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[Display omitted] • Ershiyizhan deposit formed in an extensional setting following closure of the Mongol–Okhotsk Ocean in the early Cretaceous. • Cu and Au originated from fluid boiling and mixing. • Ore materials originated from both quartz-monzonite porphyry and surrounding rocks. • Ore-forming fluids gradually evolved from magmatic water to meteoric water. The Ershiyizhan Cu–Au deposit, located in the eastern part of the upper Heilongjiang metallogenic belt, north of the Great Xing'an Range, is composed of orebodies from the Mesozoic magmatic rocks and the Ershierzhan group. There are three metallogenic stages of this deposit, (1) Quartz-K-feldspar-polymetallic sulfide stage (stage Ⅰ), (2) quartz-polymetallic sulfide stage (stage II), and (3) quartz-calcite ± pyrite stage (stage Ⅲ). Three types of fluid inclusions (FIs) were discovered in the vein mineral assemblages, liquid-rich two-phase aqueous FIs (L-type), vapor-rich aqueous FIs (V-type), and multi-phase FIs (S-type) with daughter minerals, including S1-type inclusions homogenized through vapor disappearance and S2-type inclusions homogenized by halite dissolution. Quartz of stage I and stage II contains all of these FIs. In contrast, the L-type fluid inclusions of stage III veins are the only ones present in the calcite. The homogenization temperatures and salinities obtained from FIs in stages I, II, and III range from 330 to 563 °C, 223 to 423 °C, and 108 to 225 °C, and 0.88 to 66.18 wt%, 2.41 to 48.59 wt%, and 0.18 to 3.23 wt% NaCl equiv., respectively. δ18O and δD values obtained from stable isotope analyses of K-feldspar and quartz samples collected from stages I, II, and III range from −2.31 to 7.89 and −133.2 to −98.2, respectively. Microthermometry and H-O isotope data from FIs suggest that the ore-forming fluids of the deposit had a magmatic origin, characterized by high temperatures, low–high salinities, an H 2 O-NaCl fluid system and this fluid system evolved to a low temperature, low salinities fluid through the gradual combination of meteoric water from stages II to III. Trapping pressures estimated from boiling L-type, V-type, and S1-type fluid inclusions in stage Ⅰ were 100–500 bars, corresponding to a mineralization depth of 1.0 to 5.0 km, with fluid boiling and mixing likely being responsible for the precipitation of sulfides and gold. K-feldspar from an auriferous vein of stage I yielded an 40Ar/39Ar isotopic plateau age of 131.21 ± 0.52 Ma, suggesting that the mineralization of the deposit is closely associated with the Early Cretaceous quartz monzonite porphyry. The analysis of the S isotope of metal sulfides in this deposit demonstrate that the sulfur reservoir is primarily derived from a hybrid magma source consisting of both mantle-derived and crustal-derived materials. Lead radioactive isotopic analysis for metal sulfides and various wall rocks also implies the lead source is a mixed source of upper crust and mantle. Thus, S-Pb isotope studies indicate that a crust-mantle mixed source for the mineralization of the deposit, and ore-forming material may originate from both quartz monzonite porphyry and various surrounding rocks including Late Triassic-Early Jurassic monzogranite, granite, quartz syenite, and the Ershierzhan Formation. Considering the geology, geochronology, FI, and H-O-S-Pb isotopic characteristics, the Ershiyizhan Cu–Au deposit is classified as a porphyry deposit formed in an extensional environment due to the delamination of the thickened lower crust following the Mongolian-Okhotsk Ocean closure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is an essential support for social and economic development, most affected by weather and climate. Drought in agriculture significantly threatens food security and social stability. Understanding drought variability in the cultivated land can lay the foundation for crop management. Considering the effects of drought on the actual crop growth process and precise irrigation under limited water resources is a great challenge. In this study, standardized precipitation evapotranspiration index (SPEI) and soil water content were used to study the spatiotemporal characteristics of drought during maize growth in Heilongjiang Province. The distributed AquaCrop model and grey theory were used to study the relationship between irrigation, drought and maize yield at the grid scale, and the current irrigation effect was evaluated by simulating the comparison of crop yield under non-irrigation and irrigated conditions, so as to provide a basis for optimizing the irrigation system in the future. In addition, Future drought trends were also examined using the Mann-Kendall statistical test, Sen's slope, and Hurst index. The results are as follows: (1) Based on remote sensing inversion and distributed AquaCrop model, the relationship between drought and crop yield can be studied at grid scale, which can refine the impact of drought on crop yield in different cells. (2) Irrigation can increase crop yields by at least 20–40% in about 60% of areas in the Heilongjiang Province. (3) In response to the drought characteristics of alternating wet and dry variations or consistent wet and dry variations in different months, inter-regional water transfer can be used to cope with or ensure increased irrigation in drought-prone months (May and June) to achieve water conservation and efficiency. Evaluating the current irrigation effect by simulating crop yield under non-irrigated conditions and crop yield under irrigated conditions can provide a better theoretical basis for optimizing irrigation systems, in order to improve regional crop yields and reduce drought risks. • Studying drought variability in farmland helps manage crops effectively. • Crop yield and drought were analyzed using meteorological and agricultural data. • A crop model simulated non-irrigation conditions to assess irrigation impact. • Optimizing irrigation systems at a grid level improves crop yield. • Recommendations for irrigation were based on future drought projections. