1.Objective Nigeria lies between the West African Craton and the Congo Craton,south of the Tuareg Shield(Ogunmola JK et al.,2015).The Nasarawa pegmatite field mainly comprises of the Precambrian Basement Complex(inclu...1.Objective Nigeria lies between the West African Craton and the Congo Craton,south of the Tuareg Shield(Ogunmola JK et al.,2015).The Nasarawa pegmatite field mainly comprises of the Precambrian Basement Complex(including Archean-Proterozoic migmatite,gneiss,schists and Pan-African “Older Granites”),Mesozoic alkaline ring complexes(“Younger Granites”) and sedimentary basins(Yang QD et al.,2023;Fig.1a).“Older Granites” are part of the Pan-African mobile belt;“Younger Granites” has significant peralkaline characteristics.“Younger Granites” has a wide distribution in the north-central region of Nigeria,including areas such as Kano,Jos-Bauchi,Mada,and Nasarawa,and the emplacement age gradually decreases from north to south from 213 Ma(Dutse complex) to 141 Ma(Afu complex)(Amuda AK et al.,2021).展开更多
1.Objective Large-scale commercial production of shale gas started in Fuling,Changning and Weiyuan areas of the Sichuan Basin (Zou et al.,2016)since 2010.The most notable shale gas success is the Longmaxi organic rich...1.Objective Large-scale commercial production of shale gas started in Fuling,Changning and Weiyuan areas of the Sichuan Basin (Zou et al.,2016)since 2010.The most notable shale gas success is the Longmaxi organic rich Shale in Jiaoshiba field, Sichuan Basin.The Yichang slope is located in the north of middle Yangtze region.This eastward dipping slope is a new prospective area for shale gas exploration in recent 5 years.展开更多
To improve the understanding of the relationship between silica source and organic matter accumulation,the origin of silica and its implications for organic matter enrichment in the Upper OrdovicianLower Silurian(O_(3...To improve the understanding of the relationship between silica source and organic matter accumulation,the origin of silica and its implications for organic matter enrichment in the Upper OrdovicianLower Silurian(O_(3)w-S_(1)l)black shale in western Hubei Province in the middle Yangtze area,were investigated through geochemical and petrological analyses.The results show that the O_(3)w-S_(1)l black shale is mainly composed of five lithofacies with varying graptolite abundance,total organic carbon(TOC),and silica contents.Biogenic silica and terrigenous siliciclastic input constitute the main silica sources in O_(3)w-S_(1)l black shale and they exhibit an upward inverse variation trend interpreted to be related to sea-level changes.Moreover,with the increase in biogenic silica content or decrease in terrigenous siliciclastic input,TOC values in black shale initially rise and then fall,which is different from originally expected simple linear relationship.We infer that organic matter enrichment and the distribution of silica from different origins are controlled by sea-level changes and variations in terrigenous input in a continental shelf with little hydrothermal influence.An environment with appropriate sea level and terrigenous input should be most favorable for organic matter accumulation,rather than one with excessive high sea level and less terrigenous input.展开更多
The Chezhen depression,located in the south of Bohai Bay Basin,is an oil-producing basin in China. The third and fourth members of the Shahejie Formation(E(s3) and E(s4)) are the main source rock series in the Chezhen...The Chezhen depression,located in the south of Bohai Bay Basin,is an oil-producing basin in China. The third and fourth members of the Shahejie Formation(E(s3) and E(s4)) are the main source rock series in the Chezhen depression. Widespread overpressures occurred in the E(s3) and E(s4) from the depths of approximately 2 000 to 4 600 m,with the maximum pressure coefficient of 1.98 from drillstem tests(DST). Among the sonic,resistivity and density logs,sonic-log is the only reliable pressure indicator and can be used to predict the pore pressure with Eaton's method. All the overpressured mudstones in the source rock series have higher acoustic traveltimes compared with normally pressured mudstones at a given depth. The overpressured mudstones in the E(s3) and E(s4) units are characterized by a normal geothermal gradient,high average density values up to 2.5 g/cm^3,strong present-day hydrocarbon generation capability,abundant mature organic matter and high contents of residual hydrocarbons estimated by the Rock-Eval S1 values and chloroform-soluble bitumen "A" values. All suggest that the dominant mechanism for overpressure in the mudstones of source rock series in the Chezhen depression is hydrocarbon generation. A comparison between the matrix porosity of the normally pressured sandstones and overpressured sandstones,the quantitative evaluation of porosity loss caused by compaction and the conventional thin section inspection demonstrate that the sandstones in the Chezhen depression were normally compacted. The high contents of hydrocarbons in the overpressured reservoirs prove that the overpressure in the sandstones of the source rock series was caused by pressure transmission from the source rocks.展开更多
The graptolite fauna across the Lower and Middle Ordovician boundary at the Huanghuachang GSSP section, Yichang and the Jianyangping section, Xingshan County is described. The taxonomy of the pendent didymograptids, t...The graptolite fauna across the Lower and Middle Ordovician boundary at the Huanghuachang GSSP section, Yichang and the Jianyangping section, Xingshan County is described. The taxonomy of the pendent didymograptids, the graptolite zonations across the base of Middle Ordovician and their correlations are discussed in this paper. The two revised graptolite zones, the Didymograptellus bifidus Zone and the Azygograptus suecicus Zone, can be well correlated to their equivalents elsewhere in the world.展开更多
1.Objectives As one of three major tectonic blocks of China,the South China Block has undergone multiple periods of tectonic-magmatic-metamorphic events.Among these events,the Caledonian orogeny results in the formati...1.Objectives As one of three major tectonic blocks of China,the South China Block has undergone multiple periods of tectonic-magmatic-metamorphic events.Among these events,the Caledonian orogeny results in the formation of NE-trending Wuyi−Yunkai orogen in South China.This orogen shows complex characteristics,including widespread angular unconformity between Ordovician and Devonian strata,pre-Devonian intense deformation and metamorphism(amphibolite to granulite facies).展开更多
1.Objective Unlike the North China Plate where Archean and Paleoproterozoic crustal rocks are widely distributed,Early Precambrian basement rocks in the Yangtze Block of South China are locally exposed(Fig.1a),such as...1.Objective Unlike the North China Plate where Archean and Paleoproterozoic crustal rocks are widely distributed,Early Precambrian basement rocks in the Yangtze Block of South China are locally exposed(Fig.1a),such as in the Kongling Complex,the Zhongxiang Complex,and the Douling Complex(Zhao GC and Cawood PA,2012).The Dabie Orogen is the eastward extension of the Qinling Orogen.展开更多
