Journal of Tropical Oceanography ›› 2022, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1): 143-157.doi: 10.11978/2021013CSTR: 32234.14.2021013

• Marine Geology • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Characteristics of Quaternary exposure surfaces in Well Nanke-1 and their relationship with sea-level changes

LUO Yun1,2,3(), LI Gang1,2(), XU Weihai1,2, CHENG Jun1,2,3, LIU Jianguo1,2, YAN Wen1,2,3()   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Ocean and Marginal Sea Geology, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Innovation Academy of South China Sea Ecology and Environmental Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou 510301, China
    2. Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou 511458, China
    3. University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
  • Received:2021-02-02 Revised:2021-05-13 Online:2022-01-10 Published:2021-05-21
  • Contact: LI Gang,YAN Wen E-mail:luoyun115@mails.ucas.ac.cn;gangli@scsio.ac.cn;wyan@scsio.ac.cn
  • Supported by:
    Strategic Priority Research Program of the Chinese Academy of Sciences(XDA13010102);Key Special Project for Introduced Talents Team of Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou)(GML2019ZD0206);National Natural Science Foundation of China(41976063);National Natural Science Foundation of China(41976062);National Natural Science Foundation of China(41676031)

Abstract:

Exposure surfaces in shallow-water carbonates are considered to be the faithful archive of paleo sea-level fluctuations, which are important for studying carbonate sequences and development of coral islands. Based on core observations, thin section identifications, and analyses of stable isotopes and mineral compositions, we identified nine main exposure surfaces in the Quaternary reef carbonates from a deep borehole “Well Nanke-1” (NK-1) drilled on Meiji Island, and we discussed their relationship with sea-level change and coral reef evolution in the South China Sea. Exposure surfaces in the Quaternary reef carbonates in Well NK-1 are characterized by heavily dissolved cavities and rich calcareous nodules with reddish-brown or yellowish colors. Weathered carbonates around most exposure surfaces have negative carbon and oxygen isotopes, and higher contents of Al, Th, Fe, and rare earth elements. The AMS14C and U-Th age data confirm that the Holocene coral reefs have developed during 8.2~4.7 ka on Meiji Island; and its growth period is consistent with that of other coral reefs in the South China Sea. The slow rise in sea level provided a favorable environment for the vertical growth of most coral reefs. Most exposure surfaces within Pleistocene stratum of Well NK-1 correspond to low sea-level stages, and the dated ages of these exposure surfaces by Sr isotopes and paleomagnetic studies are consistent with the records from the Xisha Islands and Yongshu Island.

Key words: Well Nanke-1, exposure surface, sea level, reef evolution, South China Sea

CLC Number: 

  • P736.2