The Lop Nur Salt Lake, located in the eastern part of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China, has become a playa in the Quaternary. Rhombic in shape, the Lop Nur depression is mainly controlled by the NE-striking and nearly...The Lop Nur Salt Lake, located in the eastern part of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China, has become a playa in the Quaternary. Rhombic in shape, the Lop Nur depression is mainly controlled by the NE-striking and nearly N-S-striking sets of faults. Since 1995, a superlarge brine potash deposit with potash resources of 2.50×10^8s t has been found in the Luobei subbasin in the northeastern part of the Lop Nur. We intensively studied the features and formation mechanism of faults inside the Lop Nur through satellite images, geomorphologic survey and continuous conductivity imaging and found seven subparallel graben faults formed under the action of nearly N 10° E principal compressional stress during deposition of the Lop Nur Salt Lake. These faults are up to 〉60 km long and 1-4 km wide and may extend downward for 1000 m or more. It is just under the action of these tensional faults that potash subbasius formed. The largest subbasin is the Luobei subbasin and the smaller ones are the Luoxi hollow, Erbei hollow and Tienan hollow. Investigation also indicates that the graben faults in the Lop Nur not only control the origin of the potash subbasins, but they themselves are also good brine reservoir structures, in which abundant potash-rich brines are stored. Therefore, The faults had played an important role in the potash formation of the Lop Nur.展开更多
Located in the eastern part of the Tarim basin, Xinjiang, the Lop Nur was an ultimate water catchment area of the Tarim basin during the Quaternary. Through nearly ten years of investigation and research, the authors ...Located in the eastern part of the Tarim basin, Xinjiang, the Lop Nur was an ultimate water catchment area of the Tarim basin during the Quaternary. Through nearly ten years of investigation and research, the authors have found a superlarge brine potash deposit in the Luobei subbasin—a secondary basin of the Lop Nur depression. The deposit has been mined now. On that basis, the authors propose new theories on the genesis of the potash rock deposit. In the tectonic and geomorphologic contexts, the Tarim basin lies in a 'high mountain-deep basin' environment. At the beginning of the Quaternary, influenced by the neotectonic movement, the Lop Nur evolved into a 'deep basin' in the Tarim basin. At the end of the middle Pleistocene, neotectonic migration began to take place in the interior of the Lop Nur and a new secondary deep basin—the Luobei subbasin—formed gradually. Despite its small area, it is actually the deepest subbasin in the Lop Nur depression, where brines of the Lop Nur Salt Lake gather and evaporate, thus providing materials for the formation of a superlarge brine potash rock deposit. With respect to the phenomenon of brine concentration and change with deepening of the lake, the authors propose a model of 'high mountain-deep basin' tectonic migration for potash concentration. In the sedimentological context, the honeycomb-shaped voids developed in glauberite rock in the subbasin are good space for potash-rich brine accumulation. Study indicates that the deposition of glauberite requires recharge of calcium-rich water. In the Tarim area the calcium-rich water might come from deep formation water or oilfield water, and the river water recharging the Lop Nur Salt Lake was rich in sulfate radicals and other components; in addition, the climate in the area was very dry and the brine evaporated steadily, thus resulting in deposition of substantial amount of glauberite, potash accumulation in intercrystal brine and final formation of the potash deposit. Generally, potash formation in a salt lake underg展开更多
Potash deposits commonly accumulate in highly restricted settings at the final stage of brine evaporation. This does not mean that potash deposits are formed simply as a result of the evaporation concentration of seaw...Potash deposits commonly accumulate in highly restricted settings at the final stage of brine evaporation. This does not mean that potash deposits are formed simply as a result of the evaporation concentration of seawater or lake water, but rather as a coupling result of particular provenance, tectonics and climate activities. In this paper, we focus on the formative mechanism of the potash deposits of Lop Nur depression in Tarim Basin to interpret the detailed coupling mechanism among provenance, tectonics and climate. In terms of the provenance of Lop Nur Lake, the water of the Tarim River which displays ＂potassium-rich＂ characteristics play an important role. In addition, the Pliocene and Lower-Middle Pleistocene clastic beds surrounding Lop Nur Lake host a certain amount of soluble potassium and thus serves as ＂source beds＂ for potash formation. During the late Pliocene, the Lop Nur region has declined and evolved into a great lake from the previous piedmont and diluvial fan area. Since the mid Pleistocene, the great-united Lop Nur Lake has been separated and has generated a chain system consisting of Taitema Lake, Big Ear Lake and Luobei Lake which has turned into the deepest sag in Lop Nur Lake. Dry climate in Lop Nur region has increased since the Pliocene, and became extreme at the late Pleistocene. The study implies that potash formation in Lop Nur Lake depends on the optimal combination of extreme components of provenance, tectonics and climate during a shorter-term period. The optimal patterns of three factors are generally characterized by the long-term accumulation and preliminary enrichment of potassium, the occurrence of the deepest sub-depression and the appearance of an extremely arid climate in Lop Nur region. These factors have been interacting synergistically since the forming of the saline lake and in the later stages strong ＂vapor extraction＂ caused by extremely arid climate is needed to trigger large scale mineralization of potash deposits.展开更多
