2020 Vol.3(1)
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2020, 3(1): 1-7.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020007
Abstract:
A new dsungaripterid pterosaur, Ordosipterus planignathus gen. et sp. nov., is established on the incomplete articulated lower jaws from the Lower Cretaceous Luohandong Formation in Otog Qi, Ordos Region, Inner Mongolia, China. It differs from other dsungaripterids mainly by having broad and low dentary at and just behind the mandibular symphysis, flat dentary dorsal plane forming the distinct lateral ridge with the curved dentary lateral side, and lower alveoli arranged along the dentary dorsolateral margin with wide spacing that increases from rostral to caudal. It represents the first diagnostic pterosaur from the Ordos Region in Inner Mongolia, and further enlarges the geographical distribution of the family Dsungaripteridae from northwestern China (together with western Mongolia) to central North China.
A new dsungaripterid pterosaur, Ordosipterus planignathus gen. et sp. nov., is established on the incomplete articulated lower jaws from the Lower Cretaceous Luohandong Formation in Otog Qi, Ordos Region, Inner Mongolia, China. It differs from other dsungaripterids mainly by having broad and low dentary at and just behind the mandibular symphysis, flat dentary dorsal plane forming the distinct lateral ridge with the curved dentary lateral side, and lower alveoli arranged along the dentary dorsolateral margin with wide spacing that increases from rostral to caudal. It represents the first diagnostic pterosaur from the Ordos Region in Inner Mongolia, and further enlarges the geographical distribution of the family Dsungaripteridae from northwestern China (together with western Mongolia) to central North China.
2020, 3(1): 8-15.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020010
Abstract:
Frugivory is an important ecological tie between animals and angiosperms. It plays an important role in the evolution of food webs and energy flow networks in the ecosystem. However, little is known about how old this relationship can be due to lack of relevant fossil evidence. Here, the authors report a fossil fruit, Jurafructus gen. nov., a putative angiosperm from the Middle−Late Jurassic (>164 Ma) of Daohugou Village, Inner Mongolia, China, which provides the currently earliest evidence of frugivory. The fossil is a more or less three-dimensionally preserved coalified drupe that has been damaged by animals in two different ways. The pericarp, in addition to the seed coat surrounding parenchyma seed contents, is suggestive of an angiospermous affinity, as such a 3+3 structure is distinct from a three-layered seed coat in gymnosperms. The seed possesses a distal micropyle, attached on the base of the pericarp, suggestive of a former orthotropous ovule in the gynoecium. The damaged pericarp of Jurafructus suggests that frugivory can be dated back to the Middle−Late Jurassic. Apparently, the ecological relationship between angiosperms and animals extends deep into the fossil record.
Frugivory is an important ecological tie between animals and angiosperms. It plays an important role in the evolution of food webs and energy flow networks in the ecosystem. However, little is known about how old this relationship can be due to lack of relevant fossil evidence. Here, the authors report a fossil fruit, Jurafructus gen. nov., a putative angiosperm from the Middle−Late Jurassic (>164 Ma) of Daohugou Village, Inner Mongolia, China, which provides the currently earliest evidence of frugivory. The fossil is a more or less three-dimensionally preserved coalified drupe that has been damaged by animals in two different ways. The pericarp, in addition to the seed coat surrounding parenchyma seed contents, is suggestive of an angiospermous affinity, as such a 3+3 structure is distinct from a three-layered seed coat in gymnosperms. The seed possesses a distal micropyle, attached on the base of the pericarp, suggestive of a former orthotropous ovule in the gynoecium. The damaged pericarp of Jurafructus suggests that frugivory can be dated back to the Middle−Late Jurassic. Apparently, the ecological relationship between angiosperms and animals extends deep into the fossil record.
2020, 3(1): 16-27.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020021
Abstract:
Bottom simulating reflector (BSR) has been recognized as one of the indicators of gas hydrates. However, BSR and hydrate are not one-to-one correspondence. In the Xisha area of South China Sea (SCS), carbonate rocks wildly develop, which continuously distribute parallel to the seafloor with high amplitude on seismic sections, exhibiting reflections similar to BSRs in the Shenhu area nearby. This phenomenon causes some interference to hydrates identification. In this paper, the authors discussed the typical geophysical differences between carbonate rocks and hydrates, indicating that the main difference exists in relationship between porosity and velocity, causing different amplitude versus offset (AVO) characters. Then the authors proposed a new model assuming that the carbonates form the matrix and the hydrate fill the pore as a part of the matrix. The key modeling parameters have been optimized constrained by P-velocities and S-velocities simultaneously, and the model works well both for carbonate rock and gas hydrate bearing sediments. For quantitative identification, the authors calculated the velocities when carbonates and hydrates form the matrix together in different proportions. Then they proposed a carbonate and hydrate identification template (CHIT), in which the possible hydrate saturation (PHS) and possible carbonate content (PCC) can be both scaled out for a group of sample composed by P-velocity and S-velocity. If PHS is far larger than PCC, it is more likely to be a hydrate sample because carbonates and hydrates do not coexist normally. The real data application shows that the template can effectively distinguish between hydrates and carbonate rocks, consequently reducing the risk of hydrate exploration.
