in the process of the earthquake. This paper introduces the geological background of the Wenchuan earthquake and the profile of in‐situ stress monitoring stations. In particular, data of 174 earthquakes (Ms4.0–Ms8.5) were processed and analyzed with various methods, which were recorded at the Shandan station from August 2007 to December 2008. The results were compared with other seismic data, and further analyses were done for the recoded strain seismic waves, co‐seismic strain stepovers, pre‐earthquake strain valleys, Earth's free oscillations before and after the earthquake and their physical implications. During the Wenchuan earthquake, the strainmeter recorded a huge extensional strain of 70 seconds, which shows that the Wenchuan earthquake is a rupture process predominated by thrusting. Significant precursory strain anomalies were detected 48 hours, 30 hours, 8 hours and 37 minutes before the earthquake. The anomalies are very high and their forms are very similar to that of the main shock. Similar anomalies can also be found in strain curves of other shocks greater than Ms7.0, indicating that such anomalies are prevalent before a great earthquake. In this paper, it is shown that medium aftershocks (Ms5.5–6.0) can also cause Earth's free oscillations. Study of free oscillations is of great significance to understand the internal structure of the Earth and focal mechanisms of earthquakes and to recognize slow shocks, thus providing a scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of geological disasters and the prediction of future earthquakes.
A Framework of Massively Parallel Analysis of Regional Earthquake Activities
Authors: ZHANG Huai , SHI Yaolin , WU Zhongliang
Published: August 2010

Recent rapid progress in cyberinfrastructure in geosciences is providing seismologists an enormous boost for addressing multi‐physical phenomena of regional seismic activities. The inherent nature of their multi‐scale properties, from temporal to spatial spaces, makes it inevitably to be solved using large‐scale computations and distributed parallel data processing schemes. Under such circumstance, using the advanced numerical algorithms and unstructured mesh generation technologies become the obstacles for modern seismologists. The main objective of this paper is to present a framework, which includes a parallel finite element simulation and distributed data infrastructure, to address the novel algorithms, state‐of‐the‐art modeling and their implementation in regional seismicgenic systems. We also discuss and implement this framework to analyze the strong earthquake evolution processes in the Sichuan‐Yunnan region. This study is the key to long‐term seismic risk by estimates, providing a platform for predictive large‐scale numerical simulation modeling of regional earthquake activities.
Assessment of Geological Security and Integrated Assessment Geo‐environmental Suitability in Worst‐hit Areas in Wenchuan Quake
Authors: LI Wenpeng , WEN Dongguang , ZHOU Aiguo , SUN Xiaoming , MENG Hui , SHI Jusong , CHEN Zongyu , ZHANG Liqin , FENG Xiaoming , LIU Changli , ZHOU Jianwei
Published: August 2010

The Wenchuan earthquake in 2008 and geo‐hazards triggered by the earthquake caused large injuries and deaths as well as destructive damage for infrastructures like construction, traffic and electricity. It is urgent to select relatively secure areas for townships and cities constructed in high mountainous regions with high magnitude earthquakes. This paper presents the basic thoughts, evaluation indices and evaluation methods of geological security evaluation, water and land resources security demonstration and integrated assessments of geo‐environmental suitability for reconstruction in alp and ravine with high magnitude earthquakes, which are applied in the worst‐hit areas (12 counties). The integrated assessment shows that: (1) located in the Longmenshan fault zone, the evaluated area is of poor regional crust stability, in which the unstable and second unstable areas account for 79% of the total; (2) the geo‐hazards susceptibility is high in the evaluation area. The spots of geo‐hazards triggered by earthquake are mainly distributed along the active fault zone with higher distribution in the moderate and high mountains area, in which the areas of high and moderate susceptibility zoning accounts for 40.1% of the total; (3) geological security is poor in the evaluated area, in which the area of the unsuitable construction occupies 73.1%, whereas in the suitable construction area, the areas of geological security, second security and insecurity zoning account for 8.3%, 9.3% and 9.3% of the evaluated area respectively; (4) geo‐environmental suitability is poor in the evaluated area, in which the areas of suitability and basic suitability zoning account for 3.5% and 7.3% of the whole evaluation area.
Characteristics of Abnormal Pressure Systems and Their Responses of Fluid in Huatugou Oil Field, Qaidam Basin
Authors: CHEN Xiaozhi , XU Hao , TANG Dazhen , ZHANG Junfeng , HU Xiaolan , TAO Shu , CAI Yidong
Published: August 2010

