Early Jurassic Research Articles

Triassic-Jurassic evolution of the Dabashan Foreland Basin: Detrital zircon perspectives on the tectonic amalgamation of the South China and North China blocks

The Mesozoic Dabashan Foreland Basin, a result of the Mianlue Ocean closure, formed through the collision and amalgamation of the South China and North China blocks. As such, it contains an important record of the tectonic processes leading to the formation of the Qinling Orogenic Belt; however, the timing of transition from basin to mountainous terrains remains debated. Geochronological studies indicate continental collision occurred in the mid-Permian to early Triassic, while some paleomagnetic data suggest a Middle to Late Jurassic occurrence time. Utilizing detrital zircon geochronology and trace element data, in this paper, we examine Triassic-Jurassic sediment provenance patterns during the evolution of the Dabashan Foreland Basin. Results show that in the Middle Triassic, the north Yangtze Block received detrital input from the southern margin of the North China Block. In the Late Triassic, significant tectonic inversion occurred, with detrital sources from the southern margin of North China Block, North Qinling, South Qinling, and the north Yangtze Block. During the early and Middle Jurassic, detrital sources gradually shifted to a dominance from South Qinling, indicating a phased southward migration of collisional orogenic belt sources. Combining thermal events, crustal thickness variations, and paleomagnetic data, we propose a novel model explaining oblique compression along the north Yangtze Block during the early Mesozoic. This model suggests that the Dabashan Foreland Basin likely predates the Middle Triassic, and we contend that crustal deformation and lateral shortening during Mesozoic accretionary orogeny between North China Block and South China Block may explain the debate over collision timing.

Initial sedimentation after the closure of the Sumdo Paleo-Tethys Ocean: Implications for early Mesozoic tectonics in the East Tethys domain

The closure of the Paleo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent collisional orogenesis in the early Mesozoic played an important role in the formation of the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau. However, the final closure of the southernmost Paleo-Tethys branching ocean basin in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau—known as Sumdo Paleo-Tethys Ocean—and collision between Central and Southern Lhasa terranes remain controversial. In particular, the tectonic significance of early Mesozoic volcanism and sedimentation in the Lhasa terrane is unknown, but crucial for understanding the final stages of ocean closure. Here, we investigate the depositional ages and provenance of detrital zircon in clastic sedimentary rocks, as well as the petrogenesis of the interbedded andesite from the volcano-sedimentary sequence of the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic Xionglai Formation in the Tangjia-Sumdo area. Detrital zircon dates from the Xionglai Formation define five age peaks at 180–200 Ma, 230–340 Ma, 500–620 Ma, 1000–1240 Ma, and 1600–1800 Ma. Detrital zircon trace elements and Hf isotopic characteristics are interpreted to represent derivation from an accretionary wedge and later magmatism related to oceanic slab break-off as well as a minor component from coeval magmatic rocks in the Nyainrong-Nang area in northern Lhasa terrane. Interbedded andesite has a magnesian andesite signature and yields ages of 192–184 Ma with zircon εHf(t) values that range from −3 to +1. We interpret these data as the andesite being sourced from sediment-derived melts that interacted with the overlying mantle wedge in a post-collision extensional setting. Our study suggests that the closure of the Sumdo Paleo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent collision between Central Lhasa and Southern Lhasa terrane may have happened in Late Triassic-Early Jurassic. The final closure of the multi-Paleo-Tethys Ocean and subsequent collision in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau may have induced initial subduction of the Meso-/Neo-Tethys Ocean, representing the tectonic transition from collision/post-collision to subduction/accretion in the Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau during the Late Triassic to Early Jurassic.

The inner ear and stapes of the basal mammaliaform Morganucodon revisited: new information on labyrinth morphology and promontorial vascularization

Abstract Based on high-resolution computed tomography scanning, we provide new insights into the inner ear and stapedial morphology of Morganucodon from the Early Jurassic of St Brides. At the base of mammaliaforms, Morganucodon plays a pivotal role in understanding the sequence of character acquisition from basal cynodonts to mammals, including the detachment of the middle ear and the evolution of high-frequency hearing. Advancements in imaging technology enabled us to revise or newly describe crucial anatomy that was not accessible for the original description of Morganucodon. Based on 37 petrosals, we can confirm that the apex of the cochlear canal is expanded in Morganucodon, suggestive of a lagena macula. A gently raised crest along the abneural margin is reminiscent of (although much shallower than) the secondary lamina base of other Mesozoic mammaliaforms. The venous circum-promontorial plexus, which surrounded the inner ear in several basal mammaliaforms, was connected to the cochlear labyrinth in Morganucodon through numerous openings along the secondary lamina base. Two petrosals contain fragmentary stapes, which differ substantially from previously described isolated stapes attributed to Morganucodon in having peripherally placed crura and an oval and bullate footplate. Based on the revised stapedial morphology, we question the traditional view of an asymmetrical bicrural stapes as the plesiomorphic condition for Mammaliaformes.