Bottom simulating reflector (BSR) has been recognized as one of the indicators of gas hydrates. However, BSR and hydrate are not one-to-one correspondence. In the Xisha area of South China Sea (SCS), carbonate rocks wildly develop, which continuously distribute parallel to the seafloor with high amplitude on seismic sections, exhibiting reflections similar to BSRs in the Shenhu area nearby. This phenomenon causes some interference to hydrates identification. In this paper, the authors discussed the typical geophysical differences between carbonate rocks and hydrates, indicating that the main difference exists in relationship between porosity and velocity, causing different amplitude versus offset (AVO) characters. Then the authors proposed a new model assuming that the carbonates form the matrix and the hydrate fill the pore as a part of the matrix. The key modeling parameters have been optimized constrained by P-velocities and S-velocities simultaneously, and the model works well both for carbonate rock and gas hydrate bearing sediments. For quantitative identification, the authors calculated the velocities when carbonates and hydrates form the matrix together in different proportions. Then they proposed a carbonate and hydrate identification template (CHIT), in which the possible hydrate saturation (PHS) and possible carbonate content (PCC) can be both scaled out for a group of sample composed by P-velocity and S-velocity. If PHS is far larger than PCC, it is more likely to be a hydrate sample because carbonates and hydrates do not coexist normally. The real data application shows that the template can effectively distinguish between hydrates and carbonate rocks, consequently reducing the risk of hydrate exploration.
2020, 3(1): 28-37.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020025
Abstract:
Significant breakthroughs of shale gas exploration have been made in Lower Cambrian and Sinian shale in the north margin of the Yangtze Block, South China. The drill wells with industrial gas flow located in the southern margin of the Huangling dome. Base on the geological survey, 2D seismic, geochronological and drill wells data, the tectonic evolution history of Huangling dome was studied, and its control effect on the preservation condition of shale gas was discussed. The result shows that the Huangling dome might undergo four tectonic stages: (1) About 800 Ma, granite intrusion in the Huangling dome basement, primarily of granites replaced metamorphism rocks; (2) 800–200 Ma, no significant tectonic movement with slowly buried history; (3) From 200 Ma, multi-phase uplift and the sedimentary rocks was eroded in the core of the Huangling dome. Shale gas in the Cambrian and Sinian strata was well preserved in the margin of the Huangling dome as the following reasons: (1) The Sinian shale was buried about 7.8 km in-depth during Middle Jurassic, source rocks have a suitable thermal maturity for shale gas; (2) The rigid basement of the Huangling dome was mainly composed by homogeneity granite, without intensive deformation. As the main challenges of the widely distributed Lower Cambrian and Sinian shale are high-maturity and intensive deformation, a geological unit with a dome probably is a favorable zone for the old age shale gas. Therefore, it indicates that the adjacent zone of the Xuefengshan, Shennongjia and Hannan are the geological units with a dome and probably have potentials for the exploration of shale in the Lower Cambrian and Sinian.
Significant breakthroughs of shale gas exploration have been made in Lower Cambrian and Sinian shale in the north margin of the Yangtze Block, South China. The drill wells with industrial gas flow located in the southern margin of the Huangling dome. Base on the geological survey, 2D seismic, geochronological and drill wells data, the tectonic evolution history of Huangling dome was studied, and its control effect on the preservation condition of shale gas was discussed. The result shows that the Huangling dome might undergo four tectonic stages: (1) About 800 Ma, granite intrusion in the Huangling dome basement, primarily of granites replaced metamorphism rocks; (2) 800–200 Ma, no significant tectonic movement with slowly buried history; (3) From 200 Ma, multi-phase uplift and the sedimentary rocks was eroded in the core of the Huangling dome. Shale gas in the Cambrian and Sinian strata was well preserved in the margin of the Huangling dome as the following reasons: (1) The Sinian shale was buried about 7.8 km in-depth during Middle Jurassic, source rocks have a suitable thermal maturity for shale gas; (2) The rigid basement of the Huangling dome was mainly composed by homogeneity granite, without intensive deformation. As the main challenges of the widely distributed Lower Cambrian and Sinian shale are high-maturity and intensive deformation, a geological unit with a dome probably is a favorable zone for the old age shale gas. Therefore, it indicates that the adjacent zone of the Xuefengshan, Shennongjia and Hannan are the geological units with a dome and probably have potentials for the exploration of shale in the Lower Cambrian and Sinian.