The key factors controlling the densification of unconventional reservoirs(e.g.,tight oil and gas reservoirs)remain poorly understood and directly affect the distribution of exploitable resources.Here,systematically e...The key factors controlling the densification of unconventional reservoirs(e.g.,tight oil and gas reservoirs)remain poorly understood and directly affect the distribution of exploitable resources.Here,systematically explored reservoir characteristics,depositional microfacies,and the main factors controlling densification of the tight oil reservoir in the Chang 8 Member(Yanchang Formation,Middle Triassic)in the southern Ordos Basin by thin section analysis,scanning electron microscopy,physical property measurement,X-ray diffraction,and mercury injection.Our results confirm the Chang 8 reservoir as an extremely low permeability tight sandstone reservoir mainly comprising lithic feldspathic sandstone with various primary and secondary pores and fine pore channels.The highest quality reservoir is mainly restricted to the middle and lower parts of subaqueous distributary channel microfacies.Dissolution partly contributed to reservoir formation,but the persistence of early,non-compressed storage space was more important.The compression of plastic rock debris removed a significant amount of porosity,and calcite,kaolinite,and siliceous minerals both fill pores,whereas chlorite cladding of particles protects the pore space.We identified three densification mechanisms:the persistent densification of highly plastic rock debris during burial,calcite cementation and pore filling,and feldspar dissolution and subsequent kaolinite precipitation and siliceous cementation.After their compaction,the Chang 8 Member reservoirs were charged with hydrocarbons.We applied clustering analysis to eight reservoir characteristics(porosity,permeability,median pore-throat radius,maximum pore-throat radius,median capillary pressure,pore discharge pressure,chlorite content,kaolinite content)to quantitatively classify the Chang 8 reservoir into three categories.Type-Ⅰreservoirs have the best conditions for hosting tight oil reservoirs,with~12%porosity,permeabilities of~0.2×10-3μm2,trial oil production rates of>5 m3/d,and,indeed,occur in subaqueous distributary channel microfacies.Type-Ⅱreservoirs~10%porosity,permeabilities of~0.1×10-3μm2,and trial oil production rates of 1-5 m3/d.Type-Ⅲreservoirs have~5%porosity,permeabilities of~0.05×10-3μm2,and trial oil production rates<1 m3/d.These results provide an important basis for predicting the distribution of exploitable zones in the Chang 8 Member and other adjacent tight reservoirs.展开更多
There are widespread Mesozoic–Cenozoic terrestrial volcanic activities in East China,and they produced favorable geologic factors for the volcanic reservoirs.To reveal the spatio-temporal evolution of regional volcan...There are widespread Mesozoic–Cenozoic terrestrial volcanic activities in East China,and they produced favorable geologic factors for the volcanic reservoirs.To reveal the spatio-temporal evolution of regional volcanisms and their tectonic setting,we subdivide Mesozoic–Cenozoic volcanic activities into 6 volcanic cycles(Ⅰ–Ⅵ),and summarize the temporal-spatial distribution,rock association and tectonic setting of each cycle.The Cycle I forms a post-orogenic intraplate bimodal volcanic association.The cyclesⅡandⅢinclude arc volcanic associations formed in compressional and extensional subduction environments,respectively.The CycleⅣcontains a post-orogenic arc bimodal association.The CycleⅤis a basaltic association of tholeiite series under initial rift setting,and the CycleⅥis basaltic association of alkaline series under typical rift setting.The volcanic strata between each cycle are bounded by regional unconformity.The above 6 volcanic cycles correspond to 6 sequential stages of tectonic evolutions from the Early Jurassic post-orogeny,the Mid-Jurassic–Cretaceous subduction of the paleo-Pacific Plate to the Cenozoic marginal rifting.According to the geological characteristics of volcanic reservoirs in different volcanic cycles,it is put forward that the CycleⅤis the major formation period of volcanic reservoirs in East China and should be the focus of exploration,and that the volcanic reservoirs of the CycleⅣare also worthy of attention.展开更多
The destructiveness of impulse waves generated by landslides(IWL) originates from the wave’s movement and load, wherein the impulse wave’s load is the major cause of sub-aerial building damage and casualties. In thi...The destructiveness of impulse waves generated by landslides(IWL) originates from the wave’s movement and load, wherein the impulse wave’s load is the major cause of sub-aerial building damage and casualties. In this study, an experiment involving 16 groups of physical tests for the wave pressure generated by a landslide was designed, consisting of 4 sets of IWL and 4 opposite bank slope angles. A high-frequency strain system was used to measure the total pressure of the impulse wave in a water tank. The tests showed that the dynamic pressure caused by the IWL can be divided into two types: impact pressure generated by the jetflow and the pulsating pressure caused by the wave. Under the same impulse wave conditions, the maximum run-up becomes smaller as the opposite bank’s slope angle increases, and the jetflow maximum impact pressure experienced by the opposite bank increases, while the maximum pulsating pressure caused by the impulse wave is slightly decreased. Different from previous studies, the spatial maximum pressure distributions of the wave generated by landslide were concluded that the position of the maximum pulsating pressure appears adjacent to the still water surface, and the overall spatial distribution pattern of maximum wave pressure is presented as an inclined 'M' shape.Meanwhile, this study is the first to quantitatively analyzed that impact pressure has a very short action time, is even 7 times of the pulse pressure value, and there is a simple mathematical linear relationship between the two. Currently, some wave-load formulas for wind waves and tides are not applicable to calculating the loads of IWL. Research on the load of IWL will explain the hazard of impulse wave very clearly, and will greatly contribute to hazard prevention, mitigation and risk assessment work associated with IWL.展开更多
Objective Geological records of Earth history in the Hadean(>4.0 Ga)are critical for understanding the earliest evolution of the planet’s continental crust.Unfortunately,investigation of such proto-continental cru...Objective Geological records of Earth history in the Hadean(>4.0 Ga)are critical for understanding the earliest evolution of the planet’s continental crust.Unfortunately,investigation of such proto-continental crust,including its formation mechanism and evolution,has been extremely limited due to the scarcity of Hadean terranes,because most ancient crustal records have been destroyed during subsequent geological processes.展开更多