Based on the comprehensive study of core samples, well testing data, and reservoir fluid properties, the construction and the distribution of the abnormal pressure systems of the Huatugou oil field in Qaidam Basin are discussed. The correlation between the pressure systems and hydrocarbon accumulation is addressed by analyzing the corresponding fluid characteristics. The results show that the Huatugou oil field as a whole has low formation pressure and low fluid energy; therefore, the hydrocarbons are hard to migrate, which facilitates the forming of primary reservoirs. The study reservoirs, located at the Xiayoushashan Formation (N21) and the Shangganchaigou Formation (N1) are relatively shallow and have medium porosity and low permeability. They are abnormal low‐pressure reservoirs with an average formation pressure coefficient of 0.61 and 0.72 respectively. According to the pressure coefficient and geothermal anomaly, the N1 and N21 Formations belong to two independent temperature‐pressure systems, and the former has slightly higher energy. The low‐pressure compartments consist of a distal bar as the main body, prodelta mud as the top boundary, and shore and shallow lake mud or algal mound as the bottom boundary. They are vertically overlapped and horizontally paralleled. The formation water is abundant in the Cl− ion and can be categorized as CaCl2 type with high salinity, which indicates that the abnormal low‐pressure compartments are in good sealing condition and beneficial for oil and gas accumulation and preservation.
Permeability Heterogeneity in a Fractured Sandstone–Mudstone Rock Mass in Xiaolangdi Dam Site, Central China
Authors: JIANG Xiaowei , WAN Li , WANG Xusheng , KANG Aibin , HUANG Jun , HUANG Guoxing
Published: August 2010

Heterogeneity of permeability in fractured media is a hot research topic in hydrogeology. Numerous approaches have been proposed to characterize heterogeneity in the last several decades. However, little attention has been paid to correlate permeability heterogeneity with geological information. In the present study, several causes of permeability heterogeneity, that is, lithology, tectonism, and depth, are identified. The unit absorption values (denoted as ω), which are results obtained from the packer test, are employed to represent permeability. The variability of permeability in sandstone–mudstone is so significant that the value of unit absorptions span 3–4 orders of magnitude at any depth with several test sections. By declustering, it has been found that under a similar tectonic history, the means of permeability differ greatly at different formations as a result of different mudrock contents. It has also been found that in the same formation, permeability can be significantly increased as a result of faulting. The well‐known phenomenon, the decrease in permeability with depth, is found to be caused by the fractures in the rock mass, and the relationship between permeability and depth can be established in the form of logω–logd. After subtracting the trend of ω with absolute depth, the mean of the residual value at each relative depth can be well correlated with the distribution of mudstone. The methods proposed in this paper can be utilized to research in similar study areas.
Major Elements in Lake Muhazi, Rwanda, East Africa
Authors: MUPENZI Jean de la Paix , GE Jiwen , HABIYAREMYE Gabriel
Published: August 2010

The aim of this study undertaken at Lake Muhazi in Rwanda was to determine and analyze the major elements present in water. The presence of many major elements (Al, As, Ba, C, Ca, Cu, Fe, H+, K, Mg, Mn, N, P, S, Si, and Zn) was determined by spectroscopic technique. The concentrations of the elements were measured in water samples taken from three different locations of the lake from May to August 2008. The lake is polluted by water flow from mountain sides surrounding the lake. Other causes of pollution could be the use of agrochemicals in the sugar land, which surrounds the lake, and human activities near the lake. Finally, we proposed the strategies that can be applied in order to ensure good conservation of the environment and to prevent augmentation of heavy materials into the lake.
Paleoproterozoic, High‐Metamorphic, Metasedimentary Units of Siberian Craton
Authors: URMANTSEVA Lena , TURKINA Olga
Published: August 2010

Sensitive, high‐resolution ion microprobe zircon U–Pb ages of Paleoproterozoic, high‐grade, metasedimentary rocks from the south‐western part of the Siberian Craton are reported. Early Precambrian, high‐grade complexes, including garnet–biotite, hypersthene–biotite, and cordierite‐bearing gneisses compose the Irkut terrane of the Sharyzhalgay Uplift. Protoliths of studied gneisses correspond to terrigenous sediments, ranging from greywacke to shale. The paragneiss model Nd ages of 2.4–3.1 Ga indicate Archean‐to‐Paleoproterozoic source provinces. Zircons from gneisses show core‐rim textures in cathodoluminescence (CL) image. Round or irregular shaped cores indicate detrital origin. Structureless rims with low Th/U are metamorphic in origin. The three age groups of detrital cores are: ≥2.7, ∼2.3, and 1.95–2 Ga. The ages of metamorphic rims range from 1.86 to 1.85 Ga; therefore, the sediments were deposited between 1.95 and 1.86 Ga and derived from Archean and Paleoproterozoic source rocks. It should be noted that Paleoproterozoic metasedimentary rocks of the Irkut Block are not unique. High‐grade metaterrigenous sediments, with model Nd ages ranging from 2.3 to 2.5 Ga, are widely distributed within the Aldan and Anabar Shields of the Siberian Craton. The same situation is observed in the North China Craton, where metasedimentary rocks contain detrital igneous zircon grains with ages ranging from 3 to 2.1 Ga (Wan et al., 2006). All of these sedimentary units were subjected to Late Paleoproterozoic metamorphism. In the Siberian Craton, the Paleoproterozoic sedimentary deposits are possibly marked passive margins of the Early Precambrian crustal blocks, and their high‐grade metamorphism was related to the consolidation of the Siberian Craton.
Tectonic–Hydrocarbon Accumulation of Laoyemiao Region in the Nanpu Sag, Bohai Bay Basin
Authors: ZHANG Cuimei , LIU Xiaofeng , REN Jianye
Published: August 2010