2020, 3(1): 38-51.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020020
Abstract:
Coal measure gas (also known as coal-bearing unconventional gas) is the key field and development direction of unconventional natural gas in recent years. The exploration and evaluation of coal measure gas (coalbed methane, coal shale gas and coal measure tight sandstone gas) from single coalbed methane has greatly expanded the field and space of resource evaluation, which is of positive significance for realizing the comprehensive utilization of coal resources, maximizing the benefits and promoting the innovation of oil and gas geological theory and technological advances in exploration and development. For the first time, in Yangmeishu Syncline of Western Guizhou Province, the public welfare coalbed methane geological survey project of China Geological Survey has been carried out a systematic geological survey of coal measure gas for the Upper Permian Longtan Formation, identified the geological conditions of coal measure gas and found high quality resources. The total geological resource quantity of coalbed methane and coal shale gas is 51.423×109 m3 and the geological resource abundance is up to 566×106 m3/km2. In this area, the coal measures are characterized by many layers of minable coal seams, large total thickness, thin to the medium thickness of the single layer, good gas-bearing property of coal seams and coal measure mudstone and sandstone, good reservoir physical property and high-pressure coefficient. According to the principle of combination of high quality and similarity of key parameters of the coal reservoir, the most favorable intervals are No.5–2, No.7 and No.13–2 coal seam in Well YMC1. And the pilot tests are carried out on coal seams and roof silty mudstone, such as staged perforation, increasing hydraulic fracturing scale and “three gas” production. The high and stable industrial gas flow with a daily gas output of more than 4000 m3 has been obtained, which has realized the breakthrough in the geological survey of coal measure gas in Southwest China. Based on the above investigation results, the geological characteristics of coal measure gas in the multi-thin-coal-seam-developed area and the co-exploration and co-production methods, such as the optimization method of favorable intervals, the high-efficiency fracturing and reservoir reconstruction method of coal measures, and the “three gas” drainage and production system, are systematically summarized in this paper. It will provide a reference for efficient exploration and development of coal measure gas in similar geological conditions in China.
Coal measure gas (also known as coal-bearing unconventional gas) is the key field and development direction of unconventional natural gas in recent years. The exploration and evaluation of coal measure gas (coalbed methane, coal shale gas and coal measure tight sandstone gas) from single coalbed methane has greatly expanded the field and space of resource evaluation, which is of positive significance for realizing the comprehensive utilization of coal resources, maximizing the benefits and promoting the innovation of oil and gas geological theory and technological advances in exploration and development. For the first time, in Yangmeishu Syncline of Western Guizhou Province, the public welfare coalbed methane geological survey project of China Geological Survey has been carried out a systematic geological survey of coal measure gas for the Upper Permian Longtan Formation, identified the geological conditions of coal measure gas and found high quality resources. The total geological resource quantity of coalbed methane and coal shale gas is 51.423×109 m3 and the geological resource abundance is up to 566×106 m3/km2. In this area, the coal measures are characterized by many layers of minable coal seams, large total thickness, thin to the medium thickness of the single layer, good gas-bearing property of coal seams and coal measure mudstone and sandstone, good reservoir physical property and high-pressure coefficient. According to the principle of combination of high quality and similarity of key parameters of the coal reservoir, the most favorable intervals are No.5–2, No.7 and No.13–2 coal seam in Well YMC1. And the pilot tests are carried out on coal seams and roof silty mudstone, such as staged perforation, increasing hydraulic fracturing scale and “three gas” production. The high and stable industrial gas flow with a daily gas output of more than 4000 m3 has been obtained, which has realized the breakthrough in the geological survey of coal measure gas in Southwest China. Based on the above investigation results, the geological characteristics of coal measure gas in the multi-thin-coal-seam-developed area and the co-exploration and co-production methods, such as the optimization method of favorable intervals, the high-efficiency fracturing and reservoir reconstruction method of coal measures, and the “three gas” drainage and production system, are systematically summarized in this paper. It will provide a reference for efficient exploration and development of coal measure gas in similar geological conditions in China.
2020, 3(1): 52-66.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020002
Abstract:
The middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation in the Dongsheng is comprised of a big set of green sandstone/mudstone with most of uranium orebodies occurring in close proximity to its footwall. By synthesizing field observations, region analysis, data collected from previous coal and uranium borehole, a regional north-south geological profile across the entire orefield is conducted. Experiments on sandstone/mudstone including rock mineral identification, clastic micromorphology and element geochemistry were carried out. Information from the geological profile indicates that green sandstone/mudstone is widely present in a stable horizon with clear boundaries to the country rock. Microscopic observations and geochemical data on sandstone/mudstone exhibit similar mineral composition with almost identical slightly flat, minor Eu enriched, Ce depleted chondrite-normalized REE patterns. Furthermore, the green clay membrane of the clasts has a complex composition containing chlorite/smectite, green smectite, chlorite, and green kaolinite, with elements including Fe, Mg, Si, and Al. These above results indicate that the green sandstone/mudstone underwent resemble sedimentary diagenetic processes as the country rock without transformation by large-scale regional fluid, while the existence of Fe2+-rich membrane is the main factor to the green sandstone/mudstone. Further concentration of the pre-enrichment uranium during diagenetic process led to the final formation for uranium deposits. The above studies are conducive to enrich the metallogenic mechanism of sandstone type uranium deposits and could provide certain reference for uranium exploration and deployment.