Many yellow silt layers have been identified in the Holocene sediments in the last lake of Lop Nur (playa), Xinjiang, northwestern China. Statistics of drill-hole cores have revealed more than one hundred layers, whic...Many yellow silt layers have been identified in the Holocene sediments in the last lake of Lop Nur (playa), Xinjiang, northwestern China. Statistics of drill-hole cores have revealed more than one hundred layers, which exhibit regularity in time sequence. Study has further verified that these yellow silt layers were deposited through eolian processes. The time-frequency distribution diagram shows an obvious peak occurring at about 8200 a B.P., which is consistent with the dry, windy and cold climate event occurring at 8200 a in other places around the world. Therefore, this event is regarded as a response to the global climate change.展开更多
Holocene palaeoweathering conditions and environmental changes of Loulan （楼兰） Stupa Sec-tion were reconstructed by major elements analysis results and optical stimulated luminescence dating results. Major element ...Holocene palaeoweathering conditions and environmental changes of Loulan （楼兰） Stupa Sec-tion were reconstructed by major elements analysis results and optical stimulated luminescence dating results. Major element results show source rock change little, with the composition equivalent to granodiorite. The low R value and high CIA （chemical index of alteration） value indicating the section at primary weathering phases. The muddy silt and silty clay have low R value and high CIA value and total iron content. In contrast, the sandy clay silt and sandy silt have high R value and low CIA and total iron value. Deglaciation time climate was relatively humid. In comparison to previous and posterior hiatus, the Middle-Holocene climate was relatively wet but still displayed high-frequency and high-amplitude fluctuations.展开更多
Lakes in arid zone are sensitive to climatic changes. The lacustrine sediment sequence in Sogo Nur has well and truly recorded climatic events such as the Sui-Tang Dynasty Warm Period, the Song-Liao Dynasty Cold Perio...Lakes in arid zone are sensitive to climatic changes. The lacustrine sediment sequence in Sogo Nur has well and truly recorded climatic events such as the Sui-Tang Dynasty Warm Period, the Song-Liao Dynasty Cold Period, the Medieval Warm Period, the Little Ice Age and the 20th Century Warm Period. Commonly, the climate in warm Periods was relatively humid,accordingly the lake area extended and water level rose, and vice versa. Apart from climatic change, human activity is also an important factor of influencing lake vicissitude, and they played the dominant role alternatively during different periods; the factor of climatic change predominated in historical period, while since the beginning of the 20th century the utilization of water resources by human has became decisive.展开更多
Since the middle Early Pleistocene (1.20 Ma B.P.), the desert steppe climate and environment have predominated in the Lop Nur area, Xinjiang, characterized by warm humid epochs interrupted by dry cold intervals. The g...Since the middle Early Pleistocene (1.20 Ma B.P.), the desert steppe climate and environment have predominated in the Lop Nur area, Xinjiang, characterized by warm humid epochs interrupted by dry cold intervals. The grain-size and magnetic susceptibility curves record 30 climatic oscillations, each with a ca. 40 ka cycle, in the area since 1.2 Ma B.P., which reflects the controlling effects exerted by the astronomic factor on the environment. The Quaternary sedimentary environment in the Lop Nur gradually changed from a fresh lake through a brackish lake to a saline lake, showing a spiral evolution, and finally it evolved into a playa.展开更多
Extremely saline soils are very harsh environments for the growth and survival of most plant species, however, halophytes can grow well. The underlying mechanism of halophyte to resist high saline is not well understo...Extremely saline soils are very harsh environments for the growth and survival of most plant species, however, halophytes can grow well. The underlying mechanism of halophyte to resist high saline is not well understood by us. This study was conducted at the potash mine near the Lop Nur, China, where the effects of the halophyte Suaeda salsa L. on the saline-alkaline soils and its growth and sustainability were investigated. Four plots（in which the salt encrustation layers were removed）, with different soil treatments were evaluated：（1） undisturbed soil, with no additional treatment（T1）;（2） the slag soil zone, in which a 40-cm layer of slag was placed on the undisturbed soil surface（T2）;（3） slag＋sandy soil, in which a 20-cm layer of slag was placed in the lower layer and 20 cm of sandy soil, taken from an area about 70 km away from Lop Nur potash mine, where Tamarix species were growing, was placed in the upper layer（T3）; and（4） a 40-cm sandy soil layer taken from the area where Tamarix species were growing was placed on undisturbed soil（T4）. Soil nutrient contents increased in the four treatments, but salt content only decreased in the T1 treatment. Salt content in the T4 treatment increased over the two-year period, which may be partly attributed to salt deposition from wind-blown dust within the mine and salt accumulation within the surface soil（0–20 cm） in response to high evaporative demands. The S. salsa plants exhibited greater improvements in growth under the T4 treatment than under the T1, T2, and T3 treatments, which demonstrated that low levels of salinity are beneficial for the growth of this species. The T1 treatment was sustainable because of its low cost and superior soil improvement characteristics. Therefore, S. salsa plants not only reduced soil salinity and increased soil nutrient levels, but also ameliorated the plant growth environment, which would be beneficial for both the ecological restoration of the Lop Nur area and similar areas throughout t展开更多
