Sedimentary sequences in response to marine transgression during the late Quaternary, Pearl River delta

LU Hongyu; JIANG Shoujun; HUANG Kongwen; CHEN Cong; TANG Yongjie; LI Hongwei; HUANG Ping; HUANG Kangyou

doi:10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2022072102

2023 Vol. 43, No. 2

Article Contents

Article navigation > Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology > 2023 > 43(2): 18-30

Next Article Previous Article

LU Hongyu, JIANG Shoujun, HUANG Kongwen, CHEN Cong, TANG Yongjie, LI Hongwei, HUANG Ping, HUANG Kangyou. Sedimentary sequences in response to marine transgression during the late Quaternary, Pearl River delta[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2023, 43(2): 18-30. doi: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2022072102

Citation:

LU Hongyu, JIANG Shoujun, HUANG Kongwen, CHEN Cong, TANG Yongjie, LI Hongwei, HUANG Ping, HUANG Kangyou. Sedimentary sequences in response to marine transgression during the late Quaternary, Pearl River delta[J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2023, 43(2): 18-30. doi: 10.16562/j.cnki.0256-1492.2022072102

Sedimentary sequences in response to marine transgression during the late Quaternary, Pearl River delta

1.
School of Earth Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519082, China
2.
Guangdong Geological Survey Institute, Guangzhou 510110, China
3.
Guangdong Laboratory of Marine Science and Engineering (Zhuhai), Zhuhai 519082, China
4.
GDZD Institute on Deep-Earth Sciences, Guangzhou 510275, China

More Information

Corresponding author: TANG Yongjie, tangyj55@mail.sysu.edu.cn

Received Date: 21 July 2022

Revised Date: 24 October 2022

Publish Date: 28 April 2023

Abstract

Abstract

The Pearl River Delta, located in the northern South China Sea, has experienced several sea level changes, and deposited several marine-terrestrial strata since the late Quaternary, which provides good research materials for studying the sedimentary model and palaeo-environmental evolution of estuarine and coastal zones. In this study, detailed investigation of lithofacies, grain-size distribution, magnetic susceptibility, microfossils, and chronological analysis were conducted for core GC088. The results were combined with other regional cores and revealed the stratigraphic sequence and the evolution of sedimentary environment in Jiangmen Xinhui area, Pearl River Delta. The Quaternary strata in Xinhui area include six sedimentary facies, namely, river channel, tide-dominated river, estuarine, delta front, tidal flat, and delta plain. Weathered clay layers also present in the Quaternary strata in Xinhui area. Based on the ¹⁴C and OSL dating results obtained in this study and in other cores in the study area, the chronological framework of Xinhui area since the late Quaternary was established. Two transgression-regression cycles in the Pearl River Delta were recognized, and the age of the lower transgression cycle should be attributed to MIS 5.3. The multi-index analysis results of core GC088 illustrate clear periodicity in relation to the sea level change. Combined with the changes of sedimentary facies and the results of other proxies (e.g. geochemical elements, pollen, foraminifera, etc.) of regional cores, it is believed that sea level fluctuated in the MIS 5 stage of the Pearl River Delta. This study indicates that the evolution of sedimentary environment in the Pearl River Delta was mainly controlled by global sea level change and shoreline movement during last glacial-interglacial cycles.
- transgression-regression cycle /
- MIS 5 /
- grain-size distribution /
- sedimentary environment /
- Pearl River Delta

FullText(HTML)