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Strategies of Reviving the Old Industrial Bases provide opportunities for low-carbon transition in Northeast China, which is one of the earliest regions to industrialize and the largest rustbelt in China, but study on the impacts of its socioeconomic factors on CO 2 emissions is still in short, though it is essential for guiding the pathways to achieve low-carbon socioeconomic transition. We adopted the structural decomposition analysis (SDA) to identify the main contributors to emissions increase in Heilongjiang province during 2002–2012, which is the heartland of Northeast revitalization. The results show that the increase in CO 2 emissions was mainly driven by growth in per-capita final demand, which generated 203.8 Mt (153.6%) upstream CO 2 emissions between 2002 and 2012. Changes in production structure and final demand structure had smaller impacts on CO 2 emissions increase (36.1 Mt and 27.0 Mt). However, the positive influences were largely overwhelmed by change in emission intensity, which avoided 135.4 Mt (−102%) CO 2 emissions. Therefore, appropriate measures related to energy structure optimization and efficiency improvement should be implemented. Especially, increasing the proportion of wind, solar and biomass energy in Heilongjiang, where renewable energy is abundant, would reduce the CO 2 emissions significantly. In addition, domestic export took the lead position in driving the CO 2 emissions in Heilongjiang, accounting for 37.6%–43.1% annual emissions between 2002 and 2012. Thus, some financial instrument, such as tax relief for less carbon intensive exports could be adopted to prompt upstream suppliers to decarbonize their production processes. Unlabelled Image • Structural decomposition analysis (SDA) is used to identify the main contributors of CO 2 emissions increase during 2002-2012 in Heilongjiang province. • Growth in per-capita final demand was main driver for CO 2 emissions Increase. • The positive influences were largely overwhelmed by change in emission intensity, which avoided 135.4 Mt (-102%) CO 2 emissions. • Domestic export took the lead position in driving the CO2 emissions in Heilongjiang, accounting for 37.6%-43.1% annual emissions between 2002-2012. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• A system dynamic model of the water footprint sustainability for Heilongjiang Province is developed. • Water footprint sustainability is evaluated from the perspectives of the environment, economy, and society. • The impacts of real policies on the water footprint sustainability system are assessed. • A mixed policy is more likely to maximize the water resources values. With population and economic growth, coupled with the problem of limited water resources, having led to widespread problems like water scarcity with aquatic pollution, exploring the impacts of water exploitation with usage on the environment, society, and economy is important for achieving regional sustainability goals. In order to analyze the impact of different water resources utilization policy scenarios on water footprint (WF) environmental sustainability, WF economic sustainability, WF social sustainability, and scenario optimization, this study employed a system dynamics approach to build a water footprint sustainability (WFS) system under six future scenarios: status quo (S 1), open-source throttling (S 2), pollution reduction (S 3), agricultural development (S 4), socioeconomic development (S 5), and comprehensive (S 6). Additionally, the dynamic effects of different future scenarios on the environmental sustainability, economic sustainability and social sustainability of regional WF were comparatively analyzed. The improved radar chart approach was applied to calculate the comprehensive assessment values under the different scenarios to select the optimal scenario. The results revealed that compared with scenario S 1 , scenarios S 2 and S 3 reduced the consumption and pollution of water resources, whereas scenarios S 4 , S 5 , and S 6 promoted agricultural and socio-economic development, however, scenarios S 4 , S 5 , and S 6 were not conducive to solving water shortage and pollution problems. Under the six scenarios, the environmental sustainability and social sustainability of WF would deteriorate, and the economic sustainability would continue to improve. Six scenarios have varying effects on the regional WFS. The comprehensive evaluation value for scenario S 6 was the largest, and was much higher than that under scenario S 1 , indicating that the scenario S 6 was the optimal scenario for improving the WFS and realizing the coordinated development of regional water resources and social economy. The findings of this study afforded a scientific foundation for achieving regional sustainable evolution and ensuring water security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• An improved Nemerow index method for water quality assessment based on combined weighting was constructed. • Nonlinear regression models perform better in accuracy and stability, especially when the number of water quality indicators is 5. • TN, NH 4 +-N and CODMn