Lop Nur is located at the eastmost end of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang,Northwestern China.This study reviews the hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of underground brine in Lop Nur,based on analytical data from...Lop Nur is located at the eastmost end of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang,Northwestern China.This study reviews the hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of underground brine in Lop Nur,based on analytical data from 429 water samples(mainly brine).It is found that in the NE-SW direction,from the periphery to the Luobei sub-depression,while the hydrochemical type varies from the sodium sulfate subtype(S)to the magnesium sulfate subtype(M),the corresponding brine in the phase diagram transfers from the thenardite phase(Then)area,through the bloedite phase(Blo),epsomite phase(Eps),picromerite phase(Picro),finally reaching the sylvite phase(Syl)area.As for the degree of evolution,the sequence is the periphery<Luobei horizontally and the overlying glauberite brine<the underlying clastic brine vertically.It is concluded that the oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of the brine have evidently been affected through the effects of evaporation and altitude,as well as the changes in local water circulation in recent years.Boron and chloride isotopic compositions show that the glauberite brine is formed under more arid conditions than the clastic one.The strontium isotopic composition indicates that the Lop Nur brine primarily originates from surface water;however,deep recharge may also be involved in the evolution of the brine,according to previous noble gas studies.It is confirmed that the brine in Lop Nur has become enriched with potassium prior to halite precipitation over the full course of the salt lake's evolution.Based on chemical compositions of brine from drillhole LDK01 and previous lithological studies,the evolution of the salt lake can be divided into three stages and it is inferred that the brine in Lop Nur may have undergone at least two significant concentration-dilution periods.展开更多
The causes of the disappearance of the ancient town of Loulan in Xinjiang, China have been generally agreed to derive from two factors: human activities and natural factors (environmental variations). In this paper, t...The causes of the disappearance of the ancient town of Loulan in Xinjiang, China have been generally agreed to derive from two factors: human activities and natural factors (environmental variations). In this paper, the Muzart Glacier was selected as an example, and found that the length of the glacier has been gradually decreasing and the snow line has been retreating to a higher altitude, both results contributing to a decrease in river flow below the Muzart Glacier. From the distribution of moraines in the Tianshan Mountains and adjacent areas in different periods, the paper speculates that there have been four minor glacial periods since the Quaternary. Although the durations and scales of the four minor glacial periods were different, they all indirectly influenced the formation and disappearance of the Lop Nur Lake. The events of the fourth minor glacial period are the important impact factors in the existence and disappearance of Loulan. Whether the disappearance of Loulan can be related to the events of the three previous minor glacial periods needs further investigation.展开更多
The Lop Nur Lake, a famous lake in the arid areas of China, is located in the communi- cations center of the ancient Silk Road which facilitated the flow of culture between China and Western countries and enjoyed the ...The Lop Nur Lake, a famous lake in the arid areas of China, is located in the communi- cations center of the ancient Silk Road which facilitated the flow of culture between China and Western countries and enjoyed the great reputation in the ancient history of China. Since the re- cent 100 years, some Chinese and foreign scholars have explored and investigated here, they, however, could not get to the hinterland of the lake basin due to the hard and dangerous roads. Therefore, there are many divergences and controversies about the Lop Nur Lake region. In order to clarify these issues, know the usable natural resources and sum up the historical experi- ences and lessons of dry-up of the Lop Nur Lake, a scientific investigation team was organized by Xinjiang Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to carry out the investigation and research about the Lop Nur Lake region in the 1980s. Recently, some personnel from CCTV and other in- stitutions went to the lower reaches of the Tarim River and the Lop Nur Lake region to undertake the research for coordinating the strategic decision of the Great Development of Western China and the synthetic harnessing of the Tarim River, and a series of achievements in scientific research have been achieved.展开更多
The change in the ecological environment in the arid core area is a critical issue in the context of global warming.To study the paleoclimate evolution,precise identification of minerals deposited in Asia’s arid hint...The change in the ecological environment in the arid core area is a critical issue in the context of global warming.To study the paleoclimate evolution,precise identification of minerals deposited in Asia’s arid hinterland,Lop Nur Salt Lake,NW China was conducted.The hyperspectral data of the salt crust was sampled to identify the species and content of sedimentary minerals,and the multispectral photos were used to reconstruct the salt crust morphology using the unmanned aerial vehicles platform.The SUnSAL(sparse unmixing by variable splitting and augmented Lagrangian)method was employed to inverse the sedimentary mineral components along the shoreline.The heterogeneity of salt and clay minerals in bright and dark ear-shaped strips was evaluated.The paleoclimatic environment associated with salt lake extinction was reconstructed by analyzing paleoclimate records of sediments,spectral reflectance and morphology of the salt crust.Results show that:(1)the variations in the micro-geomorphology of the salt crust are obviously the reason for the formation of bright and dark ear-shaped strips and the differences in the species and relative content of the sedimentary minerals are the microscopic reason.The high ratio of sedimentary salt minerals to clay minerals(RS/C)contributes to the high reflectivity,and the salt crust presents a bright texture.The low RS/C results in the low reflectivity,salt crust presents a dark texture;(2)the bright and dark ear-shaped strips represent warm-arid and cold-humid climates.The shape of the Lop Nur Lake shoreline evolved due to alternating warm-dry and cold-humid paleoclimate changes.展开更多