References

[1]	蔡赤萌. 粤港澳大湾区城市群建设的战略意义和现实挑战[J]. 广东社会科学, 2017(4):5-14 Google Scholar CAI Chimeng. The building of a world-class city cluster in Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao greater bay area: strategic meanings and challenges [J]. Social Sciences in Guangdong, 2017(4): 5-14. Google Scholar
[2]	Kopp R E, Kemp A C, Bittermann K, et al. Temperature-driven global sea-level variability in the common era [J]. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America, 2016, 113(11): E1434-E1441. Google Scholar
[3]	Wang Z H, Saito Y, Zhan Q, et al. Three-dimensional evolution of the Yangtze River mouth, China during the Holocene: impacts of sea level, climate and human activity [J]. Earth-Science Reviews, 2018, 185: 938-955. doi: 10.1016/j.earscirev.2018.08.012 CrossRef Google Scholar
[4]	宗永强, 黄光庆, 熊海仙, 等. 珠江三角洲晚第四纪地层、海平面变化与构造运动的关系[J]. 热带地理, 2016, 36(3):326-333 Google Scholar ZONG Yongqiang, HUANG Guangqing, XIONG Haixian, et al. Relationship between Late Quaternary lithostratigraphy, sea-level change and tectonics in the Pearl River Delta [J]. Tropical Geography, 2016, 36(3): 326-333. Google Scholar
[5]	黄镇国, 李平日, 张仲英, 等. 珠江三角洲形成发育演变[M]. 广州: 科学普及出版社广州分社, 1982 Google Scholar HUANG Zhenguo, LI Pingri, ZHANG Zhongying, et al. Evolution of the Pearl River Delta[M]. Guangzhou: Science Popularization Press Guangzhou Branch, 1982. Google Scholar
[6]	Zong Y, Yim W W S, Yu F, et al. Late Quaternary environmental changes in the Pearl River mouth region, China [J]. Quaternary International, 2009, 206(1-2): 35-45. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2008.10.012 CrossRef Google Scholar
[7]	Zong Y Q. Postglacial stratigraphy and sea-level changes in the Han River Delta, China [J]. Journal of Coastal Research, 1992, 8(1): 1-28. Google Scholar
[8]	Gao L, Long H, Tamura T, et al. A ~130 ka terrestrial-marine interaction sedimentary history of the northern Jiangsu coastal plain in China [J]. Marine Geology, 2021, 435: 106455. doi: 10.1016/j.margeo.2021.106455 CrossRef Google Scholar
[9]	陈聪, 万秋池, 郑卓, 等. 福建平潭岛晚第四纪沉积序列及MIS 5海侵旋回特征[J]. 热带地理, 2016, 36(3):406-416 Google Scholar CHEN Cong, WAN Qiuchi, ZHENG Zhuo, et al. Late Quaternary sediment stratigraphy and marine cycles in the Pingtan Island, Fujian Province [J]. Tropical Geography, 2016, 36(3): 406-416. Google Scholar
[10]	Li X Y, Zong Y Q, Zheng Z, et al. Marine deposition and sea surface temperature changes during the last and present interglacials in the west coast of Taiwan Strait [J]. Quaternary International, 2017, 440: 91-101. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2016.05.023 CrossRef Google Scholar
[11]	Wang M Y, Zheng Z, Huang K Y, et al. U^K′₃₇ temperature estimates from Eemian marine sediments in the southern coast of Hainan Island, tropical China [J]. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2016, 127: 91-99. doi: 10.1016/j.jseaes.2016.06.021 CrossRef Google Scholar
[12]	Hanebuth T J J, Saito Y, Tanabe S, et al. Sea levels during late marine isotope stage 3 (or older?) reported from the Red River Delta (northern Vietnam) and adjacent regions [J]. Quaternary International, 2006, 145-146: 119-134. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2005.07.008 CrossRef Google Scholar
[13]	Yim W W S, Ivanovich M, Yu K F. Young age bias of radiocarbon dates in pre-Holocene marine deposits of Hong Kong and implications for Pleistocene stratigraphy [J]. Geo-Marine Letters, 1990, 10(3): 165-172. doi: 10.1007/BF02085932 CrossRef Google Scholar