This paper aims to gain insight into Laoyemiao (LYM) tectonic features and utilizes the tectonic–hydrocarbon accumulation model by integrated analysis tectonic controls on suitable reservoirs, trap styles, and hydrocarbon migration. On the basis of 3‐D seismic data interpretation and the Xi'nanzhuang (XNZ) Fault geometry analysis, it has been assessed that the LYM tectonics is essentially a transverse anticline produced by flexure of the XNZ Fault surface and superimposed by Neocene north‐east‐trending strike‐slip faults. Transverse anticline is found to exert controls both on major sediment transportation pathways and sedimentary facies distribution. Fan‐delta plains that accumulated on the anticline crest near the XNZ Fault scrap and fan‐delta front on the anticline front and the upper part of both limbs slumps on synclines and the Linque subsag. In combination with the reservoir properties, suitable reservoirs are predicted in the subfacies of subaqueous distributary channel and mouth bar deposited on the anticline crest. The LYM‐faulted anticline accounts for the following trap groups: faulted‐block and anticline‐dominated trap, fault‐dominated traps, and combined and stratigraphic traps. Evidence from biomarkers of crude oil and hydrocarbon‐filling period simultaneous, or a little later to the strike‐slip fault activity, reveal that the strike‐slip faults penetrating into the deep source rock, by connecting with shallow reservoirs, provide the major hydrocarbon migration pathways.
Landslide Research at the British Geological Survey: Capture, Storage and Interpretation on a National and Site‐Specific Scale
Authors: PENNINGTON Catherine , FOSTER Claire , CHAMBERS Jonathan , JENKINS Gareth
Published: August 2010

Landslide research at the British Geological Survey (BGS) is carried out through a number of activities, including surveying, database development and real‐time monitoring of landslides. Landslide mapping across the UK has been carried out since BGS started geological mapping in 1835. Today, BGS geologists use a combination of remote sensing and ground‐based investigations to survey landslides. The development of waterproof tablet computers (BGS·SIGMAmobile), with inbuilt GPS and GIS for field data capture provides an accurate and rapid mapping methodology for field surveys. Regional and national mapping of landslides is carried out in conjunction with site‐specific monitoring, using terrestrial LiDAR and differential GPS technologies, which BGS has successfully developed for this application. In addition to surface monitoring, BGS is currently developing geophysical ground‐imaging systems for landslide monitoring, which provide real‐time information on subsurface changes prior to failure events. BGS's mapping and monitoring activities directly feed into the BGS National Landslide Database, the most extensive source of information on landslides in Great Britain. It currently holds over 14 000 records of landslide events. By combining BGS's corporate datasets with expert knowledge, BGS has developed a landslide hazard assessment tool, GeoSure, which provides information on the relative landslide hazard susceptibility at national scale.
Climate Change and Pastoral Economy in Kenya: A Blinking Future
Authors: HUHO Julius M. , NGAIRA Josephine K.W. , OGINDO Harun O.
Published: August 2010

The present paper examines the changing climatic scenarios and associated effects on livestock farming (pastoralism) in the arid and semi arid lands (ASAL) of Kenya, which cover over 80% of the country. The study was carried out in the semi arid Mukogodo Division of Laikipia District in Kenya. This division received a mean annual rainfall of approximately 507.8 mm and the main source of livelihood was pastoralism. Questionnaire, structured interview, observation and literature review were the main methods of data collection. Rainfall was used in delineating changes in climate. Standardized precipitation index (SPI) and Markov process were used in analyzing drought severity and persistence, respectively. Approximately 38% of all droughts between 1975 and 2005 were prolonged and extremely severe, with cumulative severity indices ranging between −2.54 and −6.49. The probability that normal climatic conditions persisted for two or more consecutive years in Mukogodo Division remained constant at approximately 52%. However, the probability of wet years persisting for two or more years showed a declining trend, while persistence of dry years increased with duration. A drying climatic trend was established. This drying trend in the area led to increased land degradation and encroachment of invasive nonpalatable bushes. The net effect on pastoralism was large‐scale livestock loss through starvation, disease and cattle rustling. Proper drought monitoring and accurate forecasts, community participation in all government interventions, infrastructural development in the ASAL and allocation of adequate resources for livestock development are some of the measures necessary for mitigating the dwindling pastoral economy in Kenya and other parts of the world.
Typology of Natural Hazards and Assessment of Associated Risks in the Mount Bambouto Caldera (Cameroon Line, West Cameroon)
Authors: ZANGMO Ghislain T. , KAGOU Armand D. , NKOUATHIO David G. , WANDJI Pierre
Published: August 2010