The layers of Tamarix cones within sedimentary deposits in arid regions have significant chronological and paleoenvironmental implications.Here,we compare the δ^(18)O values of Tamarix cones in the Hongliujing area o...The layers of Tamarix cones within sedimentary deposits in arid regions have significant chronological and paleoenvironmental implications.Here,we compare the δ^(18)O values of Tamarix cones in the Hongliujing area of Lop Nur with meteorological data for the Ruoqiang meteorological station for 1960-2019 AD.Linear regression analysis was used to reconstruct the average temperature for April and the precipitation for November in the Hongliujing area over the past 200 years.The results showed that the δ^(18)O values were significantly negatively correlated with the temperature for February,April,May,August,December,and with the annual mean temperature;significantly negatively correlated with the precipitation for February and April;significantly negatively correlated with the sunshine hours for March and May;significantly positively correlated with the sunshine hours for February,July,August,October,and December,and with the annual mean values;and significantly correlated with the relative humidity for April,July,August,September,October,and November,and with the annual mean values.Based on the δ^(18)O record of the past 200 years,the Hongliujing area experienced two warm-wet periods(1874-1932 and 2004-2019 AD)and two cold-dry periods(1832–1873 and 1933-2003 AD).Thus,the climate was characterized by alternating warm-wet and cold-dry conditions.Wavelet analysis revealed three main cycles:45 years,29 years,and 14 years.展开更多
Saline lakes are useful repositories for paleo-climatic records. In recent years, magnetic properties of saline lake sediments have been widely applied to establish paleo-climatic change. However,the influence factors...Saline lakes are useful repositories for paleo-climatic records. In recent years, magnetic properties of saline lake sediments have been widely applied to establish paleo-climatic change. However,the influence factors of magnetic properties in saline lakes have not been fully understood, which complicates the paleoenvironmental interpretation.Here, we present a rock magnetic analyses result of LOP_1 profile(40°26′09″′N, 90°21′23″E) from Lop Nur, a well-known saline lake, located in the eastern Tarim Basin in northwestern China. We combined the particle size, total organic content, and mineral characteristics analysis to assess the influence factors of magnetic properties in Lop Nur and its environmental significance. The results indicate that early diagenesis is the major influence factor on magnetic properties of Lop Nur saline sediments.Authigenic greigite and pyrite are identified within organic-rich sediments, which produce zones with high and low magnetic susceptibilities, respectively.The different authigenic iron sulfide contents in different layers are related to sedimentary environment changes. Sufficient supplies of organic matter and sulphate and low sedimentation rates favour the pyritization process. Moreover, if pyritization was constrained, intermediate greigite formed and was preserved. In oxidizing environments, sediment magnetic properties are consistent with those of source materials from Tarim Basin and are mainly controlled by particle size and hydrodynamic sorting of mainly detrital magnetite is largely unaffected by early diagenesis. Our study demonstrates that magnetic properties can provide a robust approach for studying depositional environment change in saline lake. In addition, the information obtained in this study would also provide insights into the geochemical processes of iron element in saline lakes.展开更多
Lop Nur is a huge vanished lake located at the east end of Tarim Basin,northwest of China and finally dried up before 70s.In history,Lop Nur was a large lake,rich production,beautiful scenery,and there were numerous
文摘The Lop Nur Salt Lake, located in the eastern part of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang, China, has become a playa in the Quaternary. Rhombic in shape, the Lop Nur depression is mainly controlled by the NE-striking and nearly N-S-striking sets of faults. Since 1995, a superlarge brine potash deposit with potash resources of 2.50×10^8s t has been found in the Luobei subbasin in the northeastern part of the Lop Nur. We intensively studied the features and formation mechanism of faults inside the Lop Nur through satellite images, geomorphologic survey and continuous conductivity imaging and found seven subparallel graben faults formed under the action of nearly N 10° E principal compressional stress during deposition of the Lop Nur Salt Lake. These faults are up to 〉60 km long and 1-4 km wide and may extend downward for 1000 m or more. It is just under the action of these tensional faults that potash subbasius formed. The largest subbasin is the Luobei subbasin and the smaller ones are the Luoxi hollow, Erbei hollow and Tienan hollow. Investigation also indicates that the graben faults in the Lop Nur not only control the origin of the potash subbasins, but they themselves are also good brine reservoir structures, in which abundant potash-rich brines are stored. Therefore, The faults had played an important role in the potash formation of the Lop Nur.