The middle Jurassic Zhiluo Formation in the Dongsheng is comprised of a big set of green sandstone/mudstone with most of uranium orebodies occurring in close proximity to its footwall. By synthesizing field observations, region analysis, data collected from previous coal and uranium borehole, a regional north-south geological profile across the entire orefield is conducted. Experiments on sandstone/mudstone including rock mineral identification, clastic micromorphology and element geochemistry were carried out. Information from the geological profile indicates that green sandstone/mudstone is widely present in a stable horizon with clear boundaries to the country rock. Microscopic observations and geochemical data on sandstone/mudstone exhibit similar mineral composition with almost identical slightly flat, minor Eu enriched, Ce depleted chondrite-normalized REE patterns. Furthermore, the green clay membrane of the clasts has a complex composition containing chlorite/smectite, green smectite, chlorite, and green kaolinite, with elements including Fe, Mg, Si, and Al. These above results indicate that the green sandstone/mudstone underwent resemble sedimentary diagenetic processes as the country rock without transformation by large-scale regional fluid, while the existence of Fe2+-rich membrane is the main factor to the green sandstone/mudstone. Further concentration of the pre-enrichment uranium during diagenetic process led to the final formation for uranium deposits. The above studies are conducive to enrich the metallogenic mechanism of sandstone type uranium deposits and could provide certain reference for uranium exploration and deployment.
2020, 3(1): 67-82.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020009
Abstract:
The giant potash deposit on the Khorat Plateau is one of the most promising targets for exploitation of potassium salts. So far, many researches and geologic survey have been conducted on the giant potash deposits. Hence, it is necessary to make an overall review on the potash deposits. The potash deposit on the Khorat Plateau was formed during the Middle to Late Cretaceous, during which seawater was enriched in Ca2+ and depleted in SO42- compared with those of modern seawater. In addition to seawater, continental water and hydrothermal fluids could have affected the evaporite basins. The seawater was probably derived from Tethys ocean, and the brine should have evaporated to some extent before entering into the basin systems based on the evidence of absence of carbonates and unproportionate sulphate compared with chloride salts. The paleo-climate during Middle to Late Cretaceous was characterized as high temperature and extremely arid environment, which is favourable for deposition of potassium-magnesium saline minerals. The major saline minerals are of anhydrite, halite, carnallite, sylvite and, tachyhydrite, with trace amounts of borates. The resources of the potash deposit on the Khorat Plateau could be approximately as much as 400×109 t of carnallite and 7×109 t of sylvite. The evaporite sequences have been deformed and altered by postdepositinal processes, including tectonic movements and chemical alteration. Salt domes were formed in the postdepositional processes. Based on the analyses of geophysical surveys and drilling projects, high-quality sylvinite ores are commonly found at the flanks of those salt domes due to incongruent dissolution of carnallite. The future potential prospecting areas for the high-quality sylvinite ores would be on the edges of the Khorat Plateau.
The giant potash deposit on the Khorat Plateau is one of the most promising targets for exploitation of potassium salts. So far, many researches and geologic survey have been conducted on the giant potash deposits. Hence, it is necessary to make an overall review on the potash deposits. The potash deposit on the Khorat Plateau was formed during the Middle to Late Cretaceous, during which seawater was enriched in Ca2+ and depleted in SO42- compared with those of modern seawater. In addition to seawater, continental water and hydrothermal fluids could have affected the evaporite basins. The seawater was probably derived from Tethys ocean, and the brine should have evaporated to some extent before entering into the basin systems based on the evidence of absence of carbonates and unproportionate sulphate compared with chloride salts. The paleo-climate during Middle to Late Cretaceous was characterized as high temperature and extremely arid environment, which is favourable for deposition of potassium-magnesium saline minerals. The major saline minerals are of anhydrite, halite, carnallite, sylvite and, tachyhydrite, with trace amounts of borates. The resources of the potash deposit on the Khorat Plateau could be approximately as much as 400×109 t of carnallite and 7×109 t of sylvite. The evaporite sequences have been deformed and altered by postdepositinal processes, including tectonic movements and chemical alteration. Salt domes were formed in the postdepositional processes. Based on the analyses of geophysical surveys and drilling projects, high-quality sylvinite ores are commonly found at the flanks of those salt domes due to incongruent dissolution of carnallite. The future potential prospecting areas for the high-quality sylvinite ores would be on the edges of the Khorat Plateau.