Since the impounding of the Three Gorges Reservoir, the channel of the Yangtze River has become a busy watercourse and the probability of landslide-induced tsunamis has increased. In the case of landslide-induced tsun...Since the impounding of the Three Gorges Reservoir, the channel of the Yangtze River has become a busy watercourse and the probability of landslide-induced tsunamis has increased. In the case of landslide-induced tsunamis in the Three Gorges Reservoir, even after shipping closures in advance, there are still facilities and objects in urgent need of protection within the risk zone of the watercourse, such as wharfs, marine fueling stations, berthed ships. The emergency protection against and decay of landslide-induced tsunamis in inland watercourses is a new challenge. In this study, 37 sets of wave decay experiments were conducted with the hydromechanics numerical method. The wave decay efficiencies of common simple structures including submerged horizontal plate, horizontal plate on the water surface, inclined thin plate and cross-plates in coastal areas were compared and analyzed. Cross-plates structure showed better wave decay capacity than other simple plates. The wave decay performance of cross-plates was related to five modes of energy dissipation and transformation, namely run-up/run-down, overtopping, reflecting, return flow and disturbed wave orbital path. The type of wave had little relation with the decay performance of cross-plates, but a strong correlation with cross-plates structure, especially the height of the vertical emerged plate. The best decay performance was observed when the ratio of wave amplitude to emerged vertical plate height was between 1 and 1.5, which can reduce up to about 8o% of the incoming wave amplitude. Finally, the emergency way of cross-plates applied to the decay of landslide-induced tsunami in river course is discussed. This study provides a conceptual reference for related studies to practice the attenuation of landslide-induced tsunami in reservoirs.展开更多
The Three Gorges region in China was basically a geohazard-prone area prior to construction of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). After construction of the TGR, the water level was raised from 70 m to 175 m above sea...The Three Gorges region in China was basically a geohazard-prone area prior to construction of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). After construction of the TGR, the water level was raised from 70 m to 175 m above sea level (ASL), and annual reservoir regulation has caused a 30-m water level difference after impoundment of the TGR since September 2008. This paper first presents the spatiotemporal distribution of landslides in six periods of 175 m ASL trial impoundments from 2008 to 2014. The results show that the number of landslides sharply decreased from 273 at the initial stage to less than ten at the second stage of impoundment. Based on this, the reservoir-induced landslides in the TGR region can be roughly classified into five failure patterns, i.e. accumulation landslide, dip-slope landslide, reversed bedding landslide, rockfall, and karst breccia landslide. The accumulation landslides and dip-slope landslides account for more than 90%. Taking the Shuping accumulation landslide (a sliding mass volume of 20.7 × 106 m^3) in Zigui County and the Outang dip-slope landslide (a sliding mass volume of about 90 × 106 m^3) in Fengjie County as two typical cases, the mechanisms of reactivation of the two landslides are analyzed. The monitoring data and factor of safety (FOS) calculation show that the accumulation landslide is dominated by water level variation in the reservoir as most part of the mass body is under 175 m ASL, and the dip-slope landslide is controlled by the coupling effect of reservoir water level variation and precipitation as an extensive recharge area of rainfall from the rear and the front mass is below 175 m ASL. The characteristics of landslide-induced impulsive wave hazards after and before reservoir impoundment are studied, and the probability of occurrence of a landslide-induced impulsive wave hazard has increased in the reservoir region. Simulation results of the Ganjingzi landslide in Wushan County indicate the strong relationship between landslide-induced surge and water variation with high potential risk to shipping and residential areas. Regarding reservoir regulation in TGR when using a single index, i.e. 1-d water level variation, water resources are not well utilized, and there is also potential risk of disasters since 2008. In addition, various indices such as 1-d, 5-d, and 10-d water level variations are proposed for reservoir regulation. Finally, taking reservoir-induced landslides in June 2015 for example, the feasibility of the optimizing indices of water level variations is verified.展开更多
The Bancheng Formation exposed along the Shift Reservoir nearby Bancheng Town, Qinfang Basin, southern Guangxi, is mainly composed of thin-bedded chert. The radiolarian assemblages in the studied section suggest it wa...The Bancheng Formation exposed along the Shift Reservoir nearby Bancheng Town, Qinfang Basin, southern Guangxi, is mainly composed of thin-bedded chert. The radiolarian assemblages in the studied section suggest it was a pelagic setting and the age of the Bancheng Formation is Late Carboniferous to Early Permian. The detrital zircon U-Pb ages from the section are characterized by a Permian peak at -282 Ma. Detrital zircon provenance analysis suggests that the Permian detrital zircons in the Bancheng Formation were likely from volcanic-magmatic arc rocks related to the subducfton of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. The long-lived deposition (from Upper Devonian to Middle Permian, about 125 Ma) of the radiolarian cherts in the Qinfang Basin was comparable with that deposited in Ailaoshan Ocean. The radiolarian assemblages in Qinfang Basin show a Tethyan affinity. Together with the Permian subduction-related arc volcanic rocks and the E-MORB type basalts to the northwest of the study area, our data support the existence of a Permian arc-related basin in the Qinfang area.展开更多
The precise correlation of the Ordovician successions in different facies is difficult due to the complex changes of the tecto-paleogeography in South China.Based on previous studies,the authors recognized 103rd grade...The precise correlation of the Ordovician successions in different facies is difficult due to the complex changes of the tecto-paleogeography in South China.Based on previous studies,the authors recognized 103rd grade sequences,i.e.,Osq1 to Osq10 in ascending order,by the integrated study of chronostratigraphy,biostratigraphy as well as the analysis on the sedimentary facies.The authors are confident to correlate the Ordovician successions precisely in different facies in an isochronous stratigraphic framework with the application of the method of sequence stratigraphy and correlation.展开更多
Objective Fluid inclusions are microscopic fluids entrapped in mineral lattice defects or cavities within the host minerals that can keep a record of physical and chemical information during the process of mineral cry...Objective Fluid inclusions are microscopic fluids entrapped in mineral lattice defects or cavities within the host minerals that can keep a record of physical and chemical information during the process of mineral crystallization,which can be sealed in through geological time.展开更多
