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30 March 2014, Volume 26 Issue 1 Previous Issue    Next Issue

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HOLOCENE BIOMARKER RECORDS ON THE NORTHERN BERING SEA SLOPE AND THEIR PALEOENVIRONMENTAL IMPLIMATIONS 2014, 26 (1):  1-16.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.001 Abstract ( 1377 )   PDF (3707KB) ( 1484 )   Variations in phytoplankton community and primary productivity, terrestrial high-carbon n-alkanes input and vegetation change in their source during the last 9.6 ka B.P. are investigated based on high-resolution biomarker (brassicasterol, dinosterol, nC37-alkenone, nC30-diol) extraction and measurement at Site B2-9 from the northern Bering Sea Slope. The researched results show that surface phytoplankton and primary productivity appeared obviously periodic change from high to low and again to high during the Holocene, which might be controlled by the sea-ice extension on the shelf-break, the nutrient supplement in sea surface and climate change. Diatoms were the greatest contributor to primary productivity, in turn followed by dinoflagellates, coccolithophores and eustigmatophytes, which indicate lower order of magnitude than two formers in the steady phytoplankton community. In the clear competitive relationship between diatoms and dinoflagellates, the former toke the obviously advantage and made the main contribution to organic carbon sinks in the Bering Sea. Furthermore, stepwise total n-alkanes dropped quickly at 7.8 ka B.P., 6.7 ka B.P. and 5.4 ka B.P., respectively, showing four relatively stable stages, which might be controlled by sea-level rise during early Holocene and environmental change of terrestrial vegetation source of surrounding the Bering Sea. The molecular parameters indicate that n-alkanes were originated from terrestrial higher plant with stable vegetation structure, and then woody plant dominated in this kind of combination. Mono-carbon isotopic results denote that the nC27 content was the main carbon peak and dominated in total n-alkanes, which might be related to the prosperous woody plants from vegetation source and their spatial distribution. Higher nC23 content may be mainly derived from the submerged plants which widely distributed along coastal areas in Northern Hemisphere. Related Articles | Metrics

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ICE-RAFTED DETRITUS EVENTS AND PALEOCEANOGRAPHIC RECORDS IN TNE BERING BASIN SINCE LAST DEGLACIATION Chen Zhihua, Chen Yi, Wang Rujian, Huang Yuanhui, Liu Xinde, Wang Lei, Zou Jianjun 2014, 26 (1):  17-28.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.017 Abstract ( 1389 )   PDF (4545KB) ( 1304 )   Based on the study of high resolution of sediment grain size, color reflectance and elemental stratigraphy of core BR02 dredged from the central part of the Bering Basin, we found: (1) Core BR02 provides perfect records for ice-rafted detritus (IRD) events happened since 16.3 ka Cal BP at the end of the Last Glacial Maximum including H1, OD, YD and Boreal2, among which H1 and YD are more significant. These IRD events all happened in the cold episodes or stadials, and indicated the changes in sea ice/iceberg condition in the sea and local glaciers in the surrounding lands. (2) The interval of Mn- and Ba-rich sediments at 17-25cm in the upper part of BR02 indicated water exchanges between the North Pacific-Bering Sea-the Arctic Ocean increased to the highest points during the Holocene high sea level period, which induced the circulation and seabed redox to change and marine productivity to increase in the Bering Basin; (3) the concentration of CaO, Na2O, Sr, Zr and Na2O/K2O ratio indicated the IRD are derived mainly from the Yukon River drainage, and secondarily from the volcanic province including Alaska Peninsula and Aleutian Islands; Meanwhile, the gradual increase of Na2O/K2O ratio in the upper part of the core indicated the circulation especially the influences of the Alaska Current for sediments was enhanced since 10 ka BP. Related Articles | Metrics

