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Based on commercial databases from S&P Global and Rystad Energy and public information from oil companies around the world, a systematic analysis has been conducted on the global hydrocarbon exploration investment, award of exploration blocks, exploratory drilling, new conventional oil and gas discoveries, and exploration of associated resources in 2023. In 2023, the global hydrocarbon exploration investment increased steadily and the total number and area of awarded exploration blocks increased significantly. The decline in the number and success rate of high-impact exploration wells directly affected the quantity of additional oil and gas reserves discovered globally in 2023. In recent years, the deepwater areas of passive margin basins have been the major targets for seeking medium- and large-sized conventional oil and gas fields. In 2023, however, the newly discovered onshore reserves were equivalent to the newly discovered offshore reserves, and fine exploration in mature blocks achieved significant results. Oil companies continued to plan and perform unconventional oil and gas exploration activities and accelerated access to associated mineral resources such as natural hydrogen and helium and other emerging industries. For Chinese oil companies international exploration business, it is recommended to: (1) continue the upstream investment to strengthen upstream services for consolidating the strategic position of oil and gas resources; (2) uphold oil and gas exploration activities by further deploying exploration activities in the deepwater areas of passive margin basins, deeply exploring mature basins, closely following hotspot basins, and gaining access to frontier basins; (3) follow the principle of integrated development to plan the exploration of associated resources while exploiting conventional and unconventional resources; and (4) make technological innovations to develop and improve core technologies and promote the application of artificial intelligence.

Incomplete elevational sampling in studies of biodiversity and community assembly along elevational gradients can result in inconsistent findings and potentially inaccurate conclusions about assembly mechanisms. In this study, we conducted extensive sampling of small mammals over a 3200 m elevational gradient on Xiling Snow Mountain, Southwestern China. We integrated functional and phylogenetic diversity to determine the mechanisms structuring small mammal assemblages. Our findings indicate that taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic diversity, along with all species richness-corrected indices of functional and phylogenetic diversity, exhibit similar hump-shaped patterns. Our results suggest that environmental filtering plays a considerable role in structuring small mammal communities at low and high elevations, while competitive exclusion governs the assembly processes at middle elevations. Human footprint, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, precipitation seasonality and potential evapotranspiration are key drivers of small mammal diversity and community structure along elevational gradients. In summary, our study provides evidence that phylogenetic diversity is a robust surrogate for functional diversity, and challenges the recent large-scale studies that advocate a linear relationship between small mammal assembly process and elevation. We emphasize the importance of continuously documenting general patterns of small mammal diversity across entire elevational gradients in future studies.

In response to the problems of unclear distribution of deep-water pre-salt carbonate reservoirs and formation conditions of large oil fields in the Santos passive continental margin basin, based on comprehensive utilization of geological, seismic, and core data, and reconstruction of Early Cretaceous prototype basin and lithofacies paleogeography, it is proposed for the first time that the construction of pre-salt carbonate build-ups was controlled by two types of isolated platforms: inter-depression fault-uplift and intra-depression fault-high. The inter-depression fault-uplift isolated platforms are distributed on the present-day pre-salt uplifted zones between depressions, and are built on half- and fault-horst blocks that were inherited and developed in the early intra-continental and inter-continental rift stages. The late intra-continental rift coquinas of the ITP Formation and the early inter-continental rift microbial limestones of the BVE Formation are continuously constructed; intra-depression fault-high isolated platforms are distributed in the current pre-salt depression zones, built on the uplifted zones formed by volcanic rock build-ups in the early prototype stage of intra-continental rifts, and only the BVE microbial limestones are developed. Both types of limestones formed into mound-shoal bodies, that have the characteristics of large reservoir thickness and good physical properties. Based on the dissection of large pre-salt oil fields discovered in the Santos Basin, it has been found that both types of platforms could form large-scale combined structural-stratigraphic traps, surrounded by high-quality lacustrine and lagoon source rocks at the periphery, and efficiently sealed by thick high-quality evaporite rocks above, forming the optimal combination of source, reservoir and cap in the form of “lower generation, middle storage, and upper cap”, with a high degree of oil and gas enrichment. It has been found that the large oil fields are all bottom water massive oil fields with a unified pressure system, and they are all filled to the spill-point. The future exploration is recommended to focus on the inter-depression fault-uplift isolated platforms in the western uplift zone and the southern section of eastern uplift zones, as well as intra-depression fault-high isolated platforms in the central depression zone. The result not only provides an important basis for the advanced selection of potential play fairways, bidding of new blocks, and deployment of awarded exploration blocks in the Santos Basin, but also provides a reference for the global selection of deep-water exploration blocks in passive continental margin basins.

The global trends in deepwater oil and gas exploration, characteristics of deepwater oil and gas discovery, and layout of deepwater oil and gas exploration business by seven major international oil companies are systematically analyzed using commercial databases (e.g. S&P Global and Rystad) and public information of oil companies. The deepwater area is currently the most important domain for global oil and gas exploration and discovery, with the most discoveries and reserves in passive continental margin basins. The deepwater discoveries have the greatest contribution to the total newly discovered oil and gas reserves in the sea areas, with an increasing number of lithological reservoirs discovered, and oil and gas discoveries mainly distributed in the Mesozoic–Cenozoic. The seven major international oil companies are widely active in various aspects of deepwater oil and gas exploration and development, and play a leading role. Based on years of theoretical understanding of global oil and gas geology and resource evaluation, it is proposed that favorable deepwater exploration areas in the future will mainly focus on three major areas: the Atlantic coast, the Indian Ocean periphery, and the Arctic Ocean periphery. Six suggestions are put forward for expanding overseas deepwater oil and gas exploration business: first, expand the sources for obtaining multi-user seismic data and improve the scientific selection of deepwater exploration areas; second, increase efforts to obtain deepwater exploration projects in key areas; third, adopt various methods to access into/exit from resource licenses flexibly; fourth, acquire licenses with large equity and operate in “dual-exploration” model; fifth, strengthen cooperation with leading international oil companies in deepwater technology; and sixth, improve business operation capabilities and gradually transform from “non-operators” to “operators”.