The Mesoproterozoic Baoban Group is the oldest basement in Hainan Island and has played an important role in Columbia(Nuna)supercontinent reconstructions.The Mesoproterozoic granitic intrusions in the Baoban Group are...The Mesoproterozoic Baoban Group is the oldest basement in Hainan Island and has played an important role in Columbia(Nuna)supercontinent reconstructions.The Mesoproterozoic granitic intrusions in the Baoban Group are the most widely-exposed Precambrian magmatic rocks and are the key to understanding the tectonic settings of Hainan Island and its relationship with the South China Block and the Columbia supercontinent.New LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating on three mylonitic granite samples from the Tuwaishan and Baoban areas yield ages ranging from 1447 Ma to 1437 Ma,representing the absolute timing of the emplacement of the granitic intrusions.Combined with previously published geochronological data for rocks from the Baoban Group and regional mafic intrusions,it is concluded that the Baoban Group formed at 1460-1430 Ma,coeval with the emplacement of the granitic and mafic intrusions.New in-situ zircon LuHf isotope analyses for the three mylonitic granite samples yielded positiveε(t)values,ranging from+0.49 to+8.27,with model ages(T~C)ranging from 2181 Ma to 1687 Ma,suggesting that the granitic intrusions originated from a mixed source of Paleoproterozoic crust with juvenile crust.New zircon trace element data show characteristics of high Th/U values of 0.24-1.50,steep slopes from LREE to HREE and negative Pr,Eu anomalies with positive Ce,Sm anomalies,representing typical magmatic zircons formed in continental crust.Compared with available magmatic and detrital zircon ages from Precambrian rocks in the Cathaysia Block,Yangtze Block and western Laurentia,it is inferred that Hainan Island was separated from both the Cathaysia Block and the Yangtze Block,instead being connected with western Laurentia in the Columbia supercontinent.Considering the decreasing tendency of basin deposition time along the western margin of Laurentia,it is proposed that Hainan Island was located to the north or northwest of the Belt-Purcell Supergroup,along the western margin of Laurentia,during the breakup of the Columbia supercontinent.展开更多
The goal of this study was to determine the spatiotemporal characteristics of mangrove distribution and fragmentation patterns from 1988 through 2019 in Dongzhaigang.Land cover datasets were generated for Dongzhaigang...The goal of this study was to determine the spatiotemporal characteristics of mangrove distribution and fragmentation patterns from 1988 through 2019 in Dongzhaigang.Land cover datasets were generated for Dongzhaigang for multiple years via a decision tree method based on a classification and regression tree(CART)algorithm using Landsat time series images.Spatiotemporal transform and fragmentation patterns of mangrove distribution were separately assessed with a transfer matrix of land cover types and a landscape pattern index.The classification method combined with multi-band images showed good accuracy,with overall accuracy higher than 90%.Mangrove areas in 1988,1999,2009,and 2019 were 2050,1875,1818,and 1750 ha,respectively,with decreases mainly due to conversion to aquaculture ponds and farmland.A mangrove growth index(MGI)was proposed,reflecting the water-mangrove relationship,showing positive mangrove growth from 1988–2009 and negative growth from 2009–2019.Study results indicated anthropogenic factors play a leading role in the extent and scale of mangrove effects over the past 30 years.According to the analysis results,corresponding management and protection measures are proposed to provide reference for the sustainable development of Dongzhaigang Mangrove Wetland ecosystem.展开更多
Mangrove wetlands are a vital component of the blue carbon ecosystem,which is of great significance to coastal ecosystems and the global carbon balance.However,mangrove forests worldwide face a combination of natural ...Mangrove wetlands are a vital component of the blue carbon ecosystem,which is of great significance to coastal ecosystems and the global carbon balance.However,mangrove forests worldwide face a combination of natural and anthropogenic threats.This study employs highresolution sedimentology,geochemistry,and pollen analysis to reveal the sedimentary evolution and vegetation succession in the mangrove wetland of Dongzhai Harbor,Hainan Island.By utilizing multiple proxies,including^(14)C chronology,δ^(13)C,C/N,and the chemical index of alteration(CIA),we identified three distinct stages in the sedimentary records spanning from the Late Pleistocene to the modern age.Prior to the last glaciation,during the Late Pleistocene,the study area exhibited marine carbonate facies,with an abundance of marine-derived organic matter.During the low sea-level stage of the last glaciation,the strata in the core location were exposed.Following the last glaciation,the study area gradually transitioned into intertidal settings in response to fluctuating sea levels.Since the Middle Holocene or even earlier,sedimentary organic matter continued to accumulate as terrestrial C3 vegetation and mangrove forests established,persisted,and developed.This period witnessed the formation of the current estuarine environment.Simultaneously,the pioneering mangrove species,probably represented by Avicennia,might be initially established,followed by Rhizophora,Bruguiera and Ceriops communities,ultimately being replaced by Kandelia obovata to date.These findings not only fill the gap in the study of paleo-mangroves in China but also contribute valuable knowledge to the global reconstruction of paleo-mangroves,providing crucial reference for the conservation of mangroves and prediction of their responses in the context of climate change.展开更多
The traditional(narrow sense)Indosinian orogeny or“Indosinian Movement”refers to the Song Chay belt in northeastern Vietnam.As research has advanced,the Indosinian orogeny has been related to the closure of the Pale...The traditional(narrow sense)Indosinian orogeny or“Indosinian Movement”refers to the Song Chay belt in northeastern Vietnam.As research has advanced,the Indosinian orogeny has been related to the closure of the Paleo-Tethys and is considered a typical orogeny formed by the amalgamation of multiple microcontinental blocks.The Indochina orogenic belt consists of the Ailaoshan,Song Ma,and Song Chay(tectonic)belts,which extend across northern Vietnam and the YunnanGuangxi region of China.Based on structural and isotopic geochronological analyses,these three belts exhibit a high degree of consistency in tectonic frame,geometry,kinematics,and metamorphic facies.The ages of the ophiolites are also well correlated;even the time of deformation,which could be interpreted as the initial stage of the collision,is mostly concentrated between 246and 240 Ma.Excluding the modification of the Cenozoic Red River and Dien Bien Phu strike-slip Faults,the three suture zones were connected during the Early Mesozoic with a unified southwestward subduction polarity,resulting in complete subduction and collisional orogeny.Based on this work,we propose an overall tectonic model for the Indochina orogenic belt and discuss the evolution and geodynamics of the middle branch of the Paleo-Tethys.This resulted in the evolution of the Tethyan tectonic domain and aggregation and rifting of the supercontinents.展开更多
基金funded by the projects of Tianjin North China Geological Exploration Bureau (HK2023–B01,HK2022–B08)China Geological Survey (DD20230576,DD20201152)。
文摘1.Objective Nigeria lies between the West African Craton and the Congo Craton,south of the Tuareg Shield(Ogunmola JK et al.,2015).The Nasarawa pegmatite field mainly comprises of the Precambrian Basement Complex(including Archean-Proterozoic migmatite,gneiss,schists and Pan-African “Older Granites”),Mesozoic alkaline ring complexes(“Younger Granites”) and sedimentary basins(Yang QD et al.,2023;Fig.1a).“Older Granites” are part of the Pan-African mobile belt;“Younger Granites” has significant peralkaline characteristics.“Younger Granites” has a wide distribution in the north-central region of Nigeria,including areas such as Kano,Jos-Bauchi,Mada,and Nasarawa,and the emplacement age gradually decreases from north to south from 213 Ma(Dutse complex) to 141 Ma(Afu complex)(Amuda AK et al.,2021).