Late Triassic to Early Jurassic carbon isotope chemostratigraphy and organo-facies evolution in a distal to proximal transect of the North German Basin

AbstractThroughout the Latest Triassic and the Early Jurassic, major changes in paleogeography, climate and eustatic sea-level impacted on the development of shelf depositional environments. Secular trends in environmental conditions were punctuated by transient perturbations that occurred in relation to large-scale volcanic events, such as the emplacement of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province at the Triassic/Jurassic boundary and the Karoo–Ferrar Large Igneous Province in the early Toarcian. We here present bulk organic (HAWK programmed pyrolysis) and organic carbon isotope (δ13Corg) data for three drill cores recovering Latest Triassic and Early Jurassic strata (Rhaetian to Toarcian). Study sites are located in the northeastern part of the Central European Epicontinental Sea and were positioned along a distal–proximal transect of the North German Basin. This allows discussing the differential response of depositional settings and organo-facies toward secular and transient environmental change. Biostratigraphically anchored trends in δ13Corg values allow the precise correlation along the transect, as well as with distant sites. At all North German locations, diagnostic secular trends in δ13Corg are punctuated by transient negative carbon isotope excursions, reflecting perturbations of the global carbon cycle at the Triassic/Jurassic boundary and in the early Toarcian. Stratigraphic gaps occurred during sea-level lowstands and are most pronounced at shallow proximal sites. Programmed pyrolysis data indicate spatiotemporal organo-facies trends that on a temporal scale occurred in response to sea-level and climate trends, while spatial patterns were governed by basin morphology and paleobathymetry. Substantial marine organic matter accumulations occurred at high sea level during the Toarcian only, and were most continuous at distal sites. Graphical Abstract

Tracking the tempo of a continental margin arc: Insights from a forearc succession in West Antarctica

The Fossil Bluff Group of eastern Alexander Island records the exceptional preservation of more than 8 km of Mesozoic sedimentary rocks deposited into an accretionary forearc basin that developed unconformably above a late Paleozoic accretionary complex, and in proximity to a continental margin arc during a prolonged phase of enhanced magmatism. Through the Mesozoic, the Fossil Bluff Group evolved from a trench-slope environment to a forearc basin sourced from the continental margin arc. During this period, the Antarctic Peninsula’s convergent margin was characterized by episodes of magmatic flare-ups that developed during tectonic compression, crustal thickening, extension, and uplift. U-Pb and Lu-Hf detrital zircon data are used to determine the provenance of the forearc succession and as a monitor of arc magmatic tempos during the late Mesozoic. The magmatic record in the adjacent arc is poorly preserved or partially absent, but the sedimentary record of the forearc basin preserves a largely uninterrupted record of arc magmatism that can be studied with detrital zircon geochronology and geochemistry. The basal succession of the Fossil Bluff Group is sourced from the adjacent accretionary complex, but thereafter it is strongly controlled by the proximal arc in western Palmer Land and is characterized by a mixed arc/recycled signature during episodes of renewed sedimentation. However, the main phases of deposition during the Early Jurassic (ca. 180 Ma), Early Cretaceous (141−131 Ma), and mid-Cretaceous (125−102 Ma) are dominated by arc-only sources. The Lu-Hf isotopic record supports a transition from convergence to extension and a return to convergence during the Mesozoic, which is consistent with accretionary orogens from elsewhere along the West Gondwanan margin. The provenance record during the depositional history of the basin points overwhelmingly to an autochthonous origin; as such, models for parts of the western province of the Antarctic Peninsula being allochthonous are unsupported.