Mount Bambouto is a polygenic stratovolcano of the Cameroon Volcanic Line, built between 21 Ma and 4.5 Ma. It is situated approximately 200 km NE of Mount Cameroon, between 09° 55′ and 10°15′ longitude east and, 05°25′ and 05°50′ latitude north. The volcano covers an area of 500 km2 and culminates at 2740 m at Mélétan dome and bears a collapsed caldera at the summit (13 × 8 km). Mount Bambouto is characterized by several natural hazards of different origins: meteorological, such as landslides and rock falls; anthropogenic, such as bushfires, tribal wars and deforestation; and volcanological, such as volcanic eruption. The thematic map shows that 55–60% of the caldera has high probability of occurrence of mass movement. The caldera has a high population density (3000 inhabitants), which increases the level of risk, evaluated at approximately $US3.8 million for patrimony, 3000 civilian deaths and destruction of biodiversity.
Structure, Orientation and Finite Element Analysis of the Tail Club of Mamenchisaurus hochuanensis
Authors: Lida XING , Yong YE , Chunkang SHU , Guangzhao PENG , Hailu YOU
Published: August 2010

The structure and orientation of the posterior extremity (tail club) of the caudal vertebrae of Mamenchisaurus hochuanensis Young and Chao, 1972 from the Upper Jurassic Shangshaximiao Formation has been analyzed to determine the tail club function using Finite Element Analysis. Of the four caudal vertebrae composing the tail club, the second largest (C“1”) was probably the most proximal, and is fixed with the preceding sequence of the caudal vertebrae, whereas the smallest (C“4”) is free and forms the termination of the tail club. Our analysis also suggests that the tail club is more efficient in lateral swinging rather than up‐and‐down motion, and that the best region for the tail club to impact is at the spine of the largest of the four caudals (C“2”), with a maximum load for impact at about 450 N. The tail club of Mamenchisaurus hochuanensis probably also had limitations as a defense weapon and was more possibly a sensory organ to improve nerve conduction velocity to enhance the capacity for sensory perception of its surroundings.
Tectonic and Hydrocarbon Accumulation Elements Characteristics of the Tethyan Realm in South China
Authors: Yixin YU , Liangjie TANG , Jinyin YIN , Li DONG , Pengwan WANG , Yan ZHOU
Published: August 2010

The evolution of the global Tethys Sea can be classified into three stages, Proto‐Tethys, Paleo‐Tethys and Neo‐Tethys. The Tethyan realm has distinctive features of zonations and segmentations along north‐south and east‐west, respectively, and has variable richness in oil and gas. The petroleum geological conditions of Tethys are complicated, partly represented by multi‐layer of source and seal rocks, and reservoirs. The hydrocarbon accumulation elements and periods of the Tethyan realm show gradually younger from west to east and north to south. South China is located in the north belt and Yangtze segment of the Tethyan realm, and its polycyclic tectonic movements were governed by the Tethyan and Pacific realms. The blocks in South China rotated clockwise and counter‐clockwise during their drift northward from Gondwana. The belts and segmentations of Tethys in South China are also clear, with six tectonic belts including: Chuxiong‐Sichuan; middle Guizhou‐Hunan‐Hubei; lower Yangtze; Xuefeng‐Jiangnan; Guangxi‐Hunan‐Jiangxi; and Cathaysia. Numerous faults, including compressional, compressional‐shear, extensional, extensional‐shear and shear are well developed in South China. The fault strikes are mainly NE, NW and NS, in which the NE is the dominant direction. Lower, middle and upper hydrocarbon assemblages, respectively corresponding to Proto‐, Paleo‐ and Neo‐Tethys, formed in the Tethyan realm of South China with the lower and middle having excellent hydrocarbon accumulation conditions. An integrated analysis of tectonic evolution, superimposed deformation and later hydrocarbon preservation shows that during the Neo‐Tethyan stage in South China, continental sediments were deposited and experienced intense tectonic deformation, which had resulted in different hydrocarbon pool‐forming features from those of the Neo‐Tethyan realm.
Upwelling Process of the Western Himalaya Mountains: Height and Velocity Estimation Evidenced by Formation and Evolution of the Zanda Basin, Tibet, China
Authors: ZHU Dagang , MENG Xian'gang , SHAO Zhaogang , YANG Chaobin , HAN Jian'en , YU Jia , MENG Qingwei , LÜ Rongping
Published: August 2010