2020, 3(1): 83-103.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020003
Abstract:
As the important component of the eastern Tethys tectonic region, the Jinsha River-Ailao Mountain suture zone is often considered to be an ophiolitic mélange belt. However, the P-T-t path and chronological framework of the metamorphic evolution in the collisional orogenetic process of this zone are still poorly understood owing to the lack of metamorphism research of symbolic high-pressure rocks. During a regional geological survey on a scale of 1∶50000 in Gonjo County, Tibet Autonomous Region involved in this paper, (retrograde) eclogites lenses of different scales were found in Jinsha River suture zone, eastern Tibet for the first time. The (retrograde) eclogites can be divided into garnet-albite-chlorite-actinolite schists and eclogites according to retrograde degrees. The mainly mineral components of eclogites include garnet (45%–50%), clinopyroxene (about 25%), and hornblende (5%–10%) primarily, and biotite, quartz, rutile, and muscovite secondarily. According to the data of electron probe micro analysis (EPMA), clinopyroxenes feature high content of Na2O (5.6%–6%) and corresponding jadeite (Jd) molecules of 37%–44%, and they fall within the omphacite region in Quad-Jd-Ae diagram. The temperature and pressure of the metamorphism at peak are P≈2.2–2.34 GPa and T≈622–688 °C respectively as measured with geobarometry Grt-Omp-Phe and geothermometer Grt-Omp. This will provide a new reference for the understanding of Paleo-Tethyan evolution. In this paper, two samples of eclogites were chosen for LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating and their 206Pb/238U ages obtained are 240 ± 3 Ma and 244 ± 1 Ma respectively. Furthermore, the zircons feature extremely low Th/U ratio (<0.01), extremely low content of Nb, Ta, and HREE, and invisible negative Eu anomaly. Therefore, the genesis of the zircons shall be eclogites-facies metamorphism, indicating that the 240–245 Ma determined in this paper shall be the age of eclogites-facies metamorphism and may represent the westward subduction-collision epoch of Paleo-Tethys Ocean located between Zhongza Block and Qamdo Block.
As the important component of the eastern Tethys tectonic region, the Jinsha River-Ailao Mountain suture zone is often considered to be an ophiolitic mélange belt. However, the P-T-t path and chronological framework of the metamorphic evolution in the collisional orogenetic process of this zone are still poorly understood owing to the lack of metamorphism research of symbolic high-pressure rocks. During a regional geological survey on a scale of 1∶50000 in Gonjo County, Tibet Autonomous Region involved in this paper, (retrograde) eclogites lenses of different scales were found in Jinsha River suture zone, eastern Tibet for the first time. The (retrograde) eclogites can be divided into garnet-albite-chlorite-actinolite schists and eclogites according to retrograde degrees. The mainly mineral components of eclogites include garnet (45%–50%), clinopyroxene (about 25%), and hornblende (5%–10%) primarily, and biotite, quartz, rutile, and muscovite secondarily. According to the data of electron probe micro analysis (EPMA), clinopyroxenes feature high content of Na2O (5.6%–6%) and corresponding jadeite (Jd) molecules of 37%–44%, and they fall within the omphacite region in Quad-Jd-Ae diagram. The temperature and pressure of the metamorphism at peak are P≈2.2–2.34 GPa and T≈622–688 °C respectively as measured with geobarometry Grt-Omp-Phe and geothermometer Grt-Omp. This will provide a new reference for the understanding of Paleo-Tethyan evolution. In this paper, two samples of eclogites were chosen for LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating and their 206Pb/238U ages obtained are 240 ± 3 Ma and 244 ± 1 Ma respectively. Furthermore, the zircons feature extremely low Th/U ratio (<0.01), extremely low content of Nb, Ta, and HREE, and invisible negative Eu anomaly. Therefore, the genesis of the zircons shall be eclogites-facies metamorphism, indicating that the 240–245 Ma determined in this paper shall be the age of eclogites-facies metamorphism and may represent the westward subduction-collision epoch of Paleo-Tethys Ocean located between Zhongza Block and Qamdo Block.
2020, 3(1): 104-112.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020023
Abstract:
Gold, iron, copper, lead-zinc and other mineral exploration in West Tianshan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has made remarkable progress in recent years. However, due to the dispute on the tectonic division of West Tianshan, the ore-controlling factors and the regional metallogenic laws are controversial. The authors analyze regional gravity data and notice that the high-value region corresponds to the Yili ancient continent, thus the southeastern boundary of the Yili ancient continent is delineated. Comparative analysis of gravity, aeromagnetic and geologic data reveals that the Tulasu basin, where some medium to large epithermal gold deposits locate, lies above the Yili ancient continent; the Yili Carboniferous-Permian rift extends in E-W direction, numbers of copper deposits have been found in the mid-west section of the rift which lies above the Yili ancient continent, whereas few copper deposits have been discovered in the east section which is outside the Yili ancient continent. Accordingly, the Yili ancient continent may be rich in gold, copper and other metal elements; the metal-bearing hydrothermal solution moves up with the activity of magmatism, and deposits in the favorable places (the Tulasu basin and the Yili Carboniferous-Permian rift), forming numerous small and medium gold, copper deposits, as well as some large and super-large gold deposits. Therefore, the tectonic-magmatic hydrothermal zone above the Yili ancient continent should be the prospective area for epithermal gold and copper polymetallic deposits.