Success and demise of exceptionally preserved terebratulide brachiopod accumulations in a Jurassic (early Pliensbachian) tropical lagoonal setting (Southern Alps, Italy): brachiopod response to environmental changes

During the Early Jurassic, the shallow marine carbonate platforms of the western-Tethys margins were characterized by highly diverse benthos including larger foraminifera, sponges, bivalves, gastropods, brachiopods, echinoderms, and dasycladalean calcareous algae. In this paper, we document examples of such assemblages within the lower Pliensbachian part of the Rotzo Formation (upper Orbitopsella Zone) of the Southern Alps, Italy. This carbonate succession was deposited in a complex mosaic of marine and brackish habitats within a tropical lagoon of the Trento Platform area. Large terebratulide brachiopod shells form autochthonous accumulations comprising exceptionally well-preserved monospecific assemblages of Lychnothyris rotzoana. These brachiopod-bearing successions were analysed in terms of biotic components, microfacies analysis, shell biofabric (three-dimensional arrangement of skeletal elements), and taphonomic signatures to understand brachiopod response to changing conditions within a highly variable lagoonal palaeoecosystem. Findings show that terebratulide shell accumulations are dominated by adult specimens and juveniles are rare. The brachiopods thrived during low energy conditions that resulted in the accumulation of highly temporally-condensed shell beds. Stabilized by microbialite encrustations, the shells were not re-oriented during the subsequent rapid burial. The abrupt demise of these communities was possibly related to rapid environmental change, and causal factors are discussed. The medium-term response of brachiopods to the relatively instable ecosystem of the tropical lagoon shows that they were not able to adapt to continuous perturbations, and that continuing stress severely compromised the resilience of benthic taxa.

Disparity between Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event and Toarcian carbon isotope excursion

AbstractThe Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (T-OAE, Early Jurassic) is marked by widespread marine deoxygenation and deposition of organic carbon (OC)-rich strata. The genesis of the T-OAE is thought to be associated with environmental changes caused by the emission of 12C-enriched greenhouse gasses (CO2, CH4), manifested in a negative Toarcian carbon isotope excursion (nT-CIE). The nT-CIE is commonly used to stratigraphically define the T-OAE, and despite the complex interrelationship of the different environmental phenomena, both terms (nT-CIE and T-OAE) are commonly used interchangeable. We here demonstrate that occurrence of OC-rich strata is diachronous and not restricted to the nT-CIE, reflecting the interaction of global- and regional-scale processes. Thus, the interchangeable use of T-OAE and nT-CIE should be discarded. The nT-CIE, however, hosts the T-OAE climax, marked by the widest extent of OC-rich strata. Early Toarcian environmental changes, particularly sea level rise and rising temperatures, may have made marine areas more susceptible to develop oxygen deficient conditions, favoring OC-accumulation. Graphical abstract

Mesozoic rifting in SW Gondwana and break-up of the Southern South Atlantic Ocean

Abstract The opening of the South Atlantic Ocean in the Early Cretaceous was only the final stage of the complex rifting process of SW Gondwana. In this contribution, we reassess the chronology of Mesozoic basin formation in southern South America and Africa and integrate it in the long-term rifting and break-up history of SW Gondwana. During the Triassic, after the Gondwanides orogeny, plate-scale instabilities produced intracontinental rifting in Africa, and retro-arc extension on the SW-margin of Gondwana. This process was followed and accentuated by the impingement of the Karoo plume in the Early Jurassic, which triggered rifting in East Africa and ultimately produced the break-up of Eastern from Western Gondwana in the Middle Jurassic. Retro-arc extension continued to affect the palaeo-Pacific margin, with emplacement of the Chon Aike magmatic province in the Patagonian retro-arc during the Early–Middle Jurassic. By the Late Jurassic, retro-arc rifting reached a point of oceanic crust accretion, with the establishment of the Rocas Verdes back-arc basin in southern Patagonia, together with the formation of the Weddell Sea further south, between the South American plate and Antarctica. The core of the Late Paleozoic Gondwanides orogen, between southern South America and Africa, was subjected to oblique rifting at this time and produced the Outeniqua and Rawson/Valdés basins. This area was the locus of extension and oceanization in the Early Cretaceous associated with a rotation of the stress field from NE–SW to east–west extension. The formation of the South Atlantic Ocean resulted from lithospheric extension and was accompanied by extensive intrusive magmatism and extrusive flood basalts identified as seaward dipping reflectors, which were emplaced diachronically from south to north, along different segments along both conjugate margins. These volcanic rocks form the South Atlantic Large Igneous Province. The chronology of the South Atlantic opening and the magmatic sources and processes associated with the formation of seaward dipping reflectors remain interpretative as they have only been studied on seismic data but are still undrilled; hence, scientific drilling will be key to unravel many of these unknowns.