Based on field geological survey, stratigraphic section measurement and indoor comprehensive investigation, the Zanda Basin's tectonic location in the Himalaya Plate was ascertained, and the formation and evolution of the Zanda Basin during the Pliocene to Early Pleistocene was classified as six stages: (a) primary rift‐faulting stage, (b) quick rift‐faulting Stage, (c) intensive rift‐faulting stage, (d) stasis stage, (e) secondary rift‐faulting stage, and (f) secondary quick rift‐faulting stage. Based on this six‐staged formation‐evolution theory of the Zanda Basin, the upwelling process of the Western Himalaya Mountains from the Pliocene to Early Pleistocene was classified as the following five stages: (a) slow upwelling stage (5.4–4.4 Ma), (b) mid‐velocity upwelling stage (4.4–3.5 Ma), (c) quick upwelling stage (3.5–3.2 Ma), (d) upwelling‐ceasing stage (3.2–2.7 Ma), and (e) quick upwelling stage (2.7 Ma). Research has shown that in the duration from the Early Pliocene (4.7 Ma) to the End of Pliocene (2.67 Ma), which lasted 2.03 million years, the Himalaya Mountains had uplifted 1500 m at a velocity of 0.74 mm/a; this belongs to a mid‐velocity upwelling. During the 1.31 million years in the Early Stage of the Early Pleistocene, the Himalaya Mountains had risen up another 1500 m at a velocity of 1.15 mm/a; this is a rather quick upwelling. All of these data have shown that the upwelling of the Western Himalaya Mountains is along a complicated process with multi‐stages, multi‐velocities, and non‐uniformitarian features.
Neoproterozoic Tectonic Setting of Southeast China: New Constraints from SHRIMP U‐Pb Zircon Ages and Petrographic Studies on the Mamianshan Group
Authors: WU Ganguo , YU Xinqi , DI Yongjun , ZHANG Da
Published: August 2010

Precambrian tectonic history of Zhejiang, Fujian, and Jiangxi provinces of south China is important for understanding the tectonic evolution of South China but its magmatic activity, petrogenesis, stratigraphic sequence of the Mamianshan Group is still strongly controversial. Here we present new sensitive high resolution ion micro‐probe (SHRIMP) U‐Pb zircon geochronological data for the Mamianshan Group and petrographical data to constrain the tectonic framework of the regions. Our results showed that the SHRIMP U‐Pb zircon age of green schists of the Dongyan Formation is 796.544.3 Ma, the Daling Formation is 756.2±7.2 Ma, and mica‐quartz schist of the Longbeixi Formation is 825.5±9.8 Ma. These data indicate that the Mamianshan Group was formed not in the Mesoproterozoic, but in the Neoproterozoic and its stratigraphic sequences should be composed of Longbeixi, Dongyan, and Daling Formations from the bottom to the top. Rocks from this Group, from Zhejiang, Fujian and Jiangxi provinces, constituted the upper basement of the Cathaysia Block that overlay the lower basement of the Mayuan Group. Detailed petrographic studies demonstrate that the amphibole schists of the Dongyan Formation in the Mamianshan Group were formed within an intra‐arc rift setting rather than a continental rift as previously suggested. Rather, this island‐arc type formation was developed by collision and/or subduction between various blocks resulting from the breakup of the supercontinent Rodinia at c.850–750 Ma. The Zhuzhou conglomerate, distributed near Dikou Town, Jian'ou City, Fujian Province and previously considered as evidence of the Mesoproterozoic Dikou movement, is shown here not to be the basal conglomerate above the angular unconformity between the upper and lower basements. Our conclusions have important implications for understanding the Precambrian tectonics of South China.
Protophyllocladoxylon jingyuanense sp. nov., a Gymnospermous Wood of the Serpukhovian (Late Mississippian) from Gansu, Northwest China
Authors: ZHANG Yi , WANG Jun , LIU Lujun , LI Nan
Published: August 2010

A new species of gymnospermous fossil wood, Protophyllocladoxylon jingyuanense sp. nov., is described from the lower part of the Tsingyuan Formation (Serpukhovian/Late Mississippian), near the coal mine of Ciyao, Gansu, northwestern China. The specimen is preserved only in silicified secondary xylem, while growth rings are absent Pits in radial tracheidal walls are araucaroid in type, uniseriate, occasionally biseriate. Xylem rays are homogeneous, uniseriate, occasionally biseriate. Cross‐field pits are simple, large, one to two in number. Axial parenchyma is absent. The anatomical characters and geographic distribution of Protophyllocladoxylon woods through geological ages are documented. Those species with axial parenchyma and without growth rings live in warm climate, whereas the species without axial parenchyma and with growth rings are present either in warm or cool climate. The ideal living climate for Protophyllocladoxylon woods is warm and wet. Our new species, as a fossil wood of Early Carboniferous, is likely the earliest known species of Protophyllocladoxylon.
Gas Hydrates in the Qilian Mountain Permafrost, Qinghai, Northwest China
Authors: ZHU Youhai , ZHANG Yongqin , WEN Huaijun , LU Zhenquan , JIA Zhiyao , LI Yonghong , LI Qinghai , LIU Changling , WANG Pingkang , GUO Xingwang
Published: August 2010

