The use of iron chemical analysis of podzols to date the Late Pleistocene–Holocene deglaciation history of the Central Italian Alps

Podzols that have developed on glacial and periglacial features provide the opportunity to reconstruct glacial evolution after the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM) using different soil indices. Analysing 17 soils classified as podzol, we used the crystallinity ratio of free iron oxides (CRF) on both the A and Bs horizons, and absolute ages for the same landforms containing the soil profile, to create dating curves. Two equations were generated: age = 4566.9 × ln (CRF) + 1760 (1), and age = 3907 × ln (CRF) + 3508.2 (2). The reliability of the curves was evaluated with the Fe_o/Fe_d ratio, and with the difference of ages calculated using both equations. Equation (2) is considered more reliable because the A horizon may be influenced by new pedogenesis on the pre-existing podzol, leading to the development of a new type of soil. By dating the soils, we reconstructed the glacial history of the three main upper branches of the LGM Adda Glacier in the Central Italian Alps, specifically the Stelvio Pass area (ST), Gavia Pass area (GV), and the Val Viola valley (VV). Seven glacial advances were identified at 16.7–14.7 ka (phase I), 12.3 ka (phase II), 11 ka (phase III), 10–9.7 ka (phase IV), 9 ka (phase V), 7.5 ka (phase VI) and 5.3 ka (phase VII). The first five phases are chronologically similar to the main Late Pleistocene–Early Holocene phases recorded in the Central European Alps. The last two Holocene phases, which are both longer in duration than the Little Ice Age, are recorded in ST and GV. Interestingly, these phases generally are not recorded in the rest of the Central European Alps, where the late Holocene glaciers were smaller than their present size.     

山东崂山花岗岩地质地貌特征

崂山位于山东省青岛市东部,是中国海岸上海拔最高的山。崂山花岗岩是苏鲁地区燕山期花岗岩带中的重要组成部分,是中国东部晚中生代较典型的由钙碱性岩套和碱性岩套构成的I—A型复合花岗岩体。在长期的地球内外应力作用下,崂山形成了丰富、独特的花岗岩地貌类型,发育峰林、峰墙、崮、洞、像形石、岩臼等花岗岩地貌和砾石堤、巨砾扇、砾石海岸、砾石滩等独特的花岗岩堆积地貌。特殊的大地构造位置和花岗岩类型、丰富的地质资源、典型而独特的花岗岩地貌景观使得崂山花岗岩地质地貌具有极高的科研、科普和旅游开发价值。     

青藏高原更新世冰期的天文气候学依据

青藏高原上更新世的三次冰期分别发生于深海氧同位素的第2—4,6和14—16阶段。介于它们之间的乃是间冰期。所以寒冷期不等于冰期,间冰期不等于温暖期。如果考察过去73万年以来全球所获得的北半球冬半年平均的太阳辐射量的变化,那么第2—4,6和14—16阶段乃是太阳辐射量比较低的时期。因此青藏高原的更新世冰期是服从天文气候学的基本规律的,是受天文因素的自然变化所控制的。     

Comparison of Late Pleistocene and Modern Glacier Extents in Central Nepal Based on Digital Elevation Data and Satellite Imagery

Late Pleistocene and modern ice extents in central Nepal are compared to estimate equilibrium line altitude (ELA) depressions. New techniques are used for determining the former extent of glaciers based on quantitative, objective geomorphic analyses of a 90-m resolution digital elevation model (DEM). For every link of the drainage network, valley form is classified as glacial or fluvial based on cross-valley shape and slope statistics. Down-valley transitions from glacial to fluvial form indicate the former limits of glaciation in each valley. Landsat Multispectral Scanner imagery for the same region is used to map current glacier extents. For both full-glacial and modern cases, ELAs are computed from the glacier limits using the DEM and a toe-to-headwall altitude ratio of 0.5. Computed ELA depressions range from 100–900 m with a modal value of 650 m and a mean of 500 m, values consistent with previously published estimates for the central Himalaya but markedly smaller than estimates for many other regions. We suggest that this reflects reduced precipitation, rather than a small temperature depression, consistent with other evidence for a weaker monsoon under full-glacial conditions.     