Sedimentation tempo in an Early Jurassic erg system: Refined chronostratigraphy and provenance of the Clarens Formation of southern Africa

AbstractThe Clarens Formation is a widespread aeolianite deposited over southern Gondwana and represents the final phase of erg evolution in the main Karoo Basin during the Early Jurassic. Previous age assessments of the formation hinge on limited detrital zircon data, supplemented by relative ages from the biostratigraphy and geochronology of the adjacent Karoo units. This study refines the depositional history of the Clarens Formation, including its sediment source dynamics as well as basin‐wide geochronological framework, based on U–Pb dating of detrital zircon grains, together with petrographic and sedimentological characterization. The abundant presence of heavy minerals like zircon, tourmaline and rutile suggests large‐scale detritus recycling, while the uniform sandstone composition on a regional scale is an indication of sediment homogenisation across the basin. Based on the prominent detrital zircon age fractions, the sediments are interpreted as having been reworked from pre‐existing rocks of the Karoo Supergroup (Permian), the Damara and Saldania Orogenic belts (650–490 Ma), whereas minor sources can be assigned to the Namaqua‐Natal Mobile Belt (1.35–1.1 Ga) and the western Sierras Pampeanas (1.30–1.33 Ga). Unstable minerals (hornblende, garnet, titanite, feldspar) provide evidence for a nearby granitic source east and southeast of the basin, related to likely Grenvillian rocks (1.0–1.3 Ga). An Early Jurassic zircon age fraction is linked to volcanic activity in the Chon Aike Magmatic Province that, at the time, was situated south and southwest of the study area. Maximum depositional ages derived from these detrital zircon dates suggest that the sedimentation of the Clarens Formation spanned an interval of ~10 Ma during the Pliensbachian and early Toarcian. More specifically, the lower part of the formation is of early Pliensbachian age or younger (~191–192), while the upper part is of early Toarcian age or younger (~181–183 Ma). These age patterns are particularly prominent in the south of the basin that was situated closer to the volcanic source.

Fossil-informed biogeographic analysis suggests Eurasian regionalization in crown Squamata during the early Jurassic.

Squamata (lizards, snakes, and amphisbaenians) is a Triassic lineage with an extensive and complex biogeographic history, yet no large-scale study has reconstructed the ancestral range of early squamate lineages. The fossil record indicates a broadly Pangaean distribution by the end- Cretaceous, though many lineages (e.g., Paramacellodidae, Mosasauria, Polyglyphanodontia) subsequently went extinct. Thus, the origin and occupancy of extant radiations is unclear and may have been localized within Pangaea to specific plates, with potential regionalization to distinct Laurasian and Gondwanan landmasses during the Mesozoic in some groups. We used recent tectonic models to code extant and fossil squamate distributions occurring on nine discrete plates for 9,755 species, with Jurassic and Cretaceous fossil constraints from three extinct lineages. We modeled ancestral ranges for crown Squamata from an extant-only molecular phylogeny using a suite of biogeographic models accommodating different evolutionary processes and fossil-based node constraints from known Jurassic and Cretaceous localities. We hypothesized that the best-fit models would not support a full Pangaean distribution (i.e., including all areas) for the origin of crown Squamata, but would instead show regionalization to specific areas within the fragmenting supercontinent, likely in the Northern Hemisphere where most early squamate fossils have been found. Incorporating fossil data reconstructs a localized origin within Pangaea, with early regionalization of extant lineages to Eurasia and Laurasia, while Gondwanan regionalization did not occur until the middle Cretaceous for Alethinophidia, Scolecophidia, and some crown Gekkotan lineages. While the Mesozoic history of extant squamate biogeography can be summarized as a Eurasian origin with dispersal out of Laurasia into Gondwana, their Cenozoic history is complex with multiple events (including secondary and tertiary recolonizations) in several directions. As noted by previous authors, squamates have likely utilized over-land range expansion, land-bridge colonization, and trans-oceanic dispersal. Tropical Gondwana and Eurasia hold more ancient lineages than the Holarctic (Rhineuridae being a major exception), and some asymmetries in colonization (e.g., to North America from Eurasia during the Cenozoic through Beringia) deserve additional study. Future studies that incorporate fossil branches, rather than as node constraints, into the reconstruction can be used to explore this history further.