基金the Oriented Foundation Proiect (DKD 95—22) the form er Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources,State 305 Project(96-915—08—05)+2 种基金 the Ministry of Science Technology and Project 992025 the Ministry of Land and Resources.
文摘Located in the eastern part of the Tarim basin, Xinjiang, the Lop Nur was an ultimate water catchment area of the Tarim basin during the Quaternary. Through nearly ten years of investigation and research, the authors have found a superlarge brine potash deposit in the Luobei subbasin—a secondary basin of the Lop Nur depression. The deposit has been mined now. On that basis, the authors propose new theories on the genesis of the potash rock deposit. In the tectonic and geomorphologic contexts, the Tarim basin lies in a 'high mountain-deep basin' environment. At the beginning of the Quaternary, influenced by the neotectonic movement, the Lop Nur evolved into a 'deep basin' in the Tarim basin. At the end of the middle Pleistocene, neotectonic migration began to take place in the interior of the Lop Nur and a new secondary deep basin—the Luobei subbasin—formed gradually. Despite its small area, it is actually the deepest subbasin in the Lop Nur depression, where brines of the Lop Nur Salt Lake gather and evaporate, thus providing materials for the formation of a superlarge brine potash rock deposit. With respect to the phenomenon of brine concentration and change with deepening of the lake, the authors propose a model of 'high mountain-deep basin' tectonic migration for potash concentration. In the sedimentological context, the honeycomb-shaped voids developed in glauberite rock in the subbasin are good space for potash-rich brine accumulation. Study indicates that the deposition of glauberite requires recharge of calcium-rich water. In the Tarim area the calcium-rich water might come from deep formation water or oilfield water, and the river water recharging the Lop Nur Salt Lake was rich in sulfate radicals and other components; in addition, the climate in the area was very dry and the brine evaporated steadily, thus resulting in deposition of substantial amount of glauberite, potash accumulation in intercrystal brine and final formation of the potash deposit. Generally, potash formation in a salt lake underg
基金funded by the National Basic Research Program of China(No.2011CB403007)the State Key Program of National Natural Science of China(No.40830420)
文摘Potash deposits commonly accumulate in highly restricted settings at the final stage of brine evaporation. This does not mean that potash deposits are formed simply as a result of the evaporation concentration of seawater or lake water, but rather as a coupling result of particular provenance, tectonics and climate activities. In this paper, we focus on the formative mechanism of the potash deposits of Lop Nur depression in Tarim Basin to interpret the detailed coupling mechanism among provenance, tectonics and climate. In terms of the provenance of Lop Nur Lake, the water of the Tarim River which displays ＂potassium-rich＂ characteristics play an important role. In addition, the Pliocene and Lower-Middle Pleistocene clastic beds surrounding Lop Nur Lake host a certain amount of soluble potassium and thus serves as ＂source beds＂ for potash formation. During the late Pliocene, the Lop Nur region has declined and evolved into a great lake from the previous piedmont and diluvial fan area. Since the mid Pleistocene, the great-united Lop Nur Lake has been separated and has generated a chain system consisting of Taitema Lake, Big Ear Lake and Luobei Lake which has turned into the deepest sag in Lop Nur Lake. Dry climate in Lop Nur region has increased since the Pliocene, and became extreme at the late Pleistocene. The study implies that potash formation in Lop Nur Lake depends on the optimal combination of extreme components of provenance, tectonics and climate during a shorter-term period. The optimal patterns of three factors are generally characterized by the long-term accumulation and preliminary enrichment of potassium, the occurrence of the deepest sub-depression and the appearance of an extremely arid climate in Lop Nur region. These factors have been interacting synergistically since the forming of the saline lake and in the later stages strong ＂vapor extraction＂ caused by extremely arid climate is needed to trigger large scale mineralization of potash deposits.
