Abstract Stomata characteristics of two extinct conifer Cheirolepidiaceae species, Pseudofrenelopsis gansuensis and Pseudofrenelopsis dalatzensis , were used to reconstruct the atmospheric carbon dioxide concentration levels during the late Albian of the Cretaceous. A sequence of fossil samples was collected from five beds in the Dalazi Formation in the Zhixin and Luozigou basins of Jilin Province, northeastern China. The stomatal index was used to estimate the palaeo- p CO 2. The average stomatal index value of the two species was 4.1 and the atmospheric CO 2 content was c. 1200 ppmv by the average of Recent standardization and Carboniferous standardization. During the short interval from 104.8 ± 0.5 Ma to 104.0 ± 0.4 Ma in the late Albian, the atmospheric CO 2 content presents a decreasing tendency, with the highest value being c. 1300 ppmv in the Luozigou Basin. In addition, the higher atmospheric CO 2 values of the late Albian are likely linked to a ‘greenhouse climate’ during the time of Oceanic Anoxic Event 1c (OAE1c).

Abstract Soil examination can provide useful forensic information about the spatial location and human activities of a suspect. Soil is widely used in criminal investigations. In a case that occurred in the countryside of Jilin Province, in the NE of China, soil was found adhering to clothing on a body. Examination of plant debris in the soil using plant DNA barcoding technique found it to be ginseng root, which indicated that the soil might have come from a ginseng plantation. In the first instance, it helped in finding the place where the body was initially buried. Then a comparison was made between the soil recovered from the body and from the ginseng plantation. Composite analysis of minerals, pollen types and elements provided additional information to assist in making comparisons. Trace amounts of soil located on the body played an important role in locating the burial site and was regarded as the most valuable evidence in convicting the suspect of murder even without the suspect's DNA being available.

Abstract Following decades of geological surveys and studies, 14 active volcanic fields have been identified in China. Evidence for Holocene volcanism in several of these areas highlights the need to understand and monitor volcanic hazards in those regions. Six volcano observatories have thus been established in the past 40 years. This work reviews China's national capability and history of volcano monitoring, with emphasis on the Changbaishan–Tianchi Volcano Observatory and the Tengchong Volcano Observatory. The Changbaishan–Tianchi Volcano Observatory (CTVO) was constructed in 1996 and began monitoring in 1999, with limited recorded observations dating back to 1973. Currently, CTVO is the largest and most advanced observatories in China. The monitoring network of the CTVO incorporates 11 seismic and 15 GPS stations, two levelling routes and three gas geochemistry sampling points. The Changbaishan–Tianchi Volcano experienced unrest during 2002–05, evidenced in elevated levels of seismicity and ground deformation, as well as shifts in gas geochemistry. After 2006, the volcano returned to quiescence, with activities at background levels as recorded in 1973–2001. The monitoring network of Tengchong Volcano Observatory incorporates eight seismic stations, 20 GPS points, 95 levelling points and three gas geochemistry sampling points. The observations made since 1965 indicate significant seismicity, with more than 3000 events recorded in 2011, mostly related to regional tectonics. Tengchong is known for its widespread hot springs, with temperatures up to 105°C recorded at Dagunguo spring. The four other observatories are Longgang Volcano Observatory, Jingbohu Volcano Observatory, Wudalianchi Volcano Observatory and Qiongbei Volcano Observatory. They are equipped with seismic, geodetic and geochemical monitoring equipment. These areas saw only low levels of activity over the past several decades, but related fault systems are relatively active. In a relatively short time, China has gained considerable experience in observatory design and volcano monitoring and has trained up a sizeable task force, laying the foundation for sustained volcano monitoring at the national level. Future efforts must focus on maintaining and expanding observational capacity, as well as gaining better dynamic understanding to inform volcano hazard assessment.

Abstract In this study, we collect and translate observations and witness accounts suggestive of volcanic eruptions in ancient and modern China. The documents from the literature covered confirmed volcanic eruptions and suspected volcanic events. Recorded events concerning Tianchi ( c. 946 AD), Wudalianchi (1720, 1721) and Ashikule (1951) volcanoes relate to confirmed volcanic eruptions. Detailed records of Tianchi eruptions in historical documents span from 946 to 1903 AD. The real-time observations of the 1720–21 eruptions recorded by the government are presented. They describe a violent explosion and the development of lava flows at Laoheishan volcano. Evidence for events suggestive of volcanic activity are also presented for Dayingshan (1609, Tengchong), Man'anling (1883, Haikou), Chahayan (Heilongjiang), the South China Sea, Kui-shan Tao (late 1770s, Taiwan) and Penjia Islet (19 May 1916 and 29 June 1927, Taiwan). However, some supposed historical volcanic activities including Helanshan (Ningxia), Datong volcano, Rendagou (Sichuan) and Shizishan (Hunan) remain highly suspect according to their unclear positions and rough geological settings. These events may arise from the spontaneous combustion of coal. Records in Tianshan and Beiting Beishan (Xinjiang) may represent mud volcanoes. One case of an ancient Chinese Fengshui master interpreting geological processes from mythology is helpful when inspecting volcanology-related myths.