[14]	Yim W W S. Radiocarbon dating and the reconstruction of Late Quaternary sea-level changes in Hong Kong [J]. Quaternary International, 1999, 55(1): 77-91. doi: 10.1016/S1040-6182(98)00029-9 CrossRef Google Scholar
[15]	Tang Y J, Zheng Z, Chen C, et al. Evolution of the Lian River coastal basin in response to Quaternary marine transgressions in Southeast China [J]. Sedimentary Geology, 2018, 366: 1-13. doi: 10.1016/j.sedgeo.2018.01.003 CrossRef Google Scholar
[16]	Zong Y, Huang G, Switzer A D, et al. An evolutionary model for the Holocene formation of the Pearl River Delta, China [J]. The Holocene, 2009, 19(1): 129-142. doi: 10.1177/0959683608098957 CrossRef Google Scholar
[17]	陈国能, 张珂, 贺细坤, 等. 珠江三角洲晚更新世以来的沉积-古地理[J]. 第四纪研究, 1994, 14(1):67-74 doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1001-7410.1994.01.007 CrossRef Google Scholar CHEN Guoneng, ZHANG Ke, HE Xikun, et al. Paleo-geographic evolution of the Pearl River Delta since the Late Pleistocene [J]. Quaternary Sciences, 1994, 14(1): 67-74. doi: 10.3321/j.issn:1001-7410.1994.01.007 CrossRef Google Scholar
[18]	韦成龙, 张珂, 余章馨, 等. 珠江口外海域与珠江三角洲晚更新世以来的地层层序对比[J]. 沉积学报, 2015, 33(4):713-723 Google Scholar WEI Chenglong, ZHANG Ke, YU Zhangxin, et al. Correlation of stratigraphic sequences between the Pearl River Delta and its offshore continental shelf since the Late Pleistocene [J]. Acta Sedimentologica Sinica, 2015, 33(4): 713-723. Google Scholar
[19]	黄屏, 张珂, 余章馨, 等. 晚更新世以来珠江三角洲地层层序再分析及新构造运动新认识[J]. 华南地震, 2021, 41(4):10-20 Google Scholar HUANG Ping, ZHANG Ke, YU Zhangxin, et al. Reanalysis of the stratigraphic sequence and new understanding of Neotectonic movement of the Pearl River Delta since the Late Pleistocene [J]. South China Journal of Seismology, 2021, 41(4): 10-20. Google Scholar
[20]	余章馨. 珠江三角洲下海侵旋回年代学研究及其海平面变化和新构造运动意义[D]. 中山大学博士学位论文, 2016 Google Scholar YU Zhangxin. The age of the lower transgression cycle in the Pearl River Delta and its implication of sea level changes and neotectonic movements[D]. Doctor Dissertation of Sun Yat-sen University, 2016. Google Scholar
[21]	余少华, 陈芳, 谢叶彩, 等. 珠江口万顷沙晚第四纪沉积及古环境重建[J]. 热带地理, 2016, 36(3):374-387 Google Scholar YU Shaohua, CHEN Fang, XIE Yecai, et al. Paleoenvironment reconstruction and sedimentary record in the Wanqingsha area of the Pearl River Estuary [J]. Tropical Geography, 2016, 36(3): 374-387. Google Scholar
[22]	付淑清, 宗永强, 熊海仙, 等. 珠江三角洲MIS 5间冰期海平面波动新证据[J]. 第四纪研究, 2020, 40(5):1095-1104 Google Scholar FU Shuqing, ZONG Yongqiang, XIONG Haixian, et al. New evidence for sea level changes during the marine isotope stage 5 in the Pearl River Delta [J]. Quaternary Sciences, 2020, 40(5): 1095-1104. Google Scholar
[23]	Xu X L, Zhong J M, Huang X M, et al. Age comparison by luminescence using quartz and feldspar on core HPQK01 from the Pearl River Delta in China [J]. Quaternary Geochronology, 2022, 71: 101320. doi: 10.1016/j.quageo.2022.101320 CrossRef Google Scholar
[24]	徐明广, 马道修, 周青伟, 等. 珠江三角洲地区第四纪海平面变化[J]. 海洋地质与第四纪地质, 1986(3):93-102 Google Scholar XU Mingguang, MA Daoxiu, ZHOU Qingwei, et al. Quaternary sea-level fluctuation in Zhujiang River Delta area [J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 1986(3): 93-102. Google Scholar
[25]	Spratt R M, Lisiecki L E. A Late Pleistocene sea level stack [J]. Climate of the Past, 2016, 12(4): 1079-1092. doi: 10.5194/cp-12-1079-2016 CrossRef Google Scholar