基金supported by the Orientated Fund Project (DKD95-22)of the former Ministry of Geology and Mineral Resources of Chinathe"305"Project(96-916-08-05)of the Ministry of Science and Technology of China
文摘Many yellow silt layers have been identified in the Holocene sediments in the last lake of Lop Nur (playa), Xinjiang, northwestern China. Statistics of drill-hole cores have revealed more than one hundred layers, which exhibit regularity in time sequence. Study has further verified that these yellow silt layers were deposited through eolian processes. The time-frequency distribution diagram shows an obvious peak occurring at about 8200 a B.P., which is consistent with the dry, windy and cold climate event occurring at 8200 a in other places around the world. Therefore, this event is regarded as a response to the global climate change.
基金supported by the Key Consultation Project (No. 2008-ZD-05)of Chinese Academy of Engineeringthe National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. 40472094, 40772212)National Project (No. NP2010-033)
文摘Holocene palaeoweathering conditions and environmental changes of Loulan （楼兰） Stupa Sec-tion were reconstructed by major elements analysis results and optical stimulated luminescence dating results. Major element results show source rock change little, with the composition equivalent to granodiorite. The low R value and high CIA （chemical index of alteration） value indicating the section at primary weathering phases. The muddy silt and silty clay have low R value and high CIA value and total iron content. In contrast, the sandy clay silt and sandy silt have high R value and low CIA and total iron value. Deglaciation time climate was relatively humid. In comparison to previous and posterior hiatus, the Middle-Holocene climate was relatively wet but still displayed high-frequency and high-amplitude fluctuations.
基金supported by the Knowledge Innovation Project of Chinese Academy of Sciences(Grant No.KZCX1-09-5)National Key Basic Research Developmental Program(Grant No.G2000048701)China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(Grant No.:200303440).
文摘Lakes in arid zone are sensitive to climatic changes. The lacustrine sediment sequence in Sogo Nur has well and truly recorded climatic events such as the Sui-Tang Dynasty Warm Period, the Song-Liao Dynasty Cold Period, the Medieval Warm Period, the Little Ice Age and the 20th Century Warm Period. Commonly, the climate in warm Periods was relatively humid,accordingly the lake area extended and water level rose, and vice versa. Apart from climatic change, human activity is also an important factor of influencing lake vicissitude, and they played the dominant role alternatively during different periods; the factor of climatic change predominated in historical period, while since the beginning of the 20th century the utilization of water resources by human has became decisive.
基金This research was supported by Xinjiang Project 305 “Development and Utilization of Potash Resources of the Lop Nur,Xinjiang”(95-915-08-05).
文摘Since the middle Early Pleistocene (1.20 Ma B.P.), the desert steppe climate and environment have predominated in the Lop Nur area, Xinjiang, characterized by warm humid epochs interrupted by dry cold intervals. The grain-size and magnetic susceptibility curves record 30 climatic oscillations, each with a ca. 40 ka cycle, in the area since 1.2 Ma B.P., which reflects the controlling effects exerted by the astronomic factor on the environment. The Quaternary sedimentary environment in the Lop Nur gradually changed from a fresh lake through a brackish lake to a saline lake, showing a spiral evolution, and finally it evolved into a playa.