are significantly related to the grade of surface water quality in Heilongjiang Province. Accurately evaluating surface water quality grade (WQG) is of great significance in improving the efficiency of regional water quality management. Based on seven main surface water quality indicators (including dissolved oxygen (DO), chemical oxygen demand (COD), permanganate index (CODMn), ammonia nitrogen (NH 4 +-N), fluoride (FL), total phosphorus (TP) and total nitrogen (TN)) data from 910 measuring points in Heilongjiang Province from May to August 2017, an improved Nemerow index method (IN method) based on combined weighting was constructed, and the WQG was evaluated. On this basis, the multiple linear or non-linear regression models (MLR or MNR) under different quantities of water quality indicators were established, and the prediction results were evaluated. Results show that: 1) WQG in Heilongjiang Province above grade III accounts for more than 92.6%, evaluated by the IN method; 2) The accuracy of WQG evaluated by MLR based on different quantities of water quality indicators are maintained at 77%-90% and decreases with the increase of the number of water quality indicators (N), which may be related to the selected combination of water quality indicators and key water pollutants. The accuracy is improved by 3.9%-17.4% for MNR as compared to MLR, and especially the accuracy can reach as high as 95.6% when N is 5; 3) Compare to the MLR, the MNR is less affected by the data fluctuation characteristics, and performs best when N is 5 under both the great and small data fluctuations, with an accuracy of 85% and 90%, respectively. 4) TN (0.72), NH 4 +-N (0.41), and CODMn (0.33) are significantly related to the WQG. COD is a key parameter affecting the stability and uncertainty of MLR and MNR. These results provide a simple and reliable method for accurately evaluating the surface WQG, which have important guiding significance for decision-makers and researchers in water environment protection and agricultural water fertilizer management in Heilongjiang Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract A new coniferous species Sequoioxylon zhangii sp. nov. is described on the basis of an anatomically well-preserved fossil wood specimen from the Upper Cretaceous in Keshan County of Heilongjiang Province, NE China. S. zhangii is anatomically characterized by abundant axial wood parenchyma, uni-biseriate bordered pits, taxodioid cross-field pits, uniseriate rays 1–31 (usually 3–15) cells in height, and the occurrence of axial and horizontal traumatic resin canals. Such a combination of wood anatomy features agrees well with the diagnostic characters of fossil wood morphogenus Sequoioxylon Torrey. The new species may represent an extinct taxon of the subfamily Sequoioideae of the Cupressaceae s.l. This new finding represents the first record of Sequoioxylon Torrey from China, and provides insights into the origin and evolution of the extant taxodiaceous Cupressaceae, especially the subfamily Sequoioideae. Anatomically, the new species shows a combination of anatomical characters of different groups of the extant Sequoioideae. This fossil may provide additional evidences to support the view that Sequoia was originated from a recombination between Metasequoia and Sequoiadendron as a result of reticulate evolution. Highlights • Sequoioxylon zhangii sp. nov. is reported from the Upper Cretaceous in NE China. • The first record of Cretaceous Sequoioxylon wood in China. • An extinct taxon of the subfamily Sequoioideae of the Cupressaceae s.l. • Providing insights into the origin and evolution of the subfamily Sequoioideae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heilongjiang Province, China, has been facing a perennial water shortage problem, and the demand for water is increasing year by year, leading to water supply difficulties and reduced water carrying capacity, which restricts the sustainable development of the region. In this paper, a water footprint (WF) sustainability evaluation system was constructed based on three dimensions: environmental, social, and economic. The correlation was used to calculate the weights of the indicators, reducing the influence of human subjectivity on the weights, and the matter element model was used to determine the sustainability of the different indicators and the ease of development to a high sustainability level. The results showed that the WF was unsustainable in 2000, 2001, 2007, and 2008 due to factors such as dry water years and low water use efficiency. The main factors affecting the sustainability of the WF in Heilongjiang Province were the per capita WF, WF composition, and regional social situation. The sustainability level of the WF in Heilongjiang Province in 2018 was at Level II, with a trend toward Level III, and the unsustainable WF in the cities of Harbin, Jixi, Hegang, Qitaihe, and Suihua was the main reason for the unsustainable WF in Heilongjiang Province. The results of this study provide a reference for the rational allocation of water resources and the sustainable use of the WF in Heilongjiang Province. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Ticks transmit diverse human and animal pathogens, leading to an increasing number of public health concerns. Dermacentor spp. tick-borne clade of Phlebovirus has a wide distribution in the New World and Old World indicate some tick-borne viruses (TBEs) may have an ancient evolutionary history. • Two novel Ixodidae tick-related virus, designated Jiutai virus of the family Flaviviridae and Jilin Tick virus 1 of the family Nairoviriae, was identified in H. japonica collected from Jiutai District (Jilin Provinces, China). • The prevalence of local ticks TBEs in the northeast forest region of China was described. Ticks transmit diverse human and animal pathogens, leading to an increasing number of public health concerns. In the forest area of northeast China, the spread of tick-borne diseases (TBDs) is severe; however, little is known about the tick virome composition and evolution. Herein, we investigate the geographical distribution of tick species and related viruses in Heilongjiang and Jilin Provinces in Northeast China. To reveal the diversity of tick-borne viruses in parts of Heilongjiang and Jilin, ticks were collected at 9 collection points in these provinces in 2018. Morphology and molecular biology were used to identify tick species, and 1411 ticks from nine sampling sites were collected and analysed by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Four Ixodidae were identified, including Ixodes persulcatus, Haemaphysalis japonica, Dermacentor silvarum , and Haemaphysalis concinna. After removal of host genome sequences, 13,003 high-quality NGS reads were obtained and annotated as viruses. Further phylogenetic analysis based on amplicons revealed that these viral sequences belong to Beiji nairovirus, Alongshan virus, bovine parvovirus-2, and tick-associated circovirus; some distinct sequences are closely related to Songling virus, Changping tick virus, Norway luteo-like virus 2, and Norway partiti-like virus 1. In summary, this study describes the prevalence of local ticks and variety of tick-borne viruses in northeastern China, providing a basis for further research on tick-borne viruses in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With the development of the social economy, a reasonable evaluation of the sustainable utilization capacity of water resources (WR) is of great significance to alleviate the pressures of water shortages and pollution faced by cities. This study first proposed a water footprint sustainability (WFS) system using system dynamics to evaluate the influence of WR on the environment, economy, and society of Heilongjiang province. The WFS assessment used a comprehensive evaluation method, and the coupling coordination degree model was applied to analyze the coupling coordination of the WFS system. The results showed a fluctuating increase tendency in the total water footprint (WF), blue WF, green WF, agricultural WF, and ecological WF from 2000 to 2019. However, the gray WF, domestic WF, and industrial WF presented a fluctuating decrease. The prediction for the next 30 years indicated that the green WF, agricultural WF, and domestic WF would be stable while the other indicators would increase with time. The blue water shortage degree was greater than 1; however, the green water scarcity index and water pollution degree were less than 1. The economic sustainability of the total WF, blue WF, and gray WF increased year by year; however, the social sustainability of the total WF gradually weakened. In addition, the water supply and demand ratio was below 1. Overall, the regional WFS worsened, and the coupling degree and coupling coordination degree of the WFS system varied in the range of 0.85–0.91 and 0.28–0.31, respectively. This study was of great significance in realizing the sustainable management of regional WR. • A water footprint sustainability (WFS) system using system dynamics was proposed. • Blue water shortage degree was greater than 1. • Green water scarcity index and water pollution degree were less than 1. • Water supply and demand ratio was below 1. • Coupling degree and coupling coordination degree of the WFS system vary in the range of 0.85–0.91 and 0.28–0.31, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate warming causes significant changes in regions with seasonally frozen ground and permafrost, and these changes have a profound impact on the balance of water resources, ecological security and engineering structures in cold regions. Based on daily soil freezing depth and temperature data from 31 meteorological stations in Heilongjiang Province, combined with 11 global climate models (GCMs) from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6), the detailed spatiotemporal evolution of the maximum freezing depth of seasonally frozen ground (SFD) and permafrost continuity in Heilongjiang Province during 1960–2014 and 2015–2100 were analyzed. The results show that (1) average maximum SFD in the early 21st century is approximately 30.78 cm lower than that in the 1960s, and the maximum reduction occurs in the high elevation central part of the study area; under the four scenarios, SSP126, SSP245, SSP370 and SSP585, the SFD will decrease by 7.68, 19.44, 38.34 and 43.06 cm, respectively, by 2100. (2) Permafrost regions with continuities of 70%–80% (P 70), 30%–70% (P 30) and 5%–30% (P 5) and seasonally frozen ground areas in the 1960s accounted for 8.43%, 7.44%, 21.89% and 62.24% of the total study area, respectively. In the early 21st century, they accounted for 3.08%, 11.39%, 17.50% and 68.04%, respectively. The permafrost region will decrease by 47.36% and 61.34% by 2100 under SSP126 and SSP245, respectively, and will disappear under SSP370 and SSP585. (3) The abrupt change in seasonally frozen ground is basically consistent with the change in temperature, but the abrupt change in permafrost exhibits a lag relative to the change in temperature. The maximum SFD and permafrost region in the study area will decrease by 21.62 cm and 45.98%, respectively, in response to a temperature increase of 1 °C. • In the early 21st