Gold, iron, copper, lead-zinc and other mineral exploration in West Tianshan, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, has made remarkable progress in recent years. However, due to the dispute on the tectonic division of West Tianshan, the ore-controlling factors and the regional metallogenic laws are controversial. The authors analyze regional gravity data and notice that the high-value region corresponds to the Yili ancient continent, thus the southeastern boundary of the Yili ancient continent is delineated. Comparative analysis of gravity, aeromagnetic and geologic data reveals that the Tulasu basin, where some medium to large epithermal gold deposits locate, lies above the Yili ancient continent; the Yili Carboniferous-Permian rift extends in E-W direction, numbers of copper deposits have been found in the mid-west section of the rift which lies above the Yili ancient continent, whereas few copper deposits have been discovered in the east section which is outside the Yili ancient continent. Accordingly, the Yili ancient continent may be rich in gold, copper and other metal elements; the metal-bearing hydrothermal solution moves up with the activity of magmatism, and deposits in the favorable places (the Tulasu basin and the Yili Carboniferous-Permian rift), forming numerous small and medium gold, copper deposits, as well as some large and super-large gold deposits. Therefore, the tectonic-magmatic hydrothermal zone above the Yili ancient continent should be the prospective area for epithermal gold and copper polymetallic deposits.
2020, 3(1): 113-123.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020008
Abstract:
Regional aridity is increasing under global climate change, and therefore the sustainable use of water resources has drawn attention from scientists and the public. Land-use changes can have a significant impact on groundwater recharge in arid regions, and quantitative assessment of the impact is key to sustainable groundwater resources management. In this study, the changes of groundwater recharge after the conversion of natural lands to croplands were investigated and compared in inland and arid region, i.e., the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountain. Stable isotopes suggest that soil water in topsoil (< 2 m) has experienced stronger evaporation under natural lands than croplands, and then moves downward as a piston flow. Recharge was estimated by the tracer-based mass balance method, i.e., chloride and sulfate. Recharge rates under natural conditions estimated by the chloride mass balance (CMB) method were estimated to be 0.07 mm/a in deserts and 0.4 mm/a in oases. In contrast, the estimated groundwater recharge ranged from 61.2 mm/a to 44.8 mm/a in croplands, indicating that groundwater recharge would increase significantly after land changes from natural lands to irrigated croplands in arid regions. Recharge estimated by the sulfate mass balance method is consistent with that from the CMB method, indicating that sulfate is also a good tracer capable of estimating groundwater recharge.
Regional aridity is increasing under global climate change, and therefore the sustainable use of water resources has drawn attention from scientists and the public. Land-use changes can have a significant impact on groundwater recharge in arid regions, and quantitative assessment of the impact is key to sustainable groundwater resources management. In this study, the changes of groundwater recharge after the conversion of natural lands to croplands were investigated and compared in inland and arid region, i.e., the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountain. Stable isotopes suggest that soil water in topsoil (< 2 m) has experienced stronger evaporation under natural lands than croplands, and then moves downward as a piston flow. Recharge was estimated by the tracer-based mass balance method, i.e., chloride and sulfate. Recharge rates under natural conditions estimated by the chloride mass balance (CMB) method were estimated to be 0.07 mm/a in deserts and 0.4 mm/a in oases. In contrast, the estimated groundwater recharge ranged from 61.2 mm/a to 44.8 mm/a in croplands, indicating that groundwater recharge would increase significantly after land changes from natural lands to irrigated croplands in arid regions. Recharge estimated by the sulfate mass balance method is consistent with that from the CMB method, indicating that sulfate is also a good tracer capable of estimating groundwater recharge.
2020, 3(1): 124-136.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020006
Abstract:
Utilization of urban underground space has become a vital approach to alleviate the strain on urban land resources, and to optimize the structure and pattern of the city. It is also very important to improve the city environment, build livable city and increase the capacity of the city. Based on the analysis of existing evaluation methods and their problems, a method for evaluating underground space resources based on a negative list of adverse factors affecting underground space development is proposed, to be primarily used in urban planning stages. A list of the adverse factors is established, including limiting factors, constraining factors and influencing factors. Taking Xi’an as an example, using a geographical information system platform, a negative list of adverse factors for the underground space resources in Xi’an City are evaluated, and preventive measures are proposed. Natural resources, exploitable resources, and the potential growth of exploitable underground space resources are evaluated. Underground space assessment in the different development stages of the city, collaborative utilization and safety evaluation for multiple subsurface resources, environmental impact and assessment, as well as evaluation methods based on big data and intelligent optimization algorithms are all discussed with the aim of serving city planning and construction.