基金supported by the Youth Innovation Promotion Association of Chinese Academy of Sciences (2017476)the National High-level Personnel Special Support Program+3 种基金Xinjiang Youth Science and Technology Innovation Leader Project (QN2016BS0162)the National Key Research and Development Program (2017YFSF03024105)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (31700423,31300449)the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region Science and Technology Support Project (201433101)
文摘Extremely saline soils are very harsh environments for the growth and survival of most plant species, however, halophytes can grow well. The underlying mechanism of halophyte to resist high saline is not well understood by us. This study was conducted at the potash mine near the Lop Nur, China, where the effects of the halophyte Suaeda salsa L. on the saline-alkaline soils and its growth and sustainability were investigated. Four plots（in which the salt encrustation layers were removed）, with different soil treatments were evaluated：（1） undisturbed soil, with no additional treatment（T1）;（2） the slag soil zone, in which a 40-cm layer of slag was placed on the undisturbed soil surface（T2）;（3） slag＋sandy soil, in which a 20-cm layer of slag was placed in the lower layer and 20 cm of sandy soil, taken from an area about 70 km away from Lop Nur potash mine, where Tamarix species were growing, was placed in the upper layer（T3）; and（4） a 40-cm sandy soil layer taken from the area where Tamarix species were growing was placed on undisturbed soil（T4）. Soil nutrient contents increased in the four treatments, but salt content only decreased in the T1 treatment. Salt content in the T4 treatment increased over the two-year period, which may be partly attributed to salt deposition from wind-blown dust within the mine and salt accumulation within the surface soil（0–20 cm） in response to high evaporative demands. The S. salsa plants exhibited greater improvements in growth under the T4 treatment than under the T1, T2, and T3 treatments, which demonstrated that low levels of salinity are beneficial for the growth of this species. The T1 treatment was sustainable because of its low cost and superior soil improvement characteristics. Therefore, S. salsa plants not only reduced soil salinity and increased soil nutrient levels, but also ameliorated the plant growth environment, which would be beneficial for both the ecological restoration of the Lop Nur area and similar areas throughout t
基金The Major Projects of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of China(Grant Nos.2020A03005-2 and 2022A03009-2)from the Chinese governmentthe National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.40830420)provided the funding for this study。
文摘Lop Nur is located at the eastmost end of the Tarim Basin in Xinjiang,Northwestern China.This study reviews the hydrochemical characteristics and evolution of underground brine in Lop Nur,based on analytical data from 429 water samples(mainly brine).It is found that in the NE-SW direction,from the periphery to the Luobei sub-depression,while the hydrochemical type varies from the sodium sulfate subtype(S)to the magnesium sulfate subtype(M),the corresponding brine in the phase diagram transfers from the thenardite phase(Then)area,through the bloedite phase(Blo),epsomite phase(Eps),picromerite phase(Picro),finally reaching the sylvite phase(Syl)area.As for the degree of evolution,the sequence is the periphery<Luobei horizontally and the overlying glauberite brine<the underlying clastic brine vertically.It is concluded that the oxygen and hydrogen isotopic compositions of the brine have evidently been affected through the effects of evaporation and altitude,as well as the changes in local water circulation in recent years.Boron and chloride isotopic compositions show that the glauberite brine is formed under more arid conditions than the clastic one.The strontium isotopic composition indicates that the Lop Nur brine primarily originates from surface water;however,deep recharge may also be involved in the evolution of the brine,according to previous noble gas studies.It is confirmed that the brine in Lop Nur has become enriched with potassium prior to halite precipitation over the full course of the salt lake's evolution.Based on chemical compositions of brine from drillhole LDK01 and previous lithological studies,the evolution of the salt lake can be divided into three stages and it is inferred that the brine in Lop Nur may have undergone at least two significant concentration-dilution periods.
基金funded by National Basic Research Program of China (2010CB951003)Opening Fund of Key Laboratory of Oasis Ecology and Desert Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences
文摘The causes of the disappearance of the ancient town of Loulan in Xinjiang, China have been generally agreed to derive from two factors: human activities and natural factors (environmental variations). In this paper, the Muzart Glacier was selected as an example, and found that the length of the glacier has been gradually decreasing and the snow line has been retreating to a higher altitude, both results contributing to a decrease in river flow below the Muzart Glacier. From the distribution of moraines in the Tianshan Mountains and adjacent areas in different periods, the paper speculates that there have been four minor glacial periods since the Quaternary. Although the durations and scales of the four minor glacial periods were different, they all indirectly influenced the formation and disappearance of the Lop Nur Lake. The events of the fourth minor glacial period are the important impact factors in the existence and disappearance of Loulan. Whether the disappearance of Loulan can be related to the events of the three previous minor glacial periods needs further investigation.
文摘The Lop Nur Lake, a famous lake in the arid areas of China, is located in the communi- cations center of the ancient Silk Road which facilitated the flow of culture between China and Western countries and enjoyed the great reputation in the ancient history of China. Since the re- cent 100 years, some Chinese and foreign scholars have explored and investigated here, they, however, could not get to the hinterland of the lake basin due to the hard and dangerous roads. Therefore, there are many divergences and controversies about the Lop Nur Lake region. In order to clarify these issues, know the usable natural resources and sum up the historical experi- ences and lessons of dry-up of the Lop Nur Lake, a scientific investigation team was organized by Xinjiang Branch of the Chinese Academy of Sciences to carry out the investigation and research about the Lop Nur Lake region in the 1980s. Recently, some personnel from CCTV and other in- stitutions went to the lower reaches of the Tarim River and the Lop Nur Lake region to undertake the research for coordinating the strategic decision of the Great Development of Western China and the synthetic harnessing of the Tarim River, and a series of achievements in scientific research have been achieved.