文摘1.Objective Large-scale commercial production of shale gas started in Fuling,Changning and Weiyuan areas of the Sichuan Basin (Zou et al.,2016)since 2010.The most notable shale gas success is the Longmaxi organic rich Shale in Jiaoshiba field, Sichuan Basin.The Yichang slope is located in the north of middle Yangtze region.This eastward dipping slope is a new prospective area for shale gas exploration in recent 5 years.
基金financially supported by the Key Laboratory of Tectonics and Petroleum Resources of Ministry of Education(China University of Geosciences)(Grant no.TPR-2021-13)the Science and technology research project of Hubei Provincial Department of Education(Grant no.Q20211304)+1 种基金the National Science and Technology Major Project of China(Grant no.2016ZX050340010022017ZX05035001-002)。
文摘To improve the understanding of the relationship between silica source and organic matter accumulation,the origin of silica and its implications for organic matter enrichment in the Upper OrdovicianLower Silurian(O_(3)w-S_(1)l)black shale in western Hubei Province in the middle Yangtze area,were investigated through geochemical and petrological analyses.The results show that the O_(3)w-S_(1)l black shale is mainly composed of five lithofacies with varying graptolite abundance,total organic carbon(TOC),and silica contents.Biogenic silica and terrigenous siliciclastic input constitute the main silica sources in O_(3)w-S_(1)l black shale and they exhibit an upward inverse variation trend interpreted to be related to sea-level changes.Moreover,with the increase in biogenic silica content or decrease in terrigenous siliciclastic input,TOC values in black shale initially rise and then fall,which is different from originally expected simple linear relationship.We infer that organic matter enrichment and the distribution of silica from different origins are controlled by sea-level changes and variations in terrigenous input in a continental shelf with little hydrothermal influence.An environment with appropriate sea level and terrigenous input should be most favorable for organic matter accumulation,rather than one with excessive high sea level and less terrigenous input.
基金sponsored by the China National Science and Technology Major Project (No. 2016ZX05006003-001)the Programme of Introducing Talents of Discipline to Universities (No. B14031)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 41572114, 41302110)The SINOPEC Shengli Oilfield is thanked for providing background geological data and support
文摘The Chezhen depression,located in the south of Bohai Bay Basin,is an oil-producing basin in China. The third and fourth members of the Shahejie Formation(E(s3) and E(s4)) are the main source rock series in the Chezhen depression. Widespread overpressures occurred in the E(s3) and E(s4) from the depths of approximately 2 000 to 4 600 m,with the maximum pressure coefficient of 1.98 from drillstem tests(DST). Among the sonic,resistivity and density logs,sonic-log is the only reliable pressure indicator and can be used to predict the pore pressure with Eaton's method. All the overpressured mudstones in the source rock series have higher acoustic traveltimes compared with normally pressured mudstones at a given depth. The overpressured mudstones in the E(s3) and E(s4) units are characterized by a normal geothermal gradient,high average density values up to 2.5 g/cm^3,strong present-day hydrocarbon generation capability,abundant mature organic matter and high contents of residual hydrocarbons estimated by the Rock-Eval S1 values and chloroform-soluble bitumen "A" values. All suggest that the dominant mechanism for overpressure in the mudstones of source rock series in the Chezhen depression is hydrocarbon generation. A comparison between the matrix porosity of the normally pressured sandstones and overpressured sandstones,the quantitative evaluation of porosity loss caused by compaction and the conventional thin section inspection demonstrate that the sandstones in the Chezhen depression were normally compacted. The high contents of hydrocarbons in the overpressured reservoirs prove that the overpressure in the sandstones of the source rock series was caused by pressure transmission from the source rocks.
基金supported by the Natural Science Foundation of China(No.40742008,40272020)the Gelogical Survey of China(No. 1212011121103)
文摘The graptolite fauna across the Lower and Middle Ordovician boundary at the Huanghuachang GSSP section, Yichang and the Jianyangping section, Xingshan County is described. The taxonomy of the pendent didymograptids, the graptolite zonations across the base of Middle Ordovician and their correlations are discussed in this paper. The two revised graptolite zones, the Didymograptellus bifidus Zone and the Azygograptus suecicus Zone, can be well correlated to their equivalents elsewhere in the world.
基金This study was financially supported by Open Fund of the Research Center for Petrogenesis and Mineralization of Granitoid Rocks(PMGR202002)projects of China Geological Survey(12120113063200,DD20160031,DD20190050).
文摘1.Objectives As one of three major tectonic blocks of China,the South China Block has undergone multiple periods of tectonic-magmatic-metamorphic events.Among these events,the Caledonian orogeny results in the formation of NE-trending Wuyi−Yunkai orogen in South China.This orogen shows complex characteristics,including widespread angular unconformity between Ordovician and Devonian strata,pre-Devonian intense deformation and metamorphism(amphibolite to granulite facies).
基金financially supported by the Open Fund of the Research Center for Petrogenesis and Mineralization of Granitoid Rocks(PMGR202014)the project of the China Geological Survey(DD20190050)。
文摘1.Objective Unlike the North China Plate where Archean and Paleoproterozoic crustal rocks are widely distributed,Early Precambrian basement rocks in the Yangtze Block of South China are locally exposed(Fig.1a),such as in the Kongling Complex,the Zhongxiang Complex,and the Douling Complex(Zhao GC and Cawood PA,2012).The Dabie Orogen is the eastward extension of the Qinling Orogen.