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PALEOCEANOGRAPHIC AND PALEOCLIMATIC RECORDS IN THE BERING BASIN OVER THE LAST 17 KA BP Wang Lei, Wang Rujian, Chen Zhihua, Chen Jianfang, Cheng Zhenbo, Sun Yechen 2014, 26 (1):  29-38.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.029 Abstract ( 1367 )   PDF (2502KB) ( 1223 )   Terrigenous-biogenic fraction investigations have been performed on core 08BR02 collected from the Bering Basin, North Pacific Ocean, during the Third Chinese National Arctic Expedition. Depth-age model of this core is based upon age control points of AMS14C dating on organic carbon and platonic foraminifers, and correlation of the color b* in this core with NGRIP δ18O curve and color b* of four sediment cores in the North Pacific and Bering Sea. Sea ice extension history in the Bering basin over the last 17 ka is reconstructed by ice-rafted detritus (IRD), sand component and sensitive component (sized in 33-63 μm), which were carried by sea ice and iceberg, and increased during the H1, mid-B/A and YD periods. The IRD and foraminifera abundance in core 08BR02 increased simultaneously during the H1, mid-B/A and YD periods, which indicate the melt water enhanced surface water nutrient and then promoted planktonic foraminifera bloom, surface organic material deposited on the sea bottom provided nutrient for benthic foraminifers. Related Articles | Metrics

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CHARACTERISTICS OF  ABNORMAL DEEP-SEA SEDIMENTS IN THE BERING SEA AND RHEIR POSSIBLE CAUSES Huang Yuanhui, Shi Xuefa, Ge Shulan, Liu Yanguang, Chen Zhihua, Wang Xuchen, Lv Huahua 2014, 26 (1):  39-45.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.039 Abstract ( 1254 )   PDF (1605KB) ( 1254 )   Sediment samples from the previous China Arctic Expeditions in the north continental slope and deep basin of Bering Sea were used for sedimentology studies. Abnormal sedimentary types and their characteristics were summarized, and the possible causes were preliminarily discussed. At least three turbidite layers appear in core BR02, which distributing mainly from the last deglacial to Mid-Holocene. More than two volcano clastic sedimentary layers were affirmed in Core B5-4, which formed at ca. 1.3 kaBP and 13.2 kaBP respectively. Diatom assemblage of surface sediment of Core B5-7 is dominated by Neogene fossil diatoms of Kisseleviella carina Sheshukova-Poretzkaya and Kisseleviella ezoensis Akib, which is distinctively different from that of other adjacent surface sediments. We presume it could be the result of reworking and its initial depositional age could be about the early Miocene. The numerous submarine canyons incising the continental margin of the Bering Sea may exert great impact on sedimentation processes, which could be the main reason of kinds of abnormal sedimentation processes around this sea area. Moreover, the special locality of Bering Sea along the margin between the Eurasian plate and the North American plate is also decisive for it frequently suffering from earthquakes and volcanic activities, which in turn promote submarine abnormal sedimentation processes to occur more frequently. Related Articles | Metrics

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PALEOCEANOGRAPHIC AND PLAEOCLIMATIC RECORDS OF CORE 08P23 FROM CHUKCHI PLATEAU, WESTERN ARCTIC OCEAN, SINCE MIS 3 ZHANG Taoliang, WANG Rujian, CHEN Zhihua, CHEN Jianfang, CHENG Zhenbo, SUN Yechen 2014, 26 (1):  46-57.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.046 Abstract ( 1371 )   PDF (3176KB) ( 1387 )   Multi-proxy investigations have been performed on core 08P23 collected from the Chukchi Plateau, Western Arctic Ocean, during the Third Chinese National Arctic Expedition. The core was dated back to Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 3 by a combination of AMS 14C dating and regional core correlation. A total of 5 prominent Ice-rafted detritus(IRD) events were recognized in MIS 2 and MIS 3. The IRD events in MIS 3 are originated from vast carbonate rock outcrops of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago and clastic quartz in MIS 2 may have a Eurasian origin. Mostδ18O and -13C value of Neogloboquadrina pachyderma (sinistral) (Nps) in core 08P23 are lighter than the average values of surface sediments. The light Nps-δ18O and -δ13C values in the two brown layers in MIS 1 and MIS 3 were resulted from meltwater events; and those in the gray layers in MIS 3 were caused by the enhanced sea ice formation. The Nps-δ18O values varied inversely with Nps-δ13C in MIS 2 indicate that the studied area was covered by thick sea ice or ice sheet with cold temperatures and little meltwater, which prevented the bioproductivity and sea-atmosphere exchange, as well as water mass ventilation. The covaried light values of Nps-δ18O and -δ13C in MIS 1 and MIS 3 were resulted from meltwater and/or brine rejection. Related Articles | Metrics