century, average SFD decreased by 31 cm compared with the 1960s. • SFD will decrease by 7.68, 19.44, 38.34 and 43.06 cm under different scenarios. • In the past, P 70 and P 5 area decreased and P 30 and SFG area increased. • Permafrost areas disappear under the SSP370 and SSP585 scenarios. • Permafrost change has "hysteresis" and "nonlinearity" for temperature change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The large-sized Cuihongshan Fe-polymetallic deposit is located in the north segment of the Lesser Xing'an range, NE China. The Fe orebodies are dominantly hosted in the contact zone between the alkali–feldspar granite and the dolomitic crystalline limestones or skarns, whereas the Pb–Zn (Cu) and W–Mo orebodies are mostly hosted in the contact zone between the syenogranite and skarns, as well as within the syenogranite. The alkali–feldspar granite and syenogranite yield zircon U–Pb ages of 491.1±2.4Ma and 199.8±1.8Ma, with εHf(t) values of −3.7 to −1.3 and 2.5 to 3.9, respectively. Both of them are characterized by high SiO2 and Na2O+K2O content, enrichment in Rb, Th, U and Pb, and depletion in Ba, Sr, Nb, Ta, P, Ti and Eu, indicating an A-type affinity. The Re–Os model ages of the molybdenite range from 198.0 to 202.1Ma. These data suggest that the Fe-related alkali–feldspar granite was formed by partial melting of the Mesoproterozoic crust in an extensional setting after the final collision between the Xing'an and Songnen Blocks, while the Pb–Zn (Cu) and W–Mo-related syenogranite was probably generated by crystal fractionation from depleted-mantle-derived magmas, which are products of lithospheric delamination. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Objective: To investigate the characteristics and trends of the HIV epidemic in Heilongjiang province of China between 1993 and 2012. Methods: Data from the provincial surveillance system for HIV infections and AIDS were reviewed. Local health staff reviewed medical records, including dates of HIV/AIDS diagnoses and deaths, exposure category, treatment, laboratory testing, and demographics. Results: By 31 October 2012, a total of 3062 HIV-infections were detected with 426 deaths and 206 who presently live outside Heilongjiang province, 38.1% of whom were diagnosed as AIDS. Since 2007, homosexual transmission has increased and become the dominant route of HIV transmission, accounting for 57.9% of cases during 2009–2010, and 69.0% during 2011–2012. Men who have sex with men (MSM) with HIV-infections had the following characteristics: 21–30 year age group (42.4%); unmarried (61.6%); urban residents (46.7%); and college or higher education (36.8%). In addition, the proportion of MSM ≤ 30 years of age and rural residents showed an uptrend across the study years. Conclusions: The HIV/AIDS epidemic has continued to increase in Heilongjiang province, and has shown an explosive growth since 2008, with MSM making a tremendous contribution to the HIV outbreak. Homosexual contact has become the dominant route of HIV transmission. Urgent intervention is needed to recognize this target population, especially those ≤30 years of age, unmarried, and urban residents. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The Tuanjiegou gold deposit is a large-sized breccia-hosted epithermal gold deposit in Heilongjiang Province, eastern China, and was discovered in the late 1950s. The scale and unusual metallogenic setting of this gold deposit have made it the focus of many previous studies. We systematically analyzed ore samples, and volcanic and granitic rocks that are associated with the formation of the deposit by single zircon U–Pb dating, obtaining three distinct concordant groups of U–Pb ages from dacitic pyroclastic rocks and lavas: 119.3±3.3 (n =2), 113.2±1.1 (n =13), and 109.1±1.4Ma (n =8); four groups of concordant U–Pb ages from an ore-bearing granite porphyry: 112.5±2.2 (n =2), 107.0±1.2 (n =4), 103.0±0.70 (n =10), and 99.9±1.1Ma (n =4); two groups of concordant U–Pb ages from a pyrite-rich, quartz vein-cemented, brecciated and silicified granite porphyry: 104.23±0.51 (n =16) and 101.3±1.3Ma (n =2); and five groups of concordant U–Pb ages from pyrite-rich, quartz vein-cemented, brecciated or chunky ore samples: 139±4 to 144±3 (n =2), 127±4 (n =1), 113.8±2.1 (n =8), 101.3±3.4 (n =3), and 91±3Ma (n =1). Combining the whole-rock and Lu–Hf isotope geochemistry with the geology of the mining area and these new U–Pb dates, we have redefined the ore deposit-related temporal history of the area, with formation age of the magma associated with the Ningyuancun Stage volcanics being 119±1.4Ma and eruption of the volcanics at 113±1.1Ma. The granodiorite-porphyry and granite porphyry were emplaced at 107.0±1.2Ma and 103–102Ma, respectively, with ore deposit formation at 102–100Ma. The magmato–hydrothermal interaction that formed the deposit was closely related to Late Mesozoic crust–mantle interaction, with the early stage calc-alkaline and high-K calc-alkaline magmatism in this area potentially being derived from interaction between asthenospheric mantle material and the underplated lower crust. However, the magmas associated with late-stage intrusive calc-alkaline and high-K calc-alkaline magmatism may have been generated during interaction between adakite-like magmas derived from the subduction of an oceanic plate and lower crustal material. Here, we suggest that the fluids that formed this deposit formed by interaction with both early- and late-stage mantle-derived magmas and the lower crust, with subsequent aggregation after significant igneous differentiation. During ore formation, the area was in a back-arc initial (passive) rift and continental margin island arc tectonic environment associated with Late Mesozoic subduction of the Pacific Plate, with metallogenesis occurring during a change in the tectonic environment between the latest Early Cretaceous and the Late Cretaceous. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The palaeoenvironment and age of coal-bearing lacustrine deposits in the Jidong Basin, Heilongjiang Province, is poorly understood. New pollen data from the Yongqing Formation and the overlying lower part of the Daqingshan Formation recovered in borehole 91-205 revealed a rich and diverse palynoflora representing approximately 70 taxa at the genus/family level. Of these taxa, Ulmus, Quercus, Carya, Liquidambar, Pinus, Tilia, Fagus, and Alnus are the main woody elements; these occur together with numerous pteridophytes, subordinate herbs, and rare algae and acritarchs. Abundant woody taxa suggest a mixed deciduous/conifer forest in the region in association with local shrubs, herbs and algal communities. Some of the pollen types, especially those of climate sensitive genera such as Ulmus, Carya, Liquidambar and Fagus, vary considerably in relative abundances, suggesting climate variability. The reflected climate shows an overall trend towards cooling or deterioration which is largely in agreement with global climate change during the Neogene. Comparisons of the pollen record with representative datasets from neighbouring areas, together with the appearance of the highly-evolved genus Artemisia, suggest that the Yongqing Formation and the lower part of the Daqingshan Formation are of Miocene age. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: A Jurassic–Cretaceous marine dinoflagellate cyst biostratigraphic sequence is established for the first time in eastern Heilongjiang Province, northeast China, based on 20 years of data accumulation. This consists of eight assemblage zones (AZs, including three peak zones), of which four are of Callovian–Valanginian age in the Suibin area and four are of early Cretaceous age in the Jixi Basin (including one that is also present in, and coeval with, deposits of Berriasian–Valanginian age in the Suibin area). They are, in ascending order: 1, the Pareodinia ceratophora-Nannoceratopsis pellucida AZ, Suibin Formation; 2, the Gonyaulacysta jurassica AZ (peak zone) in the lower part of the Dongrong Formation; 3, the Amphorula delicata AZ in the upper part of the Dongrong Formation; 4, the marine Oligosphaeridium pulcherrimum AZ (peak zone) in the uppermost Dongrong Formation, Suibin area; 5, the coeval slightly brackish Vesperopsis didaoensis–Lagenorhytis granorugosa AZ in the Didao Formation, Jixi Basin; 6, the marine Odontochitina operculata–Muderongia tetracantha AZ in the lower part of the Chengzihe Formation; 7, the marine Canningia reticulata AZ in the upper part of the Chengzihe Formation; and 8, the Cribroperidinium? parorthoceras AZ (peak zone) in the lower part of the Muling Formation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The prevalence of helminths in adult sheep was investigated in Heilongjiang Province, People''s Republic of China between January 1999 and September 2003. A total of 326 adult sheep representing local breeds (Xingjiang Fine Wool Sheep, Dongbei Fine Wool Sheep) as well as introduced breeds (Merino and Charollais) from representative geographical locations in Heilongjiang Province were slaughtered and examined for the presence of helminths. The worms were examined, counted and identified to species according to existing keys and descriptions. A total of 26 helminth species were found representing 2 phyla, 3 classes, 13 families and 20 genera. All sheep were infected by more than one helminth species. Oesophagostomum columbianum, Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis were the most common nematode species, and Paramphistomum cervi, Orientobilharzia turkestanica and Fasciola hepatica were the most common trematode species, whereas the infection of adult sheep with cestodes was uncommon. The results of the present investigation provide relevant “base-line” data for Heilongjiang Province, China, for assessing the effectiveness of future control strategies against helminth infections in sheep. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The change of cultivated land pattern (CLP) has a significant impact on cultivated land system security (CLSS), and is the foundation of ensuring adequate provision of cultivated land, and the premise of achieving sustainable development of the society. While there is a lack of research on the CLP optimization with the goal of achieving CLSS, particularly lacking research that taking the main grain production areas at the provincial scale as a study area. Hence, taking Heilongjiang Province in China as the study area, this paper uses the regional interpolation of ArcGIS spatial analysis and Auto-Logistics method to diagnose the common driving factors of CLSS and CLP change, and further sets up different development scenarios with the goal of CLSS to carry out the study of CLP optimization through the introduction of Future Land Use Simulation (FLUS) model. The results showed that: Firstly , the dynamic changes of paddy field, dryland and cultivated land were the most intense in the eastern Sanjiang Plain, the second in the western Songnen Plain, the weakest in the north-south axis, and the changes of paddy field and dryland were more intense in the later period (2010–2015) than in the earlier period (1995–2010); Secondly , regional interpolation in ArcGIS and Auto-Logistics method can effectively