基金supported by Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province(2022NSFSC1075)National Natural Science Foundation of China(42072137)。
文摘The key factors controlling the densification of unconventional reservoirs(e.g.,tight oil and gas reservoirs)remain poorly understood and directly affect the distribution of exploitable resources.Here,systematically explored reservoir characteristics,depositional microfacies,and the main factors controlling densification of the tight oil reservoir in the Chang 8 Member(Yanchang Formation,Middle Triassic)in the southern Ordos Basin by thin section analysis,scanning electron microscopy,physical property measurement,X-ray diffraction,and mercury injection.Our results confirm the Chang 8 reservoir as an extremely low permeability tight sandstone reservoir mainly comprising lithic feldspathic sandstone with various primary and secondary pores and fine pore channels.The highest quality reservoir is mainly restricted to the middle and lower parts of subaqueous distributary channel microfacies.Dissolution partly contributed to reservoir formation,but the persistence of early,non-compressed storage space was more important.The compression of plastic rock debris removed a significant amount of porosity,and calcite,kaolinite,and siliceous minerals both fill pores,whereas chlorite cladding of particles protects the pore space.We identified three densification mechanisms:the persistent densification of highly plastic rock debris during burial,calcite cementation and pore filling,and feldspar dissolution and subsequent kaolinite precipitation and siliceous cementation.After their compaction,the Chang 8 Member reservoirs were charged with hydrocarbons.We applied clustering analysis to eight reservoir characteristics(porosity,permeability,median pore-throat radius,maximum pore-throat radius,median capillary pressure,pore discharge pressure,chlorite content,kaolinite content)to quantitatively classify the Chang 8 reservoir into three categories.Type-Ⅰreservoirs have the best conditions for hosting tight oil reservoirs,with~12%porosity,permeabilities of~0.2×10-3μm2,trial oil production rates of>5 m3/d,and,indeed,occur in subaqueous distributary channel microfacies.Type-Ⅱreservoirs~10%porosity,permeabilities of~0.1×10-3μm2,and trial oil production rates of 1-5 m3/d.Type-Ⅲreservoirs have~5%porosity,permeabilities of~0.05×10-3μm2,and trial oil production rates<1 m3/d.These results provide an important basis for predicting the distribution of exploitable zones in the Chang 8 Member and other adjacent tight reservoirs.
基金supported by the State Key R&D Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China(No.2016YFC06002010).
文摘There are widespread Mesozoic–Cenozoic terrestrial volcanic activities in East China,and they produced favorable geologic factors for the volcanic reservoirs.To reveal the spatio-temporal evolution of regional volcanisms and their tectonic setting,we subdivide Mesozoic–Cenozoic volcanic activities into 6 volcanic cycles(Ⅰ–Ⅵ),and summarize the temporal-spatial distribution,rock association and tectonic setting of each cycle.The Cycle I forms a post-orogenic intraplate bimodal volcanic association.The cyclesⅡandⅢinclude arc volcanic associations formed in compressional and extensional subduction environments,respectively.The CycleⅣcontains a post-orogenic arc bimodal association.The CycleⅤis a basaltic association of tholeiite series under initial rift setting,and the CycleⅥis basaltic association of alkaline series under typical rift setting.The volcanic strata between each cycle are bounded by regional unconformity.The above 6 volcanic cycles correspond to 6 sequential stages of tectonic evolutions from the Early Jurassic post-orogeny,the Mid-Jurassic–Cretaceous subduction of the paleo-Pacific Plate to the Cenozoic marginal rifting.According to the geological characteristics of volcanic reservoirs in different volcanic cycles,it is put forward that the CycleⅤis the major formation period of volcanic reservoirs in East China and should be the focus of exploration,and that the volcanic reservoirs of the CycleⅣare also worthy of attention.
基金supported by National Key R&D Program of China(ID:2018YFC1504803)project from China Geological Survey(Grant No.121201009000150018 and DD20190637)Geological Hazard Prevention and Control Project for Follow-Up Work of the Three Gorges Project(000121 2018C C60 003)
文摘The destructiveness of impulse waves generated by landslides(IWL) originates from the wave’s movement and load, wherein the impulse wave’s load is the major cause of sub-aerial building damage and casualties. In this study, an experiment involving 16 groups of physical tests for the wave pressure generated by a landslide was designed, consisting of 4 sets of IWL and 4 opposite bank slope angles. A high-frequency strain system was used to measure the total pressure of the impulse wave in a water tank. The tests showed that the dynamic pressure caused by the IWL can be divided into two types: impact pressure generated by the jetflow and the pulsating pressure caused by the wave. Under the same impulse wave conditions, the maximum run-up becomes smaller as the opposite bank’s slope angle increases, and the jetflow maximum impact pressure experienced by the opposite bank increases, while the maximum pulsating pressure caused by the impulse wave is slightly decreased. Different from previous studies, the spatial maximum pressure distributions of the wave generated by landslide were concluded that the position of the maximum pulsating pressure appears adjacent to the still water surface, and the overall spatial distribution pattern of maximum wave pressure is presented as an inclined 'M' shape.Meanwhile, this study is the first to quantitatively analyzed that impact pressure has a very short action time, is even 7 times of the pulse pressure value, and there is a simple mathematical linear relationship between the two. Currently, some wave-load formulas for wind waves and tides are not applicable to calculating the loads of IWL. Research on the load of IWL will explain the hazard of impulse wave very clearly, and will greatly contribute to hazard prevention, mitigation and risk assessment work associated with IWL.
基金financially supported by National Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41303026)the funded project of Hubei Key Laboratory of Paleontology and Geological Environment Evolution(Grant No.PEL-202010)China Geological Survey(Grant No.DD20190050)。
文摘Objective Geological records of Earth history in the Hadean(>4.0 Ga)are critical for understanding the earliest evolution of the planet’s continental crust.Unfortunately,investigation of such proto-continental crust,including its formation mechanism and evolution,has been extremely limited due to the scarcity of Hadean terranes,because most ancient crustal records have been destroyed during subsequent geological processes.