青藏高原第四纪冰川的早期记录及其构造与气候含义

综合青藏高原第四纪冰川早期记录的研究进展和典型盆地地层、沉积、古生物、古环境研究的系统成果,扎达盆地香孜组上部冻融层的出现代表了区域的古海拔达到了高原冰缘的高度,即3 500 m以上.这一段地层的时代可能从2.3 Ma前后开始.并与贡巴砾石层下部冰水沉积层的时代基本一致.卓奥友冰期和希夏邦马冰期的时代与扎达盆地沉积结束后,直接覆盖其上的终碛垄和冰碛垄的时代大致相当,展现了这一时期喜马拉雅山脉的山岳冰川进一步发育,也说明喜马拉雅山脉作为青藏高原海拔最高的地区开始冰冻圈的环境很可能在早更新世早中期.川西地区的早更新世的冰川沉积说明东喜马拉雅构造结附近地区这一时期已经抬升至冰冻圈高度,但是,海拨高度与气候环境与喜马拉雅山脉应有不同.具体的时代仍需要深入工作.青藏高原普遍开始冰冻罔记录是在中更新世早期.伴随着全球冰期的到来,这一时期的冰川作用在青藏高原最为发育和广泛.这些暗示着青藏高原在中更新世早期整体性地较快速抬升进入冰冻圈,即海拔3 500 m以上.详细的过程仍有待深入研究.     

长白山现代理论雪线和古雪线高度

根据冰川地貌和地形特征、岩性、冰川沉积物的风化程度以及OSL测年结果,认为长白山地区发育两期冰川作用,即末次冰盛期和晚冰期,测年结果分别为20.0±2.1ka和11.3±1.2ka。根据平衡线（ELA）处6～8月多年平均气温（T）和年降水量（P）的关系,计算长白山现代理论雪线高度为3380±100m。通过积累区面积比率AAR（accumulation-arearatio）、冰川末端到山顶高度TSAM（the terminal to summit altitudinal）,冰川末端至分水岭平均高度Hofer（the terminal to average elevation of the catchment area）、末端至冰斗后壁比率THAR（toe-to headwall altitude ratios）、冰斗底部高程CF（cirque-floor altitudes method）、侧碛堤最大高度法MELM（maximum elevation of lateral moraines）等方法计算该区末次冰盛期雪线高度为2250～2383m,平均值2320±20m。考虑到末次冰盛期后地壳上升20m,当时雪线的实际高度为2300±20m,冰盛期的雪线降低值为1080±100m。晚冰期北坡和西坡的雪线高度分别为2490m和2440m,平均值2465m,考虑新构造运动后的雪线实际高度2454m,降低值926±100m。长白山新构造运动（LGM上升约20m,晚冰期上升约11m）在末次冰盛期以来对冰川发育的影响不明显。     

Effect of sea-level lowering on ELA depression during the LGM

Decreases in equilibrium-line altitudes (ELAs) varied geographically during the last glacial maximum (LGM), with a mid-range value of ~ 900 m commonly deduced from altitude ratio and accumulation–area ratio calculations. Sea level, however, was 120 m lower during the LGM, so the ELA lowering relative to sea level would only be 780 m for a 900-m absolute lowering. With a lapse rate of 0.006°C m⁻¹, this implies a 4.7°C lowering of global temperature. It has been argued that this correction for sea-level change is unnecessary, but the logic on which this is based requires adiabatic compression to apply over much longer time scales than is typically invoked. We find that the correction is necessary. In addition, geometric changes in the atmosphere during the LGM, pointed out by Osmaston (2006), could lead to 0.4°C decrease in the average temperature of the troposphere. Additionally, orographic effects could significantly change the snow distribution on mountain masses near sea level.     

Organic and soil material between tills in east-midland England – direct evidence for two episodes of lowland glaciation in Britain during the Middle Pleistocene

This paper provides a record and analysis of a site in east-midland England, at which organic and soil material are found between two Middle Pleistocene tills. This is the first discovery of its kind in the area, and demonstrates unequivocally that the region was glaciated on two separate occasions, something that has long been inferred and articulated, but not actually demonstrated. The landforms, sediments and soils are studied with respect to their geomorphological, lithological, pedological, palaeobotanical and structural properties. The organic and soil material along with soil structures indicate, sequentially, a periglacial climate, a long period of warm temperate weathering and a cool temperate climate. Evaluation of this evidence in terms of existing published work identifies a number of problems with existing models and suggests that the most likely model for the glacial history of this part of midland England is an early Middle Pleistocene glaciation which is represented only by trace erratics, a Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 12 age glaciation which moved across the area from the NW and deposited a chalk-free till, and an MIS 8 age glaciation that transported and deposited an upper chalky till from the NE. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of Quaternary Science Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.     