[26]	殷鉴, 刘春莲, 吴洁, 等. 珠江三角洲中部晚更新世以来的有孔虫记录与古环境演化[J]. 古地理学报, 2016, 18(4):677-690 doi: 10.7605/gdlxb.2016.04.050 CrossRef Google Scholar YIN Jian, LIU Chunlian, WU Jie, et al. Foraminiferal records and palaeoenvironmental changes since the Late Pleistocene in central Pearl River Delta [J]. Journal of Palaeogeography, 2016, 18(4): 677-690. doi: 10.7605/gdlxb.2016.04.050 CrossRef Google Scholar
[27]	刘尚仁. 广东新会市的地质地貌与地下水[J]. 中山大学学报论丛, 1993(2):84-94 Google Scholar LIU Shangren. Geology, landform and groundwater in Xinhui City, Guangdong [J]. Supplement to the Journal of Sun Yatsen University, 1993(2): 84-94. Google Scholar
[28]	Chen G N, Zhang K, Li L F, et al. Development of the Pearl River Delta in SE China and its relations to reactivation of basement faults [J]. Journal of Geosciences of China, 2002, 4(1): 17-24. Google Scholar
[29]	李平日, 黄镇国, 张仲英, 等. 广东东部沿海全新世地层[J]. 海洋学报, 1986, 8(3):331-339 Google Scholar LI Pingri, HUANG Zhenguo, ZHANG Zhongying, et al. Holocene stratigraphy along the eastern coast of Guangdong province [J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 1986, 8(3): 331-339. Google Scholar
[30]	Yim W W S. Offshore Quaternary sediments and their engineering significance in Hong Kong [J]. Engineering Geology, 1994, 37(1): 31-50. doi: 10.1016/0013-7952(94)90080-9 CrossRef Google Scholar
[31]	汤永杰. 珠江三角洲晚第四纪沉积序列及环境演变[D]. 中山大学博士学位论文, 2020 Google Scholar TANG Yongjie. Sedimentary sequence and paleo-environmental changes of Pearl River delta during the late Quaternary[D]. Doctor Dissertation of Sun Yat-sen University, 2020. Google Scholar
[32]	瓦西拉里, 王建华, 陈慧娴, 等. 伶仃洋ZK19孔晚第四纪沉积地球化学特征及其古环境意义[J]. 热带地理, 2016, 36(3):343-354 Google Scholar WAXI Lali, WANG Jianhua, CHEN Huixian, et al. Major and trace elements geochemistry and paleoenvironmental implications of borehole ZK19 in the Lingdingyang Bay of the Pearl River Estuary [J]. Tropical Geography, 2016, 36(3): 343-354. Google Scholar
[33]	Reimer P J, Bard E, Bayliss A, et al. IntCal13 and marine13 radiocarbon age calibration curves 0-50, 000 years cal BP [J]. Radiocarbon, 2013, 55(4): 1869-1887. doi: 10.2458/azu_js_rc.55.16947 CrossRef Google Scholar
[34]	Törnqvist T E, Rosenheim B E, Hu P, et al. Radiocarbon dating and calibration[M]//Shennan I, Long A J, Horton B P. Handbook of Sea-Level Research. Hoboken: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, 2015. Google Scholar
[35]	吴艳宏, 李世杰. 湖泊沉积物色度在短尺度古气候研究中的应用[J]. 地球科学进展, 2004, 19(5):789-792 Google Scholar WU Yanhong, LI Shijie. Significance of lake sediment color for short time scale climate variation [J]. Advances in Earth Science, 2004, 19(5): 789-792. Google Scholar
[36]	莫东坡, 朱丽东, 李凤全, 等. 浙江曹娥江下游XYC孔色度特征及其全新世环境记录[J]. 古地理学报, 2018, 20(1):163-174 Google Scholar MO Dongpo, ZHU Lidong, LI Fengquan, et al. Chroma characteristics and its Holocene environmental record of Borehole XYC in the downstream area of Cao'e River, Zhejiang Province [J]. Journal of Palaeogeography:Chinese Edition, 2018, 20(1): 163-174. Google Scholar
[37]	王建, 刘泽纯, 姜文英, 等. 磁化率与粒度、矿物的关系及其古环境意义[J]. 地理学报, 1996, 51(2):155-163 Google Scholar WANG Jian, LIU Zechun, JIANG Wenying, et al. A relationship between susceptibility and grain-size and minerals, and their paleo-environmental implications [J]. Acta Geographica Sinica, 1996, 51(2): 155-163. Google Scholar
[38]	Murray J W. Ecology and Applications of Benthic Foraminifera[M]. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2006. Google Scholar
[39]	贾良文, 何志刚, 莫文渊, 等. 全新世以来珠江三角洲快速沉积体的初步研究[J]. 海洋学报, 2010, 32(2):87-95 Google Scholar JIA Liangwen, HE Zhigang, MO Wenyuan, et al. A preliminary study on rapid deposition bodies in the Zhujiang Delta since Holocene [J]. Acta Oceanologica Sinica, 2010, 32(2): 87-95. Google Scholar