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MINERALS IN SURFACE SEDIMENTS IN THE WESTERN ARCTIC OCEAN AND THEIR SOUCES Dong Linsen, Shi Xuefa, Liu Yanguang, Fang Xisheng, Chen Zhihua, Wang chunjuan, Zou jianjun, Huang Yuanhui 2014, 26 (1):  58-70.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.058 Abstract ( 1387 )   PDF (6612KB) ( 1668 )   Mineralogical analysis was performed on bulk sediments of 79 surface samples by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) method, combined with ocean currents and geological background, the sources of the mineral assemblages partitions have been investigated.Mineral assemblages and distribution indicate that material sources in the study area are complicated:: (1) Feldspar is high in the sediment of Chukchi Sea near the the Bering Strait, the sources are sediments from Anadyr River carried by Anadyr current. Sediments in the west side of the Chukchi Sea, also rich in feldspar, and compared with other area, the content hornblende of is high, which is t subject to Anadyr stream and Siberian Coastal Current carried sediments from Siberia where covered some volcanic and sedimentary rocks. Sediments in the eastern Chukchi Sea are rich in quartz, the sources are the Yukon River and Kasikuimu river sediments carried by Alaska coastal current. Sediments in the northern Chukchi Sea are rich in quartz and Carbonate, mainly carried by Mackenzie River.(2)In the sediments of south and center of the Canda basin, calcite and dolomite are very low,mainly due to the little impact of Beaufort gyre which can carried carbonates from Canadian Arctic Islands, and compared with other area, the content of mica is high,so the Laptev sea sediment become the main sources. In the other deep sea area, calcite and dolomite are very high,because of the sediments carried by Beaufort gyre from Canadian Arctic Islands(Banks Island and Victoria Island), and Siberia Laptev Sea also provide small parts of the sediment. In addition, Atlantic mid-water contributed some fine-grained material for the entire deep sea of the western arctic ocean. Related Articles | Metrics

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CHARACTERISTICS OF HEAVY MINERALS IN THE SURFACE SEDIMENTS OF THE WESTERN ARCTIC OCEAN Wang Kunshan, Liu Yangang, Dong Linsen, Chen Zhihua 2014, 26 (1):  71-78.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.071 Abstract ( 1378 )   PDF (5884KB) ( 1409 )     The composition, assemblage and distribution characteristics of heavy minerals in 47 surface sediments of the Chukchi Sea and adjacent Arctic Ocean deep water were identified. The sediments were collected during the first and second Chinese national Arctic scientific expedition in 1999 and 2003. The results show that heavy minerals in surface sediments of western Arctic Ocean are mainly composed of epidote, hypersthene and hornblende with low resistance to weathering; ilmenite, garnet,apatite and hematite are characteristic minerals. Mineral assemblages and distribution indicate that material sources and hydrodynamic conditions in the study area are complicated: the content of heavy minerals in south of the Bering Strait is higher, indicating strong hydrodynamic action; in the central Chukchi Sea sediments enriched hypersthene, ilmenite and garnet, there sources may be Chukchi plateau, while in Alaska coastal sediments enriched in epidote and hypersthene may related with Alaska coastal current; clastic mineral deposition rate in northern Chukchi Sea deepwater is low and there are many mineral alteration. Related Articles | Metrics

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THE DISTRIBUTION AND COMPOSITION OF SUSPENDED PARTICLES IN CHUKCHI SEA Wang Weiguo, Fang Jianyong, Chen Lili, Wu Risheng, Yu Xingguang 2014, 26 (1):  79-88.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.079 Abstract ( 1244 )   PDF (9156KB) ( 1371 )   The content and its composition were conducted to the suspended particle (SP) samples obtained in Chukchi Sea (CS) during the 4th Chinese Arctic Research Expedition, 2010, with an attempt to understand the distribution and origin of the suspended matter there, which is essential for sedimentary and paleo-climate and environment change researches. The results show that the content of SP is the lowest in the central CS, and is the highest in the middle and bottom column of the southern and central-northern CS, and the content along the Alaska coastal area and in the Barrow Canyon is relative higher. The SEM of the SP shows that the SP in the southern and central-northern CS is mainly composed of diatoms, however the dominant species in those two area are different. The SP along the Alaska coastal area and in the Barrow Canyon is mainly composed of clasts of bio-skeletons. Combined with the distribution of temperature and salinity, the higher content of SP in the southern CS is controlled by the summer Pacific Water via Bering Strait. The higher content of SP in the central-northern CS is controlled by the Pacific Water which reached to there in winter. The SP in the middle and bottom column along the Alaska coastal line and in Barrow Canyon is controlled by the Alaska Coastal Water. Related Articles | Metrics