Quaternary glaciation in the Nubra and Shyok valley confluence, northernmost Ladakh, India

Three glacial stages (Deshkit 1, Deshkit 2 and Dishkit 3 glacial stages) are identified in the Nubra and Shyok valleys in northernmost Ladakh, northwest India, on the basis of geomorphic field mapping, remote sensing, and ¹⁰Be terrestrial cosmogenic nuclide surface exposure dating. The glacial stages date to ∼ 45 ka (Deshkit 1 glacial stage), ∼ 81 ka (Deshkit 2 glacial stage) and ∼ 144 ka (Deshkit 3 glacial stage). A mean equilibrium line altitude depression of ∼ 290 m for the Deshkit 1 glacial stage was calculated using the area accumulation ratio, toe-to-headwall ratio, area-altitude, and area-altitude balance ratio methods. Comparison of glaciation in the Nubra and Shyok valleys with glaciations in the adjacent Central Karakoram of northern Pakistan and northern side of the Ladakh Range of northern India indicates that glaciation was synchronous on Milankovitch timescales across the region during MIS-6, but differed greatly in extent, with more extensive glaciation in the Karakoram than the morphostratigraphically equivalent glaciation on the northern slopes of the Ladakh Range. This highlights the strong contrast in the extent of glaciation across ranges in the Himalaya-Tibetan orogen, necessitating caution when correlating glacial successions within and between mountain ranges.     

青藏高原末次冰期最盛时的冰川与环境

在１６－３２ｋａＢｐ的末次冰期最盛时,青藏高原较现代降温７℃左右,降水为现代的０３－７０％。极地型冰川广泛分布,高原内部平衡线较下降值减至５００－３００ｍ以内,高原东部,南缘及西缘可能以亚极地型冰川为主,并有小部分温冰川,平衡线下降８００ｍ以至１００－１２００ｍ。初步统计,包括周围高山在内冰川面积在３５×１０＾４ｋｍ＾２左右,为现代冰川的７．５倍,冰储量相当于全海平面变化２４．２ｃｍ。其时,多年冻     

Re-evaluation of the Middle Pleistocene stratigraphy of Herefordshire,England

Lithostratigraphical analysis of remnants of high-level, poorly sorted gravel remnants in northeast Herefordshire has allowed the revision and expansion of the existing regional Middle Pleistocene stratigraphical sequence to incorporate two new formations. The oldest Pleistocene sediments in the region, the Humber Formation, represents part of a major, northerly derived, cold-stage fluvial system, which incorporated the ancestors of the rivers Lugg and Wye and tributaries of the Severn. The Risbury Formation consists of glacigenic sediments, which were deposited by a large ice-lobe emanating from a Welsh ice-cap. The Risbury Formation is correlated with glacigenic deposits in the Cradley Brook Valley on the west side of the Malvern Hills, which were formerly ascribed to a pre-Hoxnian, Severn Valley ice-sheet. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

珠穆朗玛峰地区新构造运动与环境地质灾害

研究区新构造运动强烈,环境地质灾害频繁,差异上升运动明显．除第四纪色龙盆地、定日盆地表现为相对下降外,其余均表现为上升,反映在环境地质灾害上,山洪、泥石流在雨季经常毁坏盆地内的公路。冰川后退形成的多达4级冰积埠阶地,佩枯错水面从67．9万年(P．B．)到12．6万年(P．B．)下降速率为0．021mm／a,从12．0万年(P．B．)到1．8万年(P．B．)下降速率为0．067mm／a,有加速下降的趋势,附近草地沙化严重,说明藏南面临十分严重的干旱形势,这可能与二氧化碳的过度排放、臭氧层变薄和温室效应等有关。雨季,第四纪盆地易发生洪流、泥石流等自然灾害;在珠穆朗玛峰和希夏邦马峰则容易产生雪崩。旅游、登山要避开7、8月份。     