基金Supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.42071313,41571363)the Science and Technology Project for Black Soil Granary(No.XDA28080500)the Scientific Investigation of Natural and Cultural Heritage of Lop Nur Region(No.2014FY210500)。
文摘The change in the ecological environment in the arid core area is a critical issue in the context of global warming.To study the paleoclimate evolution,precise identification of minerals deposited in Asia’s arid hinterland,Lop Nur Salt Lake,NW China was conducted.The hyperspectral data of the salt crust was sampled to identify the species and content of sedimentary minerals,and the multispectral photos were used to reconstruct the salt crust morphology using the unmanned aerial vehicles platform.The SUnSAL(sparse unmixing by variable splitting and augmented Lagrangian)method was employed to inverse the sedimentary mineral components along the shoreline.The heterogeneity of salt and clay minerals in bright and dark ear-shaped strips was evaluated.The paleoclimatic environment associated with salt lake extinction was reconstructed by analyzing paleoclimate records of sediments,spectral reflectance and morphology of the salt crust.Results show that:(1)the variations in the micro-geomorphology of the salt crust are obviously the reason for the formation of bright and dark ear-shaped strips and the differences in the species and relative content of the sedimentary minerals are the microscopic reason.The high ratio of sedimentary salt minerals to clay minerals(RS/C)contributes to the high reflectivity,and the salt crust presents a bright texture.The low RS/C results in the low reflectivity,salt crust presents a dark texture;(2)the bright and dark ear-shaped strips represent warm-arid and cold-humid climates.The shape of the Lop Nur Lake shoreline evolved due to alternating warm-dry and cold-humid paleoclimate changes.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Grant No.41877448)。
文摘The layers of Tamarix cones within sedimentary deposits in arid regions have significant chronological and paleoenvironmental implications.Here,we compare the δ^(18)O values of Tamarix cones in the Hongliujing area of Lop Nur with meteorological data for the Ruoqiang meteorological station for 1960-2019 AD.Linear regression analysis was used to reconstruct the average temperature for April and the precipitation for November in the Hongliujing area over the past 200 years.The results showed that the δ^(18)O values were significantly negatively correlated with the temperature for February,April,May,August,December,and with the annual mean temperature;significantly negatively correlated with the precipitation for February and April;significantly negatively correlated with the sunshine hours for March and May;significantly positively correlated with the sunshine hours for February,July,August,October,and December,and with the annual mean values;and significantly correlated with the relative humidity for April,July,August,September,October,and November,and with the annual mean values.Based on the δ^(18)O record of the past 200 years,the Hongliujing area experienced two warm-wet periods(1874-1932 and 2004-2019 AD)and two cold-dry periods(1832–1873 and 1933-2003 AD).Thus,the climate was characterized by alternating warm-wet and cold-dry conditions.Wavelet analysis revealed three main cycles:45 years,29 years,and 14 years.
基金supported by the NationalNatural Science Foundation of China (Grant No.41701012)the project "ComprehensiveScientific Investigation of Natural and CulturalHeritage in the Lop Nur Region" (Grant No.2014FY210500)
文摘Saline lakes are useful repositories for paleo-climatic records. In recent years, magnetic properties of saline lake sediments have been widely applied to establish paleo-climatic change. However,the influence factors of magnetic properties in saline lakes have not been fully understood, which complicates the paleoenvironmental interpretation.Here, we present a rock magnetic analyses result of LOP_1 profile(40°26′09″′N, 90°21′23″E) from Lop Nur, a well-known saline lake, located in the eastern Tarim Basin in northwestern China. We combined the particle size, total organic content, and mineral characteristics analysis to assess the influence factors of magnetic properties in Lop Nur and its environmental significance. The results indicate that early diagenesis is the major influence factor on magnetic properties of Lop Nur saline sediments.Authigenic greigite and pyrite are identified within organic-rich sediments, which produce zones with high and low magnetic susceptibilities, respectively.The different authigenic iron sulfide contents in different layers are related to sedimentary environment changes. Sufficient supplies of organic matter and sulphate and low sedimentation rates favour the pyritization process. Moreover, if pyritization was constrained, intermediate greigite formed and was preserved. In oxidizing environments, sediment magnetic properties are consistent with those of source materials from Tarim Basin and are mainly controlled by particle size and hydrodynamic sorting of mainly detrital magnetite is largely unaffected by early diagenesis. Our study demonstrates that magnetic properties can provide a robust approach for studying depositional environment change in saline lake. In addition, the information obtained in this study would also provide insights into the geochemical processes of iron element in saline lakes.
文摘Lop Nur is a huge vanished lake located at the east end of Tarim Basin,northwest of China and finally dried up before 70s.In history,Lop Nur was a large lake,rich production,beautiful scenery,and there were numerous