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THE COMPOSITION AND SOURCES OF SUSPENDED PARTICLES OF IN THE CHUKCHI SEA AND THE CENTRAL ARCTIC OCEAN Yu Xiaoguo, Lei Jijiang, Yao Xuying, Zhu Jihao, Jin Xiaobing 2014, 26 (1):  89-97.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.089 Abstract ( 1257 )   PDF (5196KB) ( 1608 )   Related Articles | Metrics

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DATING SEDIMENT CORE BY RELATIVE PALEOINTENSITY AND DIRECTION OF GEO,AGNETIC FIELD IN BRANSFIELD STRAIT, ANTARCTIC PENUNSULA Ge Shulan，Chen Zhihua，Liu Jianxing，Huang Yuanhui，Wang Rujian，Yan Shijuan 2014, 26 (1):  98-110.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.098 Abstract ( 1170 )   PDF (6542KB) ( 1341 )   Paleomagnetic and rock magnetic studies are undertaken in sediment core D1-7 of Bransfield Strait, Antarctic, to obtain continuous variation of relative paleointensity (RPI) and direction of geomagnetic field. The lithologies of the core are mainly gray soft and plastic clay, a dark tephra layer at the lower part 2.20-2.21 m with sharp lower contact and gradual upper contact. Combined with AMS14C dating of bulk sediment and foram (Wang R J et al unpublished data), RPI and direction of geomagnetic field provide a continuous time scale of the last 12 ka, among which RPI comparing with Laguna Potrok Aike lake of South America produced six tie points, meanwhile, inclination and declination comparing with this record results in additional six tie points. Drastic changes of bottom current (1000 m, Antarctic deep water) for early, middle and late Holocene are revealed by anisotropy of magnetic susceptibility (AMS), as well as magnetic concentration, grain size and wet density. These changes basically are controlled by summer insolation at 65 ?S, therefore by the summer monsoon precipitation in cycles of precession. Millennial scale variations are also observed but no other records with similar resolution are available to decipher origin and ranges of these climate or environment events. The ages from secular variation are systematically younger/older after/before 6 ka B. P.. The mixing of different water masses and intermediate, deep water evolution related with Antarctic ice sheet retreat during Holocene are reasonable reasons for complex carbon input in Bransfield Strait. The intensity and direction of geomagnetic field recorded by sediments can avoid this influence and provide reliable age information. An average sedimentation rate of 25 cm/ka for the whole Holocene in D1-7 suggest a rich and constant terrigenous input in Bransfield Strait, Antarctic. Related Articles | Metrics

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PALEOMAGNETIC CHARACTERISTICS OF A CORE FROM THE POWELL BASIN, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Chen Liang, Zhang Yufen, Zhang Zhiqiang, Liu Qiang,Yang Wenfeng 2014, 26 (1):  111-119.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.111 Abstract ( 1273 )   PDF (3292KB) ( 1208 )   One 3 meters long gravity core was obtained in Powell basin, which located in the northeast of Antarctic peninsula, and then the AMS (Anisotropy of Magnetic Susceptibility) and paleomagnetism data was acquired through analysis by KLY-3s and 2G superconducting magnetometer. An remarkable plus inclination stage was identified in the depth of 2.73m, which should be in accord with the Matsuyama reversed polarity time, from which we calculated that the sedimentation rate is 0.35cm/ka from now to BP.780ka. At the same time, 5 warm climate periods were identified by the analysis of magnetic susceptibility and grain size characteristics in this core, and there are 3 obvious gradual climate transition stages between warn periods, which changed from warm to cold, and then from cold to warm. From the analysis of maximum axis angle of AMS, we found that  the paleocurrent direction was not obvious in the warm period, the flow direction changed frequently, but the  paleocurrent direction  approximated to north or south in the transition period between the warm periods. Related Articles | Metrics