Utilization of urban underground space has become a vital approach to alleviate the strain on urban land resources, and to optimize the structure and pattern of the city. It is also very important to improve the city environment, build livable city and increase the capacity of the city. Based on the analysis of existing evaluation methods and their problems, a method for evaluating underground space resources based on a negative list of adverse factors affecting underground space development is proposed, to be primarily used in urban planning stages. A list of the adverse factors is established, including limiting factors, constraining factors and influencing factors. Taking Xi’an as an example, using a geographical information system platform, a negative list of adverse factors for the underground space resources in Xi’an City are evaluated, and preventive measures are proposed. Natural resources, exploitable resources, and the potential growth of exploitable underground space resources are evaluated. Underground space assessment in the different development stages of the city, collaborative utilization and safety evaluation for multiple subsurface resources, environmental impact and assessment, as well as evaluation methods based on big data and intelligent optimization algorithms are all discussed with the aim of serving city planning and construction.
2020, 3(1): 137-152.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020018
Abstract:
Since 2012, some advances have been made through the resource investigation, metallogenesis research, and comprehensive utilizing of lithium deposits in China. Firstly, the progress of lithium exploration has been made in Sichuan, Xinjiang, Qinghai and Jiangxi provinces (autonomous region). Li deposits are not only found within the pegmatite rocks but also within the granitic rocks and sedimentary rocks. Secondly, the methods of geological survey, geochemical and geophysical exploration, remote sensing technology and even drilling technology have been improved, which can be delineating orebodies quickly. Thirdly, the mechanisms of Li mineralization were summarized by analyzing the relationship between the Li contents and kinds of geological phenomena. Based on practice, a new understanding of “multi-cycle, deep circulation, integration of internal and external” metallogenic mechanism or “MDIE” metallogenic mechanism for short has been put forwarded further in this paper, and the “five levels + basement” exploration model has been successfully expanded to guide the prospecting work both in the Jiajika and Keeryin pegmatite ore fields in western Sichuan Province. Besides, new progress has been made in the aspect of amblygonite deposits of granite-type and hydrothermal type in the Mufushan-Jiuling ore district, which points out a new direction for prospecting new types of lithium deposits in China.
Since 2012, some advances have been made through the resource investigation, metallogenesis research, and comprehensive utilizing of lithium deposits in China. Firstly, the progress of lithium exploration has been made in Sichuan, Xinjiang, Qinghai and Jiangxi provinces (autonomous region). Li deposits are not only found within the pegmatite rocks but also within the granitic rocks and sedimentary rocks. Secondly, the methods of geological survey, geochemical and geophysical exploration, remote sensing technology and even drilling technology have been improved, which can be delineating orebodies quickly. Thirdly, the mechanisms of Li mineralization were summarized by analyzing the relationship between the Li contents and kinds of geological phenomena. Based on practice, a new understanding of “multi-cycle, deep circulation, integration of internal and external” metallogenic mechanism or “MDIE” metallogenic mechanism for short has been put forwarded further in this paper, and the “five levels + basement” exploration model has been successfully expanded to guide the prospecting work both in the Jiajika and Keeryin pegmatite ore fields in western Sichuan Province. Besides, new progress has been made in the aspect of amblygonite deposits of granite-type and hydrothermal type in the Mufushan-Jiuling ore district, which points out a new direction for prospecting new types of lithium deposits in China.
2020, 3(1): 153-172.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020001
Abstract:
Serving as a way to understand the material composition, structure, and dynamic process of the Earth’s interior, deep earth exploration is driven by not only mankind’s pursuit of natural mysteries but also mankind’s basic need to obtain resources and guarantee economic and social development. The first phase of deep earth exploration of China (SinoProbe) was carried out from 2008 to 2016 and tremendous results were achieved. In 2016, the China Geological Survey launched a Deep Geological Survey Project (also referred to as the Project) to continuously explore the deep Earth. Focusing on the national energy resources strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative, and major basic issues of the geological survey, the Project was carried out in Songliao Basin (an important energy base in China) and major geological boundaries and tectonic units including Qilian Mountains-Tianshan Mountains and Qinzhou-Hangzhou juncture belt. The purpose of it is to reveal the process, structure, and forming patterns of the deep ore deposits and petroleum reservoirs, clarify the evolutionary pattern and controlling factors of Mesozoic environmental climate, and discover deep fine structures of key orogens, basins, and mountains by comprehensive geophysical exploration and scientific drilling. Great achievements have been obtained after more than three years of efforts, including a cumulative 1552 km of deep seismic reflection profiles and magnetotelluric profiles, an ultra-deep continental scientific drilling well, a scientific drilling pilot hole, and a magnetotelluric array and a portable broadband seismic array, both of which cover South China. Moreover, significant progress has been made in ultra-deep drilling technology, deep oil and gas discovery in Songliao Basin, and basic geological issues of Qilian Orogen and Qinzhou-Hangzhou juncture belt in South China, greatly accelerating the deep earth exploration in China and further consolidating China’s position as a power in deep earth exploration.