and reasonably spatialize, and diagnose the key factors (terrain and geomorphology including elevation and slope, socio-economic (distance to residential area, agricultural three wastes index) and farmland productivity potential) which affect the change of CLSS and CLP; Thirdly , the Kappa test coefficient of CLP optimization based on FLUS model is 0.898, with good simulation accuracy, meaning the combination of Auto-logistic and FLUS can achieve high-precision simulation of CLP. The simulation results that under the integrated control scenarios of food security, ecological protection and economic development, the regional food security, ecological protection and economic development are considered comprehensively, and the contradictions among the three are coordinated, which is more reasonable and conducive to the improvement of CLSS. Fourthly , the policies on controlling the growth rate of paddy fields, rationally reducing rural residential areas and decreasing agricultural three wastes should be strengthened to implement the optimal CLP and improve CLSS. The results bestow convincing insights on decision-making for the implementation of the optimal distribution of cultivated land resources and the compilation of the national land space plan, and also provide an important reference for the study area to improve CLSS by optimizing CLP. • Regional interpolation in ArcGIS and Auto-Logistics method can detect spatial factors that affect CLSS and CLP change. • Auto-logistic based on FLUS can achieve high-precision simulation of CLP. • Simulated CLPs well reflect the conflicts among regional food security, ecological protection, and economic development. • Optimal CLP can provide insights on decision-making for the improvement of the CLSS in major grain production areas. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The Yanghuidongzi Cu deposit classified as a porphyry type Cu deposit. • H-O isotopes indicate a mixing of magmatic water and meteoric water for ore fluids. • Pb-Re isotopes indicated a deep seated magma mixed with crustal materials for ore metals. • The Yanghuidongzi Cu deposit formed during Early Jurassic. The newly-discovered Yanghuidongzi porphyry Cu deposit is located in the southeastern part of Heilongjiang Province in NE China and represents one of the rare Jurassic porphyry Cu deposits within the easternmost segment of the Central Asian Orogenic Belt (CAOB). The Cu mineralization occurs as veins and disseminations hosted by granodiorite porphyry, associated with typical porphyry copper deposit alteration zoning, which is characterized by from an inner K-silicate zone through to a quartz–sericite zone to an outer propylitic zone, the K-silicate alteration and quartz–sericite alteration are closely related to mineralization. LA-ICP-MS zircon U-Pb data, sericite Ar-Ar and Molybdenite Re-Os data, and H-O and Pb isotopic compositions are used to constrain the ore-forming age and genesis of the Yanghuidongzi Cu deposit. LA-ICP-MS U-Pb dating of zircons from three granodiorite porphyry samples yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U ages of 194.3 ± 1.2 Ma, 192.0 ± 2.0 Ma, and 194.6 ± 2.1 Ma respectively, whereas zircon U-Pb age of granodiorite in the study area yielded weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 199.5 ± 1.5 Ma that are interpreted to be the emplacement age of these intrusions. 40Ar-39Ar dating of sericite from a quartz-pyrite vein and a quartz-polymetallic sulfide vein yielded plateau ages of 193.9 ± 2.1 Ma and 193.6 ± 1.9 Ma, respectively, whereas five molybdenite samples yielded a Re-Os isochron age of 194.8 ± 2.1 Ma, with a weighted mean model age of 193.6 ± 1.2 Ma. Mineralization ages are consistent with the emplaced ages of the granodiorite porphyry within the analytical uncertainties, indicating that the Cu mineralization is genetically related to the granodiorite porphyry. The fluid δ18O fluid and δ18D fluid values range from −4.22‰ to 6.5‰ and from −92.8‰ to −65.7‰, respectively, indicating that the ore fluids were mixtures of magmatic and meteoric water. The 206Pb/204Pb, 207Pb/204Pb, and 208Pb/204Pb values of the pyrite and chalcopyrite are 17.547–18.327, 15.446–15.505, and 37.408–38.113, respectively, suggesting a common, magmatic source for the sulfur. Taking Re (6.75–29.53 ppm) data into consideration, the sources of ore-forming materials may be from a mixture of crustal and mantle sources. Combining our new data with the Jurassic regional tectonic setting, the Yanghuidongzi Cu deposit and the related granitoids formed in a compressional tectonic setting are associated with the subduction of the Paleo-Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian continent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change may accelerate the water cycle on the global scale, resulting in more frequent extreme climate events. However, very few studies are available on the effect of global warming on winter extreme precipitation and its causes. In this investigation, the effect of global warming on winter extreme precipitation in the high-latitude regions of Northeast China and the changes in large-scale circulation patterns are studied using the data recorded by 62 meteorological stations in Heilongjiang Province from 1961 to 2018, along with daily NCEP/NCAR reanalysis data. The results reveal an abrupt change in the winter temperature of Heilongjiang Province in 1986, and the onset of a period of relatively warm winters during which a temperature rise of 1.7 °C was discovered. The winter precipitation increased by 5.4 mm during the warm period, which is a significant change from that in the cold period, and included an abrupt change in precipitation in 1995. 