Triassic-Jurassic dinosaurs from India, their ages and palaeobiogeographic significance

ABSTRACT We review the record of Late Triassic and Jurassic dinosaurs from India to determine their geological ages and palaeobiogeographic significance. The oldest Indian dinosaur, the basal saurischian Alwalkeria maleriensis, is from the early Late Triassic (Otischalkian/Carnian) lower Maleri Formation. The archosaur-dominated Upper Maleri Formation (Adamanian/late Carnian?) contains two sauropodomorph clades. The Indian Jurassic record of dinosaurs from the Pranhita-Godavari Valley is more extensive but has poor age constraints, whereas fragmentary, and better dated dinosaur remains are known from the Early Middle Jurassic of Kachchh, Gujarat and Rajasthan. The Indian Late Triassic dinosaurs fit into a picture of some degree of dinosaur cosmopolitanism across Late Triassic Pangaea, with primitive saurischians and/or theropods and primitive sauropodomorphs found in eastern Gondwana (India), western Gondwana (South America) and Euramerica. The well-known non-neosauropods Kotasaurus and Barapasaurus from the Middle Jurassic Kota Formation provide substantial evidence that India was a major centre of the early evolution of neosauropods. Tharosaurus indicus, from the Middle Jurassic strata of the Jaisalmer Basin, is a relic of a lineage that likely originated in India and swiftly expanded throughout the rest of Pangaea. This lineage further stresses the significance of Gondwanan India in elucidating the origin and early evolutionary history of neosauropod dinosaurs.

Climate-forced Hg-remobilization associated with fern mutagenesis in the aftermath of the end-Triassic extinction

The long-term effects of the Central Atlantic Magmatic Province, a large igneous province connected to the end-Triassic mass-extinction (201.5 Ma), remain largely elusive. Here, we document the persistence of volcanic-induced mercury (Hg) pollution and its effects on the biosphere for ~1.3 million years after the extinction event. In sediments recovered in Germany (Schandelah-1 core), we record not only high abundances of malformed fern spores at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary, but also during the lower Jurassic Hettangian, indicating repeated vegetation disturbance and stress that was eccentricity-forced. Crucially, these abundances correspond to increases in sedimentary Hg-concentrations. Hg-isotope ratios (δ202Hg, Δ199Hg) suggest a volcanic source of Hg-enrichment at the Triassic-Jurassic boundary but a terrestrial source for the early Jurassic peaks. We conclude that volcanically injected Hg across the extinction was repeatedly remobilized from coastal wetlands and hinterland areas during eccentricity-forced phases of severe hydrological upheaval and erosion, focusing Hg-pollution in the Central European Basin.

Formation and evolution of shale overpressure in deep Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation in southern Sichuan basin and its influence on reservoir pore characteristics

In the deep Longmaxi Formation shale gas reservoirs of the southern Sichuan Basin, strong overpressure is universally developed to varying degrees. However, there is currently a lack of in-depth research on the formation mechanisms, evolutionary patterns, and the controlling effects on reservoir pore characteristics of strong overpressure. This limitation significantly restricts the evaluation of deep shale gas reservoirs. This study selected typical overpressured shale gas wells in Yongchuan, Luzhou, and Dazu areas as research subjects. Through comprehensive methods such as log analysis, fluid inclusion analysis, and numerical simulation, the dominant mechanisms of strong overpressure formation were determined, and the pressure evolution from early burial to late strong uplift was characterized. Additionally, the impact of varying degrees of overpressure on reservoir pore characteristics was studied using techniques such as scanning electron microscopy, gas adsorption-mercury intrusion, and helium porosity testing. The research findings indicate that hydrocarbon generation expansion is the primary mechanism for strong overpressure formation. The pressure evolution in the early burial phase is controlled by the processes of kerogen oil generation and residual oil cracking into gas. The reservoir experienced three stages: normal pressure (Ordovician to Early Triassic), overpressure (Early Triassic to Early Jurassic), and strong overpressure (Early Jurassic to Late Cretaceous), with pressure coefficients of approximately 1.08, 1.56, and 2.09, respectively. During the late strong uplift phase, the adjustment of early overpressure occurred due to temperature decrease and gas escape, leading to a decrease in formation pressure from 140.55 MPa to 81.63 MPa, while still maintaining a state of strong overpressure. Different degrees of strong overpressure exert a significant control on the physical properties of shale reservoirs and the composition of organic matter pores. Variations exist in the organic matter pore morphology, structure, and connectivity within the deep Wufeng-Longmaxi shale. Higher overpressure favors the preservation of organic large pores and reservoir porosity. Under conditions of strong overpressure development, deep siliceous shales and organically rich clay shales exhibit favorable reservoir properties. By determining the dominant mechanisms of strong overpressure in the Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation and studying pore characteristics, this research not only deepens the understanding of the geological features of deep shale gas reservoirs but also provides a new perspective for understanding the overpressure mechanisms and reservoir properties of deep shale gas reservoirs. Moreover, it is of significant importance for guiding the exploration and development of deep Longmaxi shale and provides valuable references for further research in related fields.