基金funded by the National Natural Science Foundation Project of China(41372321)China Geological Survey Project(121201009000150018)
文摘Since the impounding of the Three Gorges Reservoir, the channel of the Yangtze River has become a busy watercourse and the probability of landslide-induced tsunamis has increased. In the case of landslide-induced tsunamis in the Three Gorges Reservoir, even after shipping closures in advance, there are still facilities and objects in urgent need of protection within the risk zone of the watercourse, such as wharfs, marine fueling stations, berthed ships. The emergency protection against and decay of landslide-induced tsunamis in inland watercourses is a new challenge. In this study, 37 sets of wave decay experiments were conducted with the hydromechanics numerical method. The wave decay efficiencies of common simple structures including submerged horizontal plate, horizontal plate on the water surface, inclined thin plate and cross-plates in coastal areas were compared and analyzed. Cross-plates structure showed better wave decay capacity than other simple plates. The wave decay performance of cross-plates was related to five modes of energy dissipation and transformation, namely run-up/run-down, overtopping, reflecting, return flow and disturbed wave orbital path. The type of wave had little relation with the decay performance of cross-plates, but a strong correlation with cross-plates structure, especially the height of the vertical emerged plate. The best decay performance was observed when the ratio of wave amplitude to emerged vertical plate height was between 1 and 1.5, which can reduce up to about 8o% of the incoming wave amplitude. Finally, the emergency way of cross-plates applied to the decay of landslide-induced tsunami in river course is discussed. This study provides a conceptual reference for related studies to practice the attenuation of landslide-induced tsunami in reservoirs.
基金The"Twelfth Five-Year Plan"of the National Science and Technology Support Project(Grant No.2012BAK10B01)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.41372321 and 41502305)China Geological Survey Projects(Grant No.121201009000150018)
文摘The Three Gorges region in China was basically a geohazard-prone area prior to construction of the Three Gorges Reservoir (TGR). After construction of the TGR, the water level was raised from 70 m to 175 m above sea level (ASL), and annual reservoir regulation has caused a 30-m water level difference after impoundment of the TGR since September 2008. This paper first presents the spatiotemporal distribution of landslides in six periods of 175 m ASL trial impoundments from 2008 to 2014. The results show that the number of landslides sharply decreased from 273 at the initial stage to less than ten at the second stage of impoundment. Based on this, the reservoir-induced landslides in the TGR region can be roughly classified into five failure patterns, i.e. accumulation landslide, dip-slope landslide, reversed bedding landslide, rockfall, and karst breccia landslide. The accumulation landslides and dip-slope landslides account for more than 90%. Taking the Shuping accumulation landslide (a sliding mass volume of 20.7 × 106 m^3) in Zigui County and the Outang dip-slope landslide (a sliding mass volume of about 90 × 106 m^3) in Fengjie County as two typical cases, the mechanisms of reactivation of the two landslides are analyzed. The monitoring data and factor of safety (FOS) calculation show that the accumulation landslide is dominated by water level variation in the reservoir as most part of the mass body is under 175 m ASL, and the dip-slope landslide is controlled by the coupling effect of reservoir water level variation and precipitation as an extensive recharge area of rainfall from the rear and the front mass is below 175 m ASL. The characteristics of landslide-induced impulsive wave hazards after and before reservoir impoundment are studied, and the probability of occurrence of a landslide-induced impulsive wave hazard has increased in the reservoir region. Simulation results of the Ganjingzi landslide in Wushan County indicate the strong relationship between landslide-induced surge and water variation with high potential risk to shipping and residential areas. Regarding reservoir regulation in TGR when using a single index, i.e. 1-d water level variation, water resources are not well utilized, and there is also potential risk of disasters since 2008. In addition, various indices such as 1-d, 5-d, and 10-d water level variations are proposed for reservoir regulation. Finally, taking reservoir-induced landslides in June 2015 for example, the feasibility of the optimizing indices of water level variations is verified.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.41772016)the China Geological Survey(Nos.1212011220529,121201004000150021,and 121201017000172004)the Key Research and Development Project of the Ministry of Science and Technology(No.2016YFC0601005)
文摘The Bancheng Formation exposed along the Shift Reservoir nearby Bancheng Town, Qinfang Basin, southern Guangxi, is mainly composed of thin-bedded chert. The radiolarian assemblages in the studied section suggest it was a pelagic setting and the age of the Bancheng Formation is Late Carboniferous to Early Permian. The detrital zircon U-Pb ages from the section are characterized by a Permian peak at -282 Ma. Detrital zircon provenance analysis suggests that the Permian detrital zircons in the Bancheng Formation were likely from volcanic-magmatic arc rocks related to the subducfton of the Paleo-Tethyan Ocean. The long-lived deposition (from Upper Devonian to Middle Permian, about 125 Ma) of the radiolarian cherts in the Qinfang Basin was comparable with that deposited in Ailaoshan Ocean. The radiolarian assemblages in Qinfang Basin show a Tethyan affinity. Together with the Permian subduction-related arc volcanic rocks and the E-MORB type basalts to the northwest of the study area, our data support the existence of a Permian arc-related basin in the Qinfang area.
基金the Natural Science Foundation of China (41472031)the Gelogical Survey of China (121201009000172111, 121201009000150017)a contribution to the IGCP Project 591, The Early to Middle Paleozoic Revolution.
文摘The precise correlation of the Ordovician successions in different facies is difficult due to the complex changes of the tecto-paleogeography in South China.Based on previous studies,the authors recognized 103rd grade sequences,i.e.,Osq1 to Osq10 in ascending order,by the integrated study of chronostratigraphy,biostratigraphy as well as the analysis on the sedimentary facies.The authors are confident to correlate the Ordovician successions precisely in different facies in an isochronous stratigraphic framework with the application of the method of sequence stratigraphy and correlation.
基金financially supported by the project‘Geological and Mineral Survey of the Shennongjia–Huayuan Area in the Xiangxi-Exi Mineralization Belt’from the China Geological Survey(Grant No.DD20160029)。
文摘Objective Fluid inclusions are microscopic fluids entrapped in mineral lattice defects or cavities within the host minerals that can keep a record of physical and chemical information during the process of mineral crystallization,which can be sealed in through geological time.