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THE SEDIMENTARY HYDRODYNAMIC ENVIRONMENT OF THE NORTH POWELL BASIN, ANTARCTIC PENINSULA SINCE MIS 3 Wang Baishun，Chen Zhihua，Wang Ximeng，Wu Shaolin，Dai Qingqing 2014, 26 (1):  120-127.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.120 Abstract ( 1507 )   PDF (5757KB) ( 1234 )   Based on the grain size systematic analysis of D3-7 sedimentary column, including grain size probability diagram, size parameter scatter diagrams, and CM patterns, the palaeosedimentary environment of the Northwest Weddell Sea since MIS3 is studied. The results show that the sediment mainly exists in the form of hydrostatic suspension status before arriving sea bottom. The sedimentary hydrodynamic environment can divided into four stages, with cyclic characteristics. The first stage is from 33.4-35.0ka, between 241-319cm(bottom of D3-7),and belongs to single hydrostatic suspended deposition. The second stage is from 29.6-33.4ka, between 143-241cm,and belongs to multi hydrostatic suspended deposition. The third stage is from 26.8-29.6ka, between 52-143cm, and belongs to single hydrostatic suspended deposition again. The fourth stage is from 0-26.8ka, between top of D3-7 and 52cm, and belongs to multi hydrostatic suspended deposition. The transport of coarse sediments requires large starting power, inferred some sediment provenance linked to ice rafting and volcanic activity. Related Articles | Metrics

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DISTRIBUTION OF SURFACE SEDIMENTS IN THE SEA AREA SORROUNDING THE  ANTARCTIC PENINSULA AND THEIR SEDIMENTARY ENVIRONMENTAL SIGNIFICANCE Wang Chunjuan, Chen Zhihua, Li Chunshun, Du Dewen, Yan Shijuan, Zhu Zhiwei 2014, 26 (1):  128-138.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.128 Abstract ( 1510 )   PDF (4650KB) ( 1572 )   Based on the investigations and the data processing on the surface sediments in the surrounding sea area of the Antarctic Peninsula, we analyzed grain compositions to study the types and the distributions, to discuss the variety of the deposits. The samples taken from the study area contain gravel, sand, silt and clay. According to bathymetry and morphology, the area is characterized by neritic, hemi-pelagic and pelagic deposits. The glacial-marine sediments can be divided into two types: residual paratill and compound paratill, which are primarily transported by glacier and ice-rafted. Effect of ocean currents on the deposition is more obvious, and the types of the deposits distribute regularly with the terrain variations. Related Articles | Metrics

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CHARACTERISTIC AND PROVENANCE OF CLASTIC MINERALS IN SURFACE SEDIMENTS IN THE WATERS NORTHEAST OF THE ANTARCTIC PENINSULA Liu Zhongcheng, Chen Zhihua, Jin Bingfu, Wang Kunshan 2014, 26 (1):  139-150.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.139 Abstract ( 1298 )   PDF (1979KB) ( 1550 )   Based on the mineralogical analysis of 15 surface sediment samples and a core sample obtained on the northeastern off Antarctic Peninsula，the depositional environment and sediment provenance were studied. As revealed by this study 31 kinds of mineral were recognized，including 19 species of heavy mineral and 12 species of light mineral. Garnet，hypersthenes，amphibole，epidote are dominated heavy mineral，and quartz，plagioclase，volcanic glass (brown and white ) are main species of light mineral. According to the distribution of mineral assemblages，two minerral provinces could be identified，namely province I that is pyroxene - magnetite - volcanic glass type and province II of garnet- epidote - amphibole - quartz type. Volcanic rock and volcanic eruptions of the South Shetland Islands and the northern of the Antarctic Peninsula， transported by glacial process，are the main source of province I. Meanwhile，detrital materials from local area of South Orkney Islands and Antarctic Peninsula and adjacent islands carried by the Antarctic circumpolar circulation are the predominated source of province II. Related Articles | Metrics

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SPATIAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE SURFACE SPOROPOLLEN ASSEMBLAGE OF PRYDZ BAY, ANTARCTIC AND ANALYSIS OF ITS SOURCE Chen Jinxia, Chen Zhihua, Shi Xuefa, Xu Jin 2014, 26 (1):  151-158.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.151 Abstract ( 1363 )   PDF (5926KB) ( 1172 )   The content and distribution of pollen and spore were investigated in surficial sediments from the SouthernOcean( PrydzBay) during theCHINARE-24cruise. The results show that the palynology in the surface sediments of  PrydzBay was comprised by modern pollen and redeposited sporopollen, wherein, modern pollen mainly transported  from neighbouring continents, the upper air wind may determine the dispersal of pollen and spores for some thousands of kilometers. Composition of the reworked sporopollen and its distribution pattern indicated that two reworked zones at least could be distinguished from each other and most terrigenous supply is proximal or nearby parent rocks. Related Articles | Metrics