Clumped and in situ carbon and oxygen isotopes of calcite as tracers for oxidation of hydrocarbons in deep siliciclastic strata

The oxidation of hydrocarbons, including methane, is part of interrelated hydrogeochemical reactions affecting the carbon budget in Earth’s crust. To investigate these processes in deep siliciclastic strata, we analyzed core samples from Lower Triassic red beds in the Mahu Sag (Junggar Basin, northwest China) by coupling petrological observations with high-resolution in situ secondary ion mass spectroscopy stable carbon and oxygen isotope analyses and clumped isotopes (Δ47) of authigenic calcite. The strata contain variable oil and gas content as well as abundant high-valence Fe and/or Mn oxides. Three sequential generations of cement occur, which are characterized as (1) non-luminescent, early diagenetic calcite (MnO <0.3%, δ13CVPDB [Vienna Peedee belemnite] = −5.6‰ to −4.1‰); (2) bright-orange luminescent late-stage I calcite (0.75%−5.23% MnO, δ13C = −51.4‰ to −25.8‰); and (3) dull-orange late-stage II calcite (4.10%−12.93% MnO, δ13C = −91.4‰ to −30.9‰). Clumped isotopic thermometry reveals that the calcite precipitation temperature increases successively from <40 °C, to 81−107 °C, to finally 107−132 °C, corresponding to three precipitation time periods: before the Late Triassic, from the Early Jurassic to the Early Cretaceous, and from the Early Cretaceous to the present, respectively. δ13C values of −55.7‰ to −25.8‰ indicate that late-stage I calcite is the final product of oxidation of both methane and C2+ hydrocarbons, whereas δ13C values as low as −91‰ indicate that late-stage II calcite is mainly derived from the thermochemical oxidation of methane (δ13C = −46.8‰ to −39.3‰) induced by high-valence Mn and/or Fe oxides. For late-stage I calcite, hydrocarbon oxidation was most likely promoted by high temperatures, although microbial oxidation cannot be completely ruled out. The higher precipitation temperature of late-stage II calcite demonstrates that the oxidation of methane requires higher activation energies than oxidation of C2+ hydrocarbons. We provide reliable geochemical evidence for thermally induced sequential oxidation of hydrocarbons within deep siliciclastic strata.

A marine incursion during the onset of T-OAE in Sichuan Basin, China: Evidence from green clay minerals and carbonate concretions

A high-amplitude global sea level rose rapidly during the early Toarcian (Early Jurassic), making the transgression deposits potential stratigraphic correlation markers of marine and terrestrial successions. Green clay minerals (i.e., glauconite and chamosite), carbonate concretions, and geochemical database associated with the early Toarcian global transgression are archived in the Lower Jurassic Da'anzhai Member (the Early Toarcian age) in the Sichuan Basin of China, a mega lake along the Tethys Ocean. The fine-grained glauconites with high Al and low Si contents suggested that they were transported from offshore to the lake by marine incursion and were oxidized during the transport processes. The green authigenic chamosite cement and redeposited chamosite grains with high Mg/Fe and low Al/Si ratios were diagenetically transformed from berthierine formed in the brackish water caused by marine incursion. The chemically impure siderite concretions with low 87Sr/86Sr ratios and high δ13C values suggested that the lake water and sediment pore waters were mixed with seawater. Coeval calcareous concretions have low 87Sr/86Sr ratios and high δ13C values, indicating the mixing of lake water with seawater. Combining the stratigraphic low 87Sr/86Sr values, we suggested that there was a marine incursion into the Sichuan Basin. According to the organic carbon isotopic stratigraphy correlation, the marine incursion occurred during the onset of T-OAE. The rapid and high-amplitude global sea-level rise may have caused this marine incursion.