基金funded by the Chinese Geological Survey Program(Grant Nos.DD20160035,DD20190047)the National Nonprofit Institute Research Grant of IGGE(AS2022P03)the Chinese Scholarship Council(File No.201606400032)Scholarship to Liu Yuheng。
文摘The Mesoproterozoic Baoban Group is the oldest basement in Hainan Island and has played an important role in Columbia(Nuna)supercontinent reconstructions.The Mesoproterozoic granitic intrusions in the Baoban Group are the most widely-exposed Precambrian magmatic rocks and are the key to understanding the tectonic settings of Hainan Island and its relationship with the South China Block and the Columbia supercontinent.New LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb dating on three mylonitic granite samples from the Tuwaishan and Baoban areas yield ages ranging from 1447 Ma to 1437 Ma,representing the absolute timing of the emplacement of the granitic intrusions.Combined with previously published geochronological data for rocks from the Baoban Group and regional mafic intrusions,it is concluded that the Baoban Group formed at 1460-1430 Ma,coeval with the emplacement of the granitic and mafic intrusions.New in-situ zircon LuHf isotope analyses for the three mylonitic granite samples yielded positiveε(t)values,ranging from+0.49 to+8.27,with model ages(T~C)ranging from 2181 Ma to 1687 Ma,suggesting that the granitic intrusions originated from a mixed source of Paleoproterozoic crust with juvenile crust.New zircon trace element data show characteristics of high Th/U values of 0.24-1.50,steep slopes from LREE to HREE and negative Pr,Eu anomalies with positive Ce,Sm anomalies,representing typical magmatic zircons formed in continental crust.Compared with available magmatic and detrital zircon ages from Precambrian rocks in the Cathaysia Block,Yangtze Block and western Laurentia,it is inferred that Hainan Island was separated from both the Cathaysia Block and the Yangtze Block,instead being connected with western Laurentia in the Columbia supercontinent.Considering the decreasing tendency of basin deposition time along the western margin of Laurentia,it is proposed that Hainan Island was located to the north or northwest of the Belt-Purcell Supergroup,along the western margin of Laurentia,during the breakup of the Columbia supercontinent.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.U2244225 and 42020104005)the Ministry of Education of China(111 Project)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China University of Geosciences(Wuhan)and China Geological Survey(No.DD20211391)。
文摘The goal of this study was to determine the spatiotemporal characteristics of mangrove distribution and fragmentation patterns from 1988 through 2019 in Dongzhaigang.Land cover datasets were generated for Dongzhaigang for multiple years via a decision tree method based on a classification and regression tree(CART)algorithm using Landsat time series images.Spatiotemporal transform and fragmentation patterns of mangrove distribution were separately assessed with a transfer matrix of land cover types and a landscape pattern index.The classification method combined with multi-band images showed good accuracy,with overall accuracy higher than 90%.Mangrove areas in 1988,1999,2009,and 2019 were 2050,1875,1818,and 1750 ha,respectively,with decreases mainly due to conversion to aquaculture ponds and farmland.A mangrove growth index(MGI)was proposed,reflecting the water-mangrove relationship,showing positive mangrove growth from 1988–2009 and negative growth from 2009–2019.Study results indicated anthropogenic factors play a leading role in the extent and scale of mangrove effects over the past 30 years.According to the analysis results,corresponding management and protection measures are proposed to provide reference for the sustainable development of Dongzhaigang Mangrove Wetland ecosystem.
基金financially supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U2244225)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,China University of Geosciences and China Geological Survey(No.DD20211391)。
文摘Mangrove wetlands are a vital component of the blue carbon ecosystem,which is of great significance to coastal ecosystems and the global carbon balance.However,mangrove forests worldwide face a combination of natural and anthropogenic threats.This study employs highresolution sedimentology,geochemistry,and pollen analysis to reveal the sedimentary evolution and vegetation succession in the mangrove wetland of Dongzhai Harbor,Hainan Island.By utilizing multiple proxies,including^(14)C chronology,δ^(13)C,C/N,and the chemical index of alteration(CIA),we identified three distinct stages in the sedimentary records spanning from the Late Pleistocene to the modern age.Prior to the last glaciation,during the Late Pleistocene,the study area exhibited marine carbonate facies,with an abundance of marine-derived organic matter.During the low sea-level stage of the last glaciation,the strata in the core location were exposed.Following the last glaciation,the study area gradually transitioned into intertidal settings in response to fluctuating sea levels.Since the Middle Holocene or even earlier,sedimentary organic matter continued to accumulate as terrestrial C3 vegetation and mangrove forests established,persisted,and developed.This period witnessed the formation of the current estuarine environment.Simultaneously,the pioneering mangrove species,probably represented by Avicennia,might be initially established,followed by Rhizophora,Bruguiera and Ceriops communities,ultimately being replaced by Kandelia obovata to date.These findings not only fill the gap in the study of paleo-mangroves in China but also contribute valuable knowledge to the global reconstruction of paleo-mangroves,providing crucial reference for the conservation of mangroves and prediction of their responses in the context of climate change.
基金supported by the State Key Laboratory of Lithospheric Evolution,Institute of Geology and Geophysics,Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.SKL-Z202205)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant Nos.U2344213&91855212)。
文摘The traditional(narrow sense)Indosinian orogeny or“Indosinian Movement”refers to the Song Chay belt in northeastern Vietnam.As research has advanced,the Indosinian orogeny has been related to the closure of the Paleo-Tethys and is considered a typical orogeny formed by the amalgamation of multiple microcontinental blocks.The Indochina orogenic belt consists of the Ailaoshan,Song Ma,and Song Chay(tectonic)belts,which extend across northern Vietnam and the YunnanGuangxi region of China.Based on structural and isotopic geochronological analyses,these three belts exhibit a high degree of consistency in tectonic frame,geometry,kinematics,and metamorphic facies.The ages of the ophiolites are also well correlated;even the time of deformation,which could be interpreted as the initial stage of the collision,is mostly concentrated between 246and 240 Ma.Excluding the modification of the Cenozoic Red River and Dien Bien Phu strike-slip Faults,the three suture zones were connected during the Early Mesozoic with a unified southwestward subduction polarity,resulting in complete subduction and collisional orogeny.Based on this work,we propose an overall tectonic model for the Indochina orogenic belt and discuss the evolution and geodynamics of the middle branch of the Paleo-Tethys.This resulted in the evolution of the Tethyan tectonic domain and aggregation and rifting of the supercontinents.