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DISTRIBUTION OF PARTICULATE ORGANIC CARBON（POC）AND δ13CPOC IN SURFACE WATERS IN SUMMER IN THE PRYDZ BAY, ANTARCTICA Yin Xijie, Li Yunhai, Qiao Lei, Wang Aijun, Xu Yonghang, Chen Jian 2014, 26 (1):  159-167.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.159 Abstract ( 1609 )   PDF (2898KB) ( 1947 )   61 samples of surface suspension of particulate organic carbon (POC) were collected in Prydz Bay by the 29th China Antarctic scientific expedition. The influencing factors of POC distribution, sources and transport processes were studied through analyzing the distribution of the POC and δ13CPOC value and the surface sea temperature, chlorophyll a concentration and sea ice coverage distributions measured by the satellite remote sensing. The results showed that POC concentration in the surface layer of Prydz Bay was 0.28-0.84 mg·L-1, with an average of 0.48mg·L-1. δ13CPOC values varied from -29.68 ‰ to -26.30 ‰, with an average value of -28.01 ‰. The surface POC distribution in summer shows that high values ??of POC are mainly distributed near ice shelves and POC in western survey area is higher than that in the eastern region. POC content has good correlation with chlorophyll a concentration and sea ice coverage, suggesting that POC was mainly from the phytoplankton production in the local water columns, while the growth of phytoplankton was obviously affected by sea ice. δ13CPOC value gradually decreases from east to west of the outside Prydz Bay, while from the shore to the sea δ13CPOC value gradually become more negative in the eastern survey area, suggesting that δ13CPOC was mainly influenced by the phytoplankton fixation CO2 rate outside Prydz Bay waters. δ13CPOC value in coastal waters near Zhongshan Station was significantly more negative, Terrigenous organic detritus inputs and changes in phytoplankton species might be have contributed to the carbon isotopic values of POC. Related Articles | Metrics

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ORGANIC GEOCHEMICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF SURFACE SEDIMENTS AND IMPLICATIONS FOR ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT IN PRYDZ BAY, ANTARCTICA Zhao Jun, Yu Peisong, Han Zhengbing, Hu Chuanyu, Pan Jianming 2014, 26 (1):  167-174.  DOI: 10.13679/j.jdyj.2014.1.167 Abstract ( 1582 )   PDF (1615KB) ( 1477 )   Multiple biomarkers has been analyzed by gas chromatography and gas chromatography – mass spectrum on surface sediments collected from 5 stations in Prydz Bay, East Antarctica, and its implication on ecology and environment has been discussed. The results showed that the concentration of total lipids was highest in the center area of Prydz Bay (1193 µg/g), follow by Amery Ice Shelf area (572 µg/g), and lowest in slope area (341 µg/g). It was significantly positive correlated with sedimentary organic carbon, total neutral monosaccharides, biogenic silica, brassicasterol, and chlorophyll a concentrations in surface sea water (p < 0.1), and indicated that organic matter preserved in surface sediment was mainly from marine phytoplankton. The significantly negative correlation of relative concentrations between C27 and C28 steranes showed the food chain between Euphausia crystallorophias and diatoms. The relative high ratio of saturated hydrocarbons : arenes (> 2.5), low ratios of Pr/C17 (< 0.5) and Pr/Ph (< 2) inferred the sedimentary organic matter was largely contributed by diatoms. Meanwhile, the double peak of saturated hydrocarbons (C17 or C18, C29) and relative high concentration of C29 steranes (35.79%) showed terrestrial vascular plants input, and it was higher in the center area of Prydz Bay (CPI = 1.60, Pr/Ph = 1.01) than the slope area and Amery Ice Shelf area (CPI = 0.69, Pr/Ph = 0.39). The ratio of C18:2/C18:0 for fatty acids was higher in sediment collected from the center area and Amery Ice Shelf area of Prydz Bay (0.78) than that from slope area of Prydz Bay (0.23) and lower latitude regions (< 0.1), and indicated that during austral summer, the surface sea temperature was higher in slope area of Prydz Bay than center area of Prydz Bay and Amery Ice Shelf area. Related Articles | Metrics