Qilian Mountain permafrost, with area about 10×104 km2, locates in the north of Qinghai‐Tibet plateau. It equips with perfect conditions and has great prospecting potential for gas hydrate. The Scientific Drilling Project of Gas Hydrate in Qilian Mountain permafrost, which locates in Juhugeng of Muri Coalfield, Tianjun County, Qinghai Province, has been implemented by China Geological Survey in 2008–2009. Four scientific drilling wells have been completed with a total footage of 2059.13 m. Samples of gas hydrate are collected separately from holes DK‐1, DK‐2 and DK‐3. Gas hydrate is hosted under permafrost zone in the 133–396 m interval. The sample is white crystal and easily burning. Anomaly low temperature has been identified by the infrared camera. The gas hydrate‐bearing cores strongly bubble in the water. Gas‐bubble and water‐drop are emitted from the hydrate‐bearing cores and then characteristic of honeycombed structure is left The typical spectrum curve of gas hydrate is detected using Raman spectrometry. Furthermore, the logging profile also indicates high electrical resistivity and sonic velocity. Gas hydrate in Qilian Mountain is characterized by a thinner permafrost zone, shallower buried depth, more complex gas component and coal‐bed methane origin etc.
A New Juvenile Specimen ofLufengosaurus HueneiYoung, 1941 (Dinosauria: Prosauropoda) from the Lower Jurassic Lower Lufeng Formation of Yunnan, Southwest China
Authors: SEKIYA Tom , DONG Zhiming
Published: August 2010

A skull and a series of associated cervical vertebrae (ZLJ0112) discovered from the Lower Lufeng Formation (Lower Jurassic) are determined as a juvenile specimen ofLufengosaurus hueneiYoung 1941 based on amended autapomorphies. Differences between ZLJ0112 and the holotype (sub‐adult specimen) are considered as ontogenetic characteristic changes ofL. huenei.Since some of these differences are present in other prosauropod dinosaurs (i.e., forms of the maxillary vascular foramen are irregular; the frontal contribution to the dorsal margin of the orbit is substantial; the frontal contribution to the supratemporal fossa is absent; the supratemporal fenestra is visible in lateral view; the supraoccipital inclined at 75 degrees; the parasphenoid rostrum lies level with the occipital condyle; the retroarticular process is short; the axial postzygapophysis project caudally beyond the end of the centrum) they may be common ontogenetic changes in prosauropod dinosaurs.
Paleogeographical Distribution of Mesozoic Palaeontinidae (Insecta, Hemiptera) in China with Description of New Taxa
Authors: WANG Bo , ZHANG Haichun , FANG Yan
Published: August 2010

Until now, all Chinese palaeontinids have come from northern China and are more diverse than any other hemipterous insects in the Mesozoic. Most palaeontinids have been discovered from the area encompassing northern Hebei, the Ningcheng area of Inner Mongolia and western Liaoning. The difference in ubiquity of fossil records between northern and southern China is probably related to taphonomical and collecting bias. Records of Early and Late Jurassic palaeontinids are very scarce. The highest diversity of palaeontinid species occurs in the Middle Jurassic of Daohugou Lagerstätte. Early Cretaceous palaeontinids of China are restricted to the typical distribution of Jehol Biota. Palaeontinodes sp. is described from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of Yangshuwanzi, Inner Mongolia and is the only Palaeontinodes specimen from the Cretaceous. Plachutella exculpta Zhang, 1997 from the Lower Jurassic Badaowan Formation of Karamai, Xinjiang is re‐described and some previously reported species of this genus are discussed.
Late Mesozoic Chresmodids with Forewing from Inner Mongolia, China (Polyneoptera: Archaeorthoptera)
Authors: ZHANG Xinwen , REN Dong , PANG Hong , SHIH Chungkun
Published: August 2010

Three new species of Chresmodidae are described. They belong to two different genera: Chresmoda multinervis sp. nov., Chresmoda shihi sp. nov. and Jurachresmoda sanyica sp. nov. A study of the forewing venation is provided. Longitudinal veins are mostly parallel; costal area is broad at the basal and narrowing distally; ScP is probably extending close to the wing apex; R is parallel at length to ScP; MA is running close to R, with two long parallel branches; MA branched‐off basally; while MP is not branched until the middle of the wing. However, the important basal part of MP and CuP is poorly preserved. In addition, unique fringing hairs on the mid legs of C. shihi sp. nov. and J. sanyica sp. nov. are described and compared with Jurachresmoda gaskelli Zhang, Ren and Shih, 2008.
Xingxueanthus: An Enigmatic Jurassic Seed Plant and Its Implications for the Origin of Angiospermy
Authors: WANG Xin , WANG Shijun
Published: August 2010

The origin of angiosperms has been tantalizing botanists for centuries. Despite the efforts of palaeobotanists, most of the pre‐Cretaceous angiosperms are regarded either non‐convincing or misdated. The applications of SEM and LM (light microscope) enable us to recognize a coalified fossil plant, Xingxueanthus sinensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Haifanggou Formation (Middle Jurassic, >160 Ma) in western Liaoning, China. Xingxueanthus is an “inflorescence” with more than 20 female units spirally arranged. Each female unit is situated in the axil of a bract. The female unit is composed of an ovule‐container and a style‐like projection at the top. There is a vertical column bearing several ovules in the ovule‐container. The general morphology and the internal structure of Xingxueanthus distinguish itself from any known fossil and extant gymnosperms, and its structures are more comparable to those of angiosperms. Xingxueanthus, if taken as a gymnosperm, would represent a new class, demonstrate an evolutionarily advanced status of ovule‐protection in gymnosperms never seen before, and provide new insights into the origin of angiospermy. Alternatively, if taken as an angiosperm, together with Schmeissneria, it would increase the diversity of Jurassic angiosperms, which has been underestimated for a long time, and suggest a much earlier origin of angiospermy than currently accepted.
Mineral Geochemical Compositions of Tourmalines and Their Significance in the Gejiu Tin Polymetallic Deposits, Yunnan, China
Authors: JIA Runxing , FANG Weixuan , HU Ruizhong
Published: August 2010