Serving as a way to understand the material composition, structure, and dynamic process of the Earth’s interior, deep earth exploration is driven by not only mankind’s pursuit of natural mysteries but also mankind’s basic need to obtain resources and guarantee economic and social development. The first phase of deep earth exploration of China (SinoProbe) was carried out from 2008 to 2016 and tremendous results were achieved. In 2016, the China Geological Survey launched a Deep Geological Survey Project (also referred to as the Project) to continuously explore the deep Earth. Focusing on the national energy resources strategy, the Belt and Road Initiative, and major basic issues of the geological survey, the Project was carried out in Songliao Basin (an important energy base in China) and major geological boundaries and tectonic units including Qilian Mountains-Tianshan Mountains and Qinzhou-Hangzhou juncture belt. The purpose of it is to reveal the process, structure, and forming patterns of the deep ore deposits and petroleum reservoirs, clarify the evolutionary pattern and controlling factors of Mesozoic environmental climate, and discover deep fine structures of key orogens, basins, and mountains by comprehensive geophysical exploration and scientific drilling. Great achievements have been obtained after more than three years of efforts, including a cumulative 1552 km of deep seismic reflection profiles and magnetotelluric profiles, an ultra-deep continental scientific drilling well, a scientific drilling pilot hole, and a magnetotelluric array and a portable broadband seismic array, both of which cover South China. Moreover, significant progress has been made in ultra-deep drilling technology, deep oil and gas discovery in Songliao Basin, and basic geological issues of Qilian Orogen and Qinzhou-Hangzhou juncture belt in South China, greatly accelerating the deep earth exploration in China and further consolidating China’s position as a power in deep earth exploration.
2020, 3(1): 173-181.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020013
Abstract:
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region boasts rich geothermal resources and new achievements have been made in the exploration and development of geothermal resources in this region based on previous regional investigation. In detail, geothermal reservoirs of Gaoyuzhuang Formation of Jixian System and Changcheng System in Xiongan New Area have been recently discovered, opening up the second space of geothermal resources; the calculation method of the recoverable resources of geothermal fluid with reinjection being considered has been improved in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and uniform comprehensive assessment of shallow geothermal energy, hydrothermal geothermal resources, and hot dry rocks (HDR) geothermal resources in the whole Beijing-Tianjin-Shijiazhuang region has been completed. The scientific research base for cascade development and utilization of geothermal resources in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has applied hydraulic fracturing technology to the geothermal reservoirs in Gaoyuzhuang Formation. As a result, the production capacity doubled and two-stage cascade utilization composed of geothermal power generation and geothermal heating were realized, with the first-phase installed capacity of 280 kW and the geothermal heating is 30000 m2. In this way, a model of the exploration, development, and utilization of geothermal resources formed. Large-scale utilization has become the future trend of geothermal resource development in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and great efforts shall be made to achieve breakthroughs in reinjection technology, geothermal reservoir reconstruction technology, thermoelectric technology and underground heat exchange technology.
The Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region boasts rich geothermal resources and new achievements have been made in the exploration and development of geothermal resources in this region based on previous regional investigation. In detail, geothermal reservoirs of Gaoyuzhuang Formation of Jixian System and Changcheng System in Xiongan New Area have been recently discovered, opening up the second space of geothermal resources; the calculation method of the recoverable resources of geothermal fluid with reinjection being considered has been improved in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and uniform comprehensive assessment of shallow geothermal energy, hydrothermal geothermal resources, and hot dry rocks (HDR) geothermal resources in the whole Beijing-Tianjin-Shijiazhuang region has been completed. The scientific research base for cascade development and utilization of geothermal resources in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region has applied hydraulic fracturing technology to the geothermal reservoirs in Gaoyuzhuang Formation. As a result, the production capacity doubled and two-stage cascade utilization composed of geothermal power generation and geothermal heating were realized, with the first-phase installed capacity of 280 kW and the geothermal heating is 30000 m2. In this way, a model of the exploration, development, and utilization of geothermal resources formed. Large-scale utilization has become the future trend of geothermal resource development in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region, and great efforts shall be made to achieve breakthroughs in reinjection technology, geothermal reservoir reconstruction technology, thermoelectric technology and underground heat exchange technology.
2020, 3(1): 193-194.
doi: 10.31035/cg2020022
Abstract:
2020, 3(1): 1-2.
Abstract:
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