The first record of the Gondwanan seed fern Dicroidium Gothan in Laurasia

Dicroidium Gothan is an extinct seed fern that was widely distributed in Gondwana during the Triassic but has not yet been unequivocally recorded in Laurasia. In this paper, a new species of the genus, Dicroidium sinensis Sun et Deng sp. nov., is described from the Middle Triassic sediments of the Ordos Basin, northwestern China, based on macromorphology and cuticular structures. This is the first record of Dicroidium in China, indicating that the genus was not unique to Gondwana and was also present in Laurasia. Dicroidium seems to have originated in the palaeotropics in the Permian (e.g., Jordan) and then widespread and flourished in Gondwana and extended to Laurasia during the Middle-Late Triassic period, and disappeared in the Early Jurassic. This genus may have migrated from Jordan to Laurasia along the western coast of the Tethys. Additionally, galls found in the leaf of Dicroidium sinensis proves the interactions between plants and insects.

Jurassic sedimentary evolution model and its implication for the sandstone-type uranium mineralization in the Kamusite area in eastern Junggar Basin, NW China

The Junggar Basin in the northern Xinjiang Province, northwestern China, is a large hydrocarbon basin with tremendous reserves of oil, gas and coals. Tens of sandstone-type uranium showings, occurrences and/or anomalies have also been discovered in the Junggar Basin since the 1960s, yet hitherto only one large uranium deposit, the Kamusite deposit, has been identified in the Middle Jurassic Toutunhe Formation sandstones in the eastern part of the basin. Sand bodies with high-permeability are the prerequisite for the formation of the in situ leachable sandstone-hosted uranium deposit, nevertheless the spatial distribution and genetic types of the sand bodies, as well as the deposition model in Jurassic time in the Kamusite area both remain unclear, which largely hindered the understanding of the sedimentary evolution and uranium exploration directions in the region.In this contribution, based on the outcrop observation, core logging and well logging data interpretation, and comprehensive analysis, the sedimentary characteristics, sedimentary facies types, sand body morphology, plane distribution characteristics, as well as the sedimentary evolution history in Jurassic time in the Kamusite area have been illustrated in details. From early to late, the Jurassic sediments in Kamusite can be divided into the Badaowan, Sangonghe, Xishanyao, Toutunhe and Qigu formations, of which the sand bodies favorable for the sandstone-type uranium mineralization have been systematically analyzed, and the depositional model in the Kamusite area have been established. The Early Jurassic Badaowan Formation is a set of coal-bearing coarse-grained clastic sediments of the braided river–braided river delta facies, followed by the lake transgression and fine-grained lacustrine deposition in the Sangonghe Formation. The Middle Jurassic Xishanyao Formation is a set of braided river delta facies coal-bearing clastic sediments, while the uranium orebody-bearing Toutunhe Formation underwent the paleoclimate transition from warm and humid to hot and arid, and developed a set of braided river delta to meandering river facies sequences with an overall positive sedimentary rhythm. The Qigu Formation is dominated by a series of meandering river to lacustrine facies fine-grained sediments and largely denuded by later tectonic activities. Three sets of sand bodies favorable for the sandstone-type uranium mineralization are recognized, including those in the lower Toutunhe Formation, the lower Xishanyao Formation, and the upper Badaowan Formation, from bottom to top. A four-stage sedimentary evolution model from the Badaowan Formation to the Toutunhe Formation has been established thereafter, and general exploration suggestions were proposed in the last of the contribution. More drilling is recommended to the south of the Kalasayi Fault, aiming the lower Toutunhe, lower Xishanyao and upper Badaowan formations. To the north of the Kalasayi Fault, more uranium mineralization could also be expected, and the exploration is suggested to focus on the Jurassic Toutunhe, Xishanyao formations and Cretaceous Tugulu Group.

Coupling of source rock gas expulsion intensity and reservoir quality in time and space-a key to determine gas accumulation in Upper Paleozoic tight sandstones of the Mugua gas field, Ordos Basin, China