北半球冰川物质平衡变化的若干特征及其气候意义

根据北半球连续观测的４０多条冰川物质平衡资料,分析了目前冰川物质平衡状态及影响它们的地形因互。冰川物质平衡的变化在区域间存在着一定的联系：斯堪的纳维亚、落基山和天山地 区冰川物质平衡的变化在大多数时间内存在着对应联 系,而与阿尔卑斯山冰川物质平衡的变化具有不同程度的反向波动特征。     

中国现代冰川平衡线分布特征与末次冰期平衡线下降值研究

青藏高原及周边山地拥有地球上最高大且最广阔的高山高原,是除两极外最大的现代冰川作用中心,这也使得中国成为中低纬度地区现代冰川最发育的国家之一. 现代冰川平衡线分布具有纬度地带性特征,在青藏高原上还呈不对称的环状. 根据相关研究资料估算,中国末次冰期最盛期时的冰川面积约为50×10⁴ km²,是现代的8.4倍. 基于平衡线处年降水量和夏季平均气温（6-8月）之间的相关关系重建的中国西部（105° E以西）末次冰期最盛期时的平衡线分布图与现代的相似. 在青藏高原内部与西北部,平衡线下降值在500 m以内,小的仅为200~300 m;在青藏高原东南边缘下降值约800 m,最大可达1 000~1 200 m. 天山与阿尔泰山平衡线下降值均在500 m左右. 中国东部（105° E以东）没有发育现代冰川,仅有数处中高山地,如贺兰山、太白山、长白山与台湾山地保存有确切的末次冰期冰川地形,末次冰期最盛期时的平衡线下降800~900 m,大于青藏高原、天山与阿尔泰山地区的下降值. 根据中国东部末次冰期的平衡线分布图以及相关的古气候与古环境研究资料,海拔2 000 m以下的中低山地在第四纪期间任何一次冰川作用中都不具备冰川发育所需的地势条件.     

Implications of Late Pleistocene Glaciation of the Tibetan Plateau for Present-Day Uplift Rates and Gravity Anomalies

Minimal and maximal models of Late Pleistocene Glaciation on the Tibetan Plateau are considered. The large ice sheet models indicate that disintegration of the ice sheet could have contributed up to 7 mm/yr of present vertical uplift and 2 mm/yr of horizontal extension. The former value can account for more than 50% of the observed uplift in central Tibet. The peak free-air gravity anomaly arising from the deglaciation would be around −5.4 mGal. In contrast, the smaller ice sheet models do not contribute significantly to the signals of present uplift and gravity anomalies. Modern geodetic measurements therefore have the potential to constrain the Late Pleistocene glaciation of the Tibetan Plateau. Assuming a large ice sheet over the Tibetan Plateau, the disintegration can contribute up to 6 m of eustatic sea-level rise.     

玉龙山西麓更新世冰川作用及其与金沙江河谷发育的关系

在玉龙山东麓更新世冰川作用研究的基础上,对其西麓和金沙江河谷中的古冰川与冰水沉积物的分布和特征进行了调查。结合ESR测年,划分出4次冰期,即0.7~0.6MaB.P.的玉龙冰期,0.53~0.45MaB.P.的干海子冰期,0.31~0.13MaB.P.的丽江冰期和晚更新世中晚期的大理冰期,其中玉龙冰期为规模较大的山麓冰川,丽江和大理冰期为山谷冰川,干海子冰期则为山麓冰川与山谷冰川的过渡类型。来自玉龙山西坡的玉龙冰期冰碛物充填于现今金沙江谷底的事实和大具金沙江下渡口西岸早更新世金沙江砾石层的发现表明,金沙江在早更新世早期即已存在,也说明了在该段金沙江河谷中多处发现的湖相沉积物是冰川沉积堰塞河谷而成石鼓古湖的结果。在该段金沙江河谷中仅发现拔河50m左右以内的4级河流阶地,且往往以这些湖相沉积为基座的现象,则是石鼓古湖被外泄后金沙江现代河谷形成的结果。