[40]	黄康有, 何嘉卉, 宗永强, 等. 珠江三角洲三水盆地早全新世以来孢粉分析与古环境重建[J]. 热带地理, 2016, 36(3):364-373 Google Scholar HUANG Kangyou, HE Jiahui, ZONG Yongqiang, et al. Holocene paleoenvironment reconstruction based on pollen data in the Sanshui Basin, northern Pearl River Delta [J]. Tropical Geography, 2016, 36(3): 364-373. Google Scholar
[41]	Liu C L, Fürsich F T, Wu J, et al. Late Quaternary palaeoenvironmental changes documented by microfaunas and shell stable isotopes in the southern Pearl River Delta Plain, South China [J]. Journal of Palaeogeography, 2013, 2(4): 344-361. Google Scholar
[42]	Davis Jr R A, Dalrymple R W. Principles of Tidal Sedimentology[M]. Dordrecht: Springer, 2012. Google Scholar
[43]	刘春莲, 杨婷婷, 吴洁, 等. 珠江三角洲晚第四纪风化层稀土元素地球化学特征[J]. 古地理学报, 2012, 14(1):125-132 Google Scholar LIU Chunlian, YANG Tingting, WU Jie, et al. REE geochemical characteristics of mottled clays of the Late Quaternary in the Pearl River Delta [J]. Journal of Palaeogeography, 2012, 14(1): 125-132. Google Scholar
[44]	Wang J, Chen G N, Peng Z L, et al. Loess-like deposits in the Pearl River Delta area, Southeast China [J]. Aeolian Research, 2015, 19: 113-122. doi: 10.1016/j.aeolia.2015.09.005 CrossRef Google Scholar
[45]	张绍轩, 汤永杰, 郑翠美, 等. 珠江三角洲全新世海-陆沉积模式转换及其年代[J]. 海洋地质与第四纪地质, 2020, 40(5):107-117 Google Scholar ZHANG Shaoxuan, TANG Yongjie, ZHENG Cuimei, et al. Holocene sedimentary environment transform and onset time of Pearl River Delta progradation [J]. Marine Geology & Quaternary Geology, 2020, 40(5): 107-117. Google Scholar
[46]	陈双喜, 赵信文, 黄长生, 等. 现代珠江三角洲地区QZK4孔第四纪沉积年代[J]. 地质通报, 2014, 33(10):1629-1634 Google Scholar CHEN Shuangxi, ZHAO Xinwen, HUANG Changsheng, et al. Chronology of Quaternary sediments from drill hole QZK4 in modern Pearl River Delta region [J]. Geological Bulletin of China, 2014, 33(10): 1629-1634. Google Scholar
[47]	赵信文, 罗传秀, 陈双喜, 等. 基于珠江三角洲ZK13孔年代和微体古生物重建的晚第四纪环境演化历史[J]. 地质通报, 2016, 35(10):1724-1733 Google Scholar ZHAO Xinwen, LUO Chuanxiu, CHEN Shuangxi, et al. Late Quaternary evolution history shown by borehole ZK13 in Pearl River Delta, based on chronology and micropaleontology [J]. Geological Bulletin of China, 2016, 35(10): 1724-1733. Google Scholar
[48]	Lai Z P. Chronology and the upper dating limit for loess samples from Luochuan section in the Chinese Loess Plateau using quartz OSL SAR protocol [J]. Journal of Asian Earth Sciences, 2010, 37(2): 176-185. doi: 10.1016/j.jseaes.2009.08.003 CrossRef Google Scholar
[49]	Yim W W S, Hilgers A, Huang G, et al. Stratigraphy and optically stimulated luminescence dating of subaerially exposed Quaternary deposits from two shallow bays in Hong Kong, China [J]. Quaternary International, 2008, 183(1): 23-39. doi: 10.1016/j.quaint.2007.07.004 CrossRef Google Scholar
[50]	Buylaert J P, Vandenberghe D, Murray A S, et al. Luminescence dating of old (> 70 ka) Chinese loess: a comparison of single-aliquot OSL and IRSL techniques [J]. Quaternary Geochronology, 2007, 2(1-4): 9-14. doi: 10.1016/j.quageo.2006.05.028 CrossRef Google Scholar
[51]	于革, 叶良涛, 廖梦娜, 等. 我国沿海平原晚更新世海侵的定量重建、模拟与机制研究[J]. 第四纪研究, 2016, 36(3):711-721 doi: 10.11928/j.issn.1001-7410.2016.03.20 CrossRef Google Scholar YU Ge, YE Liangtao, LIAO Mengna, et al. Quantitative reconstruction, simulation and mechanism study on the Late Pleistocene marine transgressions in the coastal plains of China [J]. Quaternary Sciences, 2016, 36(3): 711-721. doi: 10.11928/j.issn.1001-7410.2016.03.20 CrossRef Google Scholar