The Gejiu tin polymetallic deposits are located in the southeastern part of Yunnan Province in China. A detailed electronic microprobe study has been carried out to document geochemical compositions of tourmalines from the deposits. The results indicate a systematic change of mineral geochemical compositions, which might be used as a mineral geochemical tracer for post‐magmatic hydrothermal fluid, basin fluid and their mixture. The tourmalines from granite are schorl with Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios of 0.912–1.00 and Na/(Na+Ca) ratios of 0.892–0.981. Tourmalines as an inclusion in quartz from the ore bodies are dravite with Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios of 0.212–0.519 and Na/ (Na+Ca) ratios of 0.786–0.997. Tourmalines from the country rocks are dravite with Fe/(Fe+Mg) ratios of 0.313–0.337 and Na/(Na+Ca) ratio of 0.599–0.723. Tourmalines from cassiterite‐tourmaline veins that occur in crannies within the country rocks show distinct optical zoning with alternate occurrence of dravite and schorl, Fe/(Fe+Mg)=0.374–0.843, Na/(Na+Ca)=0.538–0.987. It suggests that schorl in granite and dravite in carbonatite are related to magmatic fluid and basin fluid respectively. When magmatic fluid rose up and entered into crannies of the country rocks, consisting mainly of carbonatite, basin fluid would be constantly added to the magmatic fluid. The two types of fluid were mixed in structural crannies of the sedimentary basin accompanied with periodic geochemical osculations to form material records in chemical composition zonings of tourmalines.
Crustal Composition of China Continent Constrained from Heat Flow Data and Helium Isotope Ratio of Underground Fluid
Authors: WANG Yang , SUN Zhiming
Published: August 2010

Based on conservation of energy principle and heat flow data in China continent, the upper limit of 1.3 μW/m3 heat production is obtained for continental crust in China. Furthermore, using the data of heat flow and helium isotope ratio of underground fluid, the heat productions of different tectonic units in China continent are estimated in range of 0.58–1.12 μW/m3 with a median of 0.85 μW/m3. Accordingly, the contents of U, Th and K2O in China crust are in ranges of 0.83–1.76 μg/g, 3.16–6.69 μg/g, and 1.0%–2.12%, respectively. These results indicate that the abundance of radioactive elements in the crust of China continent is much higher than that of Archean crust; and this fact implies China's continental crust is much evolved in chemical composition. Meanwhile, significant lateral variation of crustal composition is also exhibited among different tectonic units in China continent. The crust of eastern China is much enriched in incompatible elements such as U, Th and K than that of western China; and the crust of orogenic belts is more enriched than that of platform regions. It can also be inferred that the crusts of eastern China and orogenic belts are much felsic than those of western China and platform regions, respectively, derived from the positive correlation between the heat production and SiO2 content of bulk crust. This deduction is consistent with the results derived from the crustal seismic velocity data in China. According to the facts of the lower seismic velocity of China than the average value of global crust, and the higher heat production of China continent compared with global crust composition models published by previous studies, it is deduced that the average composition models of global continent crust by Rudnick and Fountain (1995), Rudnick and Gao (2003), Weaver and Tarney (1984), Shaw et al. (1986), and Wedepohl (1995) overestimate the abundance of incompatible elements such as U, Th and K of continental crust.
Geologic Characteristics of Volcanic Hydrocarbon Reservoirs and Exploration Directions in China
Authors: ZOU Caineng , ZHU Rukai , ZHAO Wenzhi , JIA Chengzao , ZHANG Guangya , YUAN Xuanjun , ZHAO Xia , WEN Baihong
Published: August 2010