75% of the years with extreme precipitation and 100% of the years with high-extreme precipitation occurred during the warm period. The interannual variability of precipitation in the warm period was large. During the warm period, changes were observed in the Arctic polar vortex, the East Asian trough, and the circulation at 850 hPa. The strength of the Arctic polar vortex decreased significantly at a rate of 56.2 hPa/10a, with an abrupt change occurring in 2002. The strength of the East Asian trough decreased noticeably by 6.8 hPa during the warm period, and was located 40 degrees west longitudinally compared to the cold period. These changes led to weakened downdrafts and enhanced updrafts, and an increased warm, humid air current flowing over Heilongjiang Province in winter. More cold air and warm humid air currents converged above this region due to changes in the circulation at 850 hPa, increasing winter precipitation. The greater interannual variability of the strength of the Arctic polar vortex and East Asian trough during the warm period increased the number of years with winter extreme precipitation in the province, and resulted in larger precipitation variability. The changes in the large-scale atmospheric circulation pattern are attributed to the temperature rise in the Arctic and its surrounding high-latitude areas. • The mean atmospheric circulation has been changed during the warm period. • The general circulation situation affecting the extreme precipitation in winter have been determined. • It is easier to form a circulation pattern which is favorable for the cold and warm currents meeting in the warm period. • Temperature of the Arctic and the Equator and its influence on the atmospheric circulation have been analyzed. • The change characteristics of extreme precipitation in winter under the background of climate warming have been analyzed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazard risk has become an important issue because global warming will lead to an increased risk of extreme weather and climate events. Based on the daily snow precipitation of 63 cities and counties in Heilongjiang Province, China from 1961 to 2015, the probability of each level of snowstorm was calculated based on information diffusion theory, and a hazard index model was established using snowstorm probability and the amount of snow precipitation as two hazard-inducing indicators of snowstorm. Next, hazard assessment and regionalization of snowstorms was performed for Heilongjiang Province from 1961 to 2015. The results showed that under the background of global warming, the probability of moderate snowstorm, heavy snowstorm, and severe snowstorm in Heilongjiang Province increased over time. There was a particularly significant increase for moderate snowstorms at a rate of 20%/10a; moderate snowstorms, heavy snowstorms, and severe snowstorms had a 3-year, 4-year, and 11-year return period, respectively. The precipitation level of each snowstorm increased over the decades especially for the precipitation in moderate snowstorms (29 mm/10a). The precipitation of each level of snowstorm has increased significantly since the beginning of the 21st century. In addition, the hazard of each level of snowstorm and the comprehensive hazard of snowstorms all increased significantly with time; the most rapid increase was due to heavy snowstorms at a rate of 0.65/10a. The comprehensive hazard of moderate snowstorms increased at a rate of 1.46/10a. The comprehensive hazard of snowstorm was the highest in the southeast of Heilongjiang followed sequentially by the west and the central region. The hazard of each level of snowstorm was high in the southeast and lowest in the northwest for moderate snowstorms and heavy snowstorms. There were high hazards for severe snowstorms in the northwest. The light-/low-risk areas of all levels of snowstorm were concentrated in the central region. The probability of moderate and heavy snowstorms was the highest in the southeast region followed by the northwest and the central region. The precipitation from moderate and heavy snowstorms was the highest in the southeast followed by the central region and the northwest region. For severe snowstorms, there was a difference in the distribution between the probability and the precipitation, i.e., the probability was the highest in the northwest region, followed sequentially by the southeast and the central regions. The precipitation was relatively high in the southeast and northwest regions but low in the central and northern regions. The distribution of the probability, precipitation, and hazard of each level of snowstorm as well as the distribution of the comprehensive hazard all had the following patterns: The high-value areas gradually expanded with decades while the low-value areas gradually shrank. For the comprehensive hazard of snowstorm, the high-risk areas increased by 30.7% from 1960s to 2010s as opposed to the 38.9% reduction of low-risk areas. In particular, the high-hazard and low-hazard areas of heavy snowstorms underwent the largest changes over the decades with the former increasing by 37.4% and the latter decreasing by 28.5%. • Information diffusion theory is used to reveal the probability of snowstorms in Heilongjiang. • Revealing rule of precipitation and probability of snowstorm in sensitive regions of temperature change in China. • Hazard zoning of moderate, heavy,severe and the comprehensive snowstorms in Heilongjiang are established. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]