The Triassic And Jurassic Of The Junggar Basin China Advances In Palaeontology And Environments

This book presents a compilation of recent scientific discoveries in the field of Earth sciences from Mesozoic rocks of the Junggar Basin, China. The Triassic and Jurassic strata of this basin are particularly important because they were deposited in a continental environment inside, or close to, the Arctic Circle. The successions of the Junggar Basin therefore provide a rare snapshot of a high-latitude seasonal continental ecosystem, at a time when dinosaurs roamed the Earth. The research papers within this volume cover a range of topics, spanning the fields of palaeontology, palaeogeography, sedimentology and geochemistry, and include studies from episodes of marked environmental perturbation, including the end-Triassic mass extinction (c. 201 Ma) and the Toarcian Oceanic Anoxic Event (c. 183 Ma). The scientific advances documented here contribute to the understanding of Mesozoic high-latitude continental environments, and are expected to lead to follow-up studies, facilitating further interdisciplinary collaborations in the future.

Mesozoic Biological Events and Ecosystems in East Asia covers a wide range of topics, encompassing palaeoenvironments, palaeoecosystems and important vertebrate, invertebrate and plant fossils, some found in amber with excellent preservation of delicate morphological features. Fifty-three authors from a number of different disciplines – geochronology, palaeontology, stratigraphy, sedimentology, tectonics and geochemistry – contribute to the 18 articles in the volume. Well-preserved fossils and rocks continue to be found from marine and terrestrial sediments across East Asia. Over some years, the palaeontological and geological evidence discovered from this region has significantly improved our understanding of Mesozoic environments. In discussing feathered dinosaurs, primitive birds, early mammals, diverse insects, amber inclusions, the oldest-known flowers and research utilizing new, advanced methods, this volume explores Earth’s history in even greater detail. What other exciting discoveries are waiting to be unveiled in the future?

A comprehensive introduction to the epic geological history of the world’s rivers, from the first drop of rain on the Earth to the modern environmental crisis.

The Zagros fold-thrust belt (ZFTB) extends from Turkey to the Hormuz Strait, resulting from the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates during Cenozoic times, and separates the Arabian platform from the large plateaux of central Iran. In this volume the structure of the Zagros Mountains is explored through different scales and using different methodologies.

Dinosaurian Faunas of China describes all dinosaur genera ever found in China and gives their characteristics, stratigraphic occurence and a brief history of their discovery. The author introduces a comprehensive classification of all Chinese dinosaurs. More than 100 illustrations including those of the skeletons of many of the dinosaurs illustrate this exciting subject of paleontology. Herewith, the complete and comprehensive Chinese dinosaur fauna is being presented for the first time in English language.

This long-awaited book about non-pollen palynomorphs (NPPs) aims to cover gaps in our knowledge of these abundant but understudied palynological remains. NPPs, such as fungal spores, testate amoebae, dinoflagellate cysts, acritarchs and animal remains, are routinely recovered from palynological preparations of marine or terrestrial material, from Proterozoic to recent geological times. This book gives the reader a comprehensive overview of the different types of NPPs, with examples from diverse time periods and environments. It provides guidance on sample preparation to maximize the recovery of these NPPs, detailed information on their diversity and ecological affinity, clarification on the nomenclature and demonstrates their value as environmental indicators. This volume will become the reference guide for any student, academic or practitioner interested in everything else in their palynological preparations.

Forensic geology is the application of geology to aid the investigation of crime. A Guide to Forensic Geology was written by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS), Initiative on Forensic Geology (IFG), which was established to promote and develop forensic geology around the world. This book presents the first practical guide for forensic geologists in search and geological trace evidence analysis. Guidance is provided on using geological methods during search operations. This developed following international case work experiences and research over the last 25 years for homicide graves, burials associated with serious and organised crime and counter terrorism. With expertise gained in over 300 serious crime investigations, the guidance also considers geological trace evidence, including the examination of crime scenes, geological evidence recovery and analysis from exhibits and the reporting of results. The book also considers the judicial system, reporting and requirements for presenting evidence in court. Included are emerging applications of geology to police and law enforcement: illegal and illicit mining, conflict minerals, substitution, adulteration, fraud and fakery.