Volcanic rocks are distributed widely in China, which are important exploration targets. By analyzing many discovered volcanic hydrocarbon reservoirs all over the world, the authors summarized the geologic characteristics of the formation of volcanic hydrocarbon reservoirs in China, and gave further exploration directions and advices. (1) There are mainly Carboniferous‐Permian, Jurassic‐Cretaceous, Paleogene‐Neogene volcanic rocks in oil‐ and gas‐bearing basins in China, which are mainly distributed in the Junggar Basin, Songliao Basin, Bohai Bay Basin, etc. There are mainly intermediate rocks and acidic rocks in east China, and intermediate rocks and basic rocks in west China. They primarily develop in intracontinental rift settings and island are environments. (2) Porefissure reservoirs are distributed widely in basins, which are volcanic rocks mainly in explosive and effusive facies. (3) Volcanic hydrocarbon reservoirs are chiefly near‐source lithostratigraphic hydrocarbon reservoirs, and the oil and gas accumulation is predominantly controlled by lithotypes, faults and structural positions. (4) Deep‐seated oil and gas reservoirs in the Songliao Basin and Carboniferous volcanic hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Junggar Basin are potential giant volcanic gas provinces, the volcanic hydrocarbon reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin and Santanghu Basin are favorable for oil and gas reserves increase, and volcanic rocks in the Turpan Basin, Sichuan Basin, Tarim Basin have exploration potentiality. (5) The technology series of oil and gas exploration in volcanic rocks have been preliminarily formed.
Karren of Mushroom Mountain (Junzi Shan) in the Eastern Yunnan Ridge, Yunnan, China: Karstological and Tourist Attraction
Authors: KNEZ Martin , SLABE Tadej
Published: August 2010

Mushroom Mountain karren with predominantly flat tops that formed along the stylolites and bedding planes dictated the special features of this karst landscape. Their features and rock relief clearly reflect the geological conditions and development. The subsoil karren with conical tops dissected by subsoil rock relief were exposed from beneath the soil. Below tree vegetation, the subsoil karren are to a great extent covered by moss and lichen, under which they acquire their characteristic shape. On the bare surface they were reshaped by rainwater that carves flutes and solution pans. The old cave that opens below the top of one of the cones reveals the period before its dissection into hills and cones when this part of the karst aquifer was still deep under the water table.
Love Me, Hurt Me, Heal Me—Isolde Healer and Isolde Lover in Gottfried's Tristan
Authors: Altpeter‐Jones Katja
Published: August 2010

This article examines representations of women as healers and lovers in Gottfried's von Strassburg Tristan. I argue that Gottfried's casting of women—Queen Isolde, Isolde the Fair, and Tristan's mother Blanscheflur—as healers emphasizes notions of gender disparities that lie at the core of medico‐scientific and literary depictions of lovesickness. Gottfried, however, in contrast to other authors whose names are associated with the Tristan and Isolde story, creates two Isoldes out of one. By carving the character of Queen Isolde out of Isolde the Fair, Gottfried ingeniously separates the hurtful and healing Queen Isolde from the lover, Isolde the Fair. In doing so, he abandons the tension that is constitutive of the depictions of unfulfilled love in Minnesang poetry where women are both adored and dreaded, bring both intense joy and unbearable misery, and carry the key to greatest physical wellbeing as well as to death. He is able, in turn, to create the experience of love—though still painful—as something based on parity and correspondence. Gottfried's subtle rewriting of the roles of Isolde the Fair and Queen Isolde especially with regard to their capacities as healers is, I argue, a key element in his conception of a novel kind of male‐female relationship, commonly referred to by scholars as Tristanminne.
Trends in German Hip Hop Music and Its Usefulness for the Classroom
Authors: Schmidt Johannes
Published: August 2010

German hip hop music has proved productive, especially since 2000 when rap in Germany experienced something like a first crisis. As a response, German hip hop artists and record labels have ventured off in several different directions including other musical genres, different topics, and new approaches to German rap. This article discusses the developments in German music, including the emergence of German R&B, Xavier Naidoo and the new religiousness, and new directions in rap. Two songs and their application for the classroom are described. The article concludes with suggestions for obtaining German music in the US.
How Do We Teach Language, Literature, and Culture in a Collegiate Environment and What Are the Implications for Graduate Education?
Authors: Wurst Karin A.
Published: August 2010

Graduate education is a critical mission of Research I universities. In light of the increased attention paid to languages, to assessment, and to the search for new models for teaching and learning in German Departments, a reexamination of how we train our students is called for. A graduate experience that does not compartmentalize too rigorously between training in Second Language Studies and Literary and Cultural Studies, but instead offers a more holistic education might serve our profession better in the long run. This position piece and its parallel contribution in the Spring 2008 issue of The German Quarterly provide some considerations for rethinking German graduate education.
Elusive '68: The Challenge to Pedagogy
Authors: Donahue William Collins
Published: August 2010

Teaching ′68 presents pedagogical challenges far greater than assembling a set of workable classroom materials. Divisive controversies that were the hallmark of the time—e.g., the debate over the nature and appropriate use of violence—are with us still, though in a somewhat different form. Further, the instructor′s own politics and positionality can hardly be ignored—as they will certainly not be overlooked by our students. Additionally, this essay argues that fundamental terms (such as who qualifies as a ′68er) remain problematic; that the instrumentalization of the Holocaust by the German New Left continues to affect political decisions down to the present; that our investment as teachers in poststructuralist literary theory may—perhaps inadvertently—affect the way we view and therefore teach ′68; and, finally, that there is a pressing need, despite a recent explosion in Germany of publications celebrating the fortieth anniversary of ′68, for a didacticized reader designed for the North American German Studies classroom.