Research on gas accumulation mechanisms and variations in gas saturation is limited in the newly established Mugua gas field in the Ordos Basin. Understanding these aspects is vital for reduce drilling uncertainty and exploration risk. This study employed a variety of methods, including: (1) the use of organic geochemical examinations to determine the gas expulsion intensity of hydrocarbon source rocks; (2) fluid inclusion analyses to determine the time of gas accumulation; (3) a combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy observations, pore-simulation and permeability tests, mercury-intrusion capillary pressure experiments, and nuclear magnetic resonance studies to assess the properties of the reservoir quality and identify the tight sandstone rock type; (4) wireline logging and interpretive data analyses to research the gas saturations features; and (5) establish reservoir quality evolution model to systematically study this problem. Integrating fluid inclusion homogenization temperatures with burial and thermal histories indicates that gas accumulation in the Mugua gas fields occurred throughout the Early Jurassic to Late Cretaceous period. Five diagenetic facies have been identified: dissolution, quartz-cemented, clay mineral filling, tightly compacted, and carbonate-cemented facies. The reservoir quality evolution model reveals that the five diagenetic facies experienced densification before the period of gas accumulation. Therefore, for gas accumulation in tight sandstones, it is essential that mature and gas-generating source rocks, provide sufficient expulsion forces to drive gas into the rocks. The mechanism of gas accumulation in the Mugua gas field's tight gas sandstone reservoirs involves the process occurring in sandstones that are either near or interbedded with source rocks, under high pore-fluid pressure generated by gas production. Compared to other Upper Paleozoic gas fields in the Ordos Basin, the gas expulsion intensity in the Mugua gas field is lower, ranging from 6.12–8.39 × 108 m3/km2. Due to the low gas expulsion intensity, the Shihezi 8 Member's tight sandstone reservoirs, situated away from the source rock, typically show low gas saturation. Conversely, the dissolution and quartz-cemented facies within the Benxi, Taiyuan, and Shanxi Formations, intimately interbedded with hydrocarbon source rocks, exhibit good reservoir quality. They offer ideal conditions for gas accumulation, making them prime candidates for exploration and development.

Paleo‐stress reconstruction and implications for the Mesozoic tectonic evolution of the Guizhong Depression, South China Block

The tectonic deformation reaction to multi‐plate convergence in the northern Guizhong Depression, as well as its geodynamic process, remain poorly understood. Two phases of intracontinental deformation are identified using field geological investigations, paleo‐stress inversion and seismic reflection sections: (1) early NE–SW‐directed compression during the Middle Triassic to Early Jurassic; (2) later NW–SE‐directed compression during the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous. The reconstruction of paleo‐stress provides robust constraints on the spatiotemporal evolution of stress within the Guizhong Depression. The regional SW–NE‐directed compression during the Middle Triassic to Early Jurassic was driven by the collision and convergence between the Indochina and South China blocks, resulting in the formation of NW–SE‐directed compressional structures during the Indosinian Period. The later SE–NW‐directed paleo‐stress field was probably driven by the NW‐directed subduction of the Paleo–Pacific Plate during the Middle Jurassic to Early Cretaceous.

New dinosaur remains increase theropod diversity in the Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Lower Jurassic), Chubut Province, Argentina

The Jurassic record of South American theropods is scarce, being represented by only seven nominal species. Four of these species (Eoabelisaurus mefi, Asfaltovenator vialidadi, Condorraptor currumili and Piatnitzkysaurus floresi) have been found in Toarcian-aged localities in the Cañadón Asfalto Formation (Chubut Province, Argentina) and, as a result, this unit has the highest known diversity of Jurassic theropods on the continent. A dentary with teeth in situ (MPEF-PV 6775) was found close to the base of this formation and differs from the other species from the unit with overlapping morphology. MPEF-PV 6775 resembles the dentary of the Late Jurassic North American theropod Ceratosaurus in being a robust bone, with a strong dorsal curvature in lateral view, and having relatively tall tooth crowns. MPEF-PV 6775 was scored in two matrices that have a broad taxonomic sample focused on Theropoda and the new specimen was recovered in large polytomies with other early neotheropods. A third analysis was conducted scoring MPEF-PV 6775 into a matrix focused in ceratosaurs because of its morphological similarities to Ceratosaurus. In this analysis, MPEF-PV 6775 was recovered as the sister taxon to Ceratosaurus, sharing with the later a ventral margin of the dentary that is strongly convex anteroposteriorly. These results suggest that MPEF-PV 6775 is a ceratosaurian and probably a ceratosaurid. Thus, our results indicate a higher taxonomic diversity of theropods and, in particular, ceratosaurs in the Cañadón Asfalto Formation. MPEF-PV 6775 seems to provide more evidence for the presence of ceratosaurids in the Jurassic of South America, together with isolated teeth described from the Late Jurassic of Uruguay and some analyses that recovered Eoabelisaurus and Berberosaurus within this clade.