The East African Rift System (EARS) is the youngest rift with the eastern and western branches, consisting of multiple secondary rifts. It is generally characterized by low extent of exploration and great exploration potential. Identifying the differences in hydrocarbon accumulation conditions in various rifts is very important in providing guidance for hydrocarbon exploration and selecting favorable exploration targets in this area. Based on the interpretation of first-hand seismic-geological data, and combining other materials such as commercial databases and open access literature, the structural characteristics of the main rifts in the eastern and western branches of the EARS are comparatively analyzed; based on the anatomy of the discovered hydrocarbon reservoirs, the rifts of the EARS are classified into four types depending on their structural styles, including double-fault type, simple single-fault type, single-fault transfer type, and single-fault terrace type, and the control of structural style over hydrocarbon accumulation in the EARS is discussed. In the Western Branch of the EARS, large rifts such as the Albertine Rift and the Tanganyika Rift are mainly of double-fault type and single-fault transfer type, and only some small rifts are of the simple single-fault type. The rifts in the Eastern Branch of the EARS are generally small; the rifts in the northern section of the Western Branch are mainly of the simple single-fault type, and those in the southern section are mainly of the single-fault terrace type. The hydrocarbon potential of double-fault rifts is the greatest, followed by that of simple single-fault rifts and single-fault transfer rifts, and the hydrocarbon potential of single-fault terrace rifts is relatively limited. The results obtained from a comparative analysis of the structures, sediment fills, and reservoir elements of various rifts show that the west side of the Albertine Rift, the southeast of the Tanganyika Rift, the Kerio Rift, and the land in the northwest of the Turkana Rift have great exploration potential.

Abstract Background Environmental conditions vary among deserts across the world, spanning from hyper-arid to high-elevation deserts. However, prior genomic studies on desert adaptation have focused on desert and non-desert comparisons overlooking the complexity of conditions within deserts. Focusing on the adaptation mechanisms to diverse desert environments will advance our understanding of how species adapt to extreme desert environments. The hairy-footed jerboas are well adapted to diverse desert environments, inhabiting high-altitude arid regions, hyper-arid deserts, and semi-deserts, but the genetic basis of their adaptation to different deserts remains unknown. Results Here, we sequenced the whole genome of 83 hairy-footed jerboas from distinct desert zones in China to assess how they responded under contrasting conditions. Population genomics analyses reveal the existence of three species in hairy-footed jerboas distributed in China: Dipus deasyi, Dipus sagitta, and Dipus sowerbyi. Analyses of selection between high-altitude desert (elevation ≥ 3000m) and low-altitude desert (< 500m) populations identified two strongly selected genes, ATR and HIF1AN, associated with intense UV radiation and hypoxia in high-altitude environments. A number of candidate genes involved in energy and water homeostasis were detected in the comparative genomic analyses of hyper-arid desert (average annual precipitation < 70mm) and arid desert (< 200mm) populations versus semi-desert (> 360mm) populations. Hyper-arid desert animals also exhibited stronger adaptive selection in energy homeostasis, suggesting water and resource scarcity may be the main drivers of desert adaptation in hairy-footed jerboas. Conclusions Our study challenges the view of deserts as homogeneous environments and shows that distinct genomic adaptations can be found among desert animals depending on their habitats.

Conservation planning in areas prone to human–wildlife interactions requires strong integration between biodiversity protection and other human society needs. Livestock depredation by felids is one of the most reported human–wildlife conflicts in Tibet, reinforced by expanding rangeland and rebounding of wildlife populations. Tibet harbors the richest felid diversity in China; nevertheless, only two protected areas were designated targeting this emblematic group. Here, we combined species distribution modeling and systematic conservation planning approaches to identify priority areas for felid conservation in Tibet. Specifically, we assessed conservation priorities based on three complementary biodiversity indexes (taxonomic, functional, and phylogenetic) integrated with livestock density, land use, and human disturbances. Based on the most comprehensive dataset of felid species, we found that large parts of Tibet remain poorly studied and most of the felid populations inhabit unprotected Tibetan lands. In addition, we detected that livestock density is positively related to large-sized felid distributions, reflecting the long-term conflict in this region. Our prioritization analyses identified large priority areas for felid conservation in Tibet. Worrisomely, approximately 76% of them lie outside of existing and planned protected areas, with four noteworthy gaps. The largest extension of these key regions for felid conservation is located in southeastern Tibet close to the border with India, Bhutan, and Nepal, revealing the need for transnational conservation efforts across the Pan-Himalaya region. Our study represents the first attempt of systematic conservation planning for Tibetan felids taking into account the balance between multiple conservation values and competing land use for societal development.

Household waste contributes significantly to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and waste classification is crucial for reducing emissions. This study focuses on Beijing and utilizes life cycle assessment (LCA) and material flow analysis (MFA) to calculate GHG emissions in waste management systems and quantify emission reduction potential of different measures. The results show that net emissions from the classification system in 2021 are 116.77 kg CO2-eq/t waste, reducing 61.82 % compared to the traditional mixed collection and transportation system. Waste volume, classification efficiency, and treatment strategies are the primary factors affecting emissions in classification systems. Recycling is identified as effective treatment methods. Three scenarios are designed to explore emission pathway of the system toward 2060. In the business-as-usual (BAU) Scenario, emissions will continue to grow to 108.57 × 104 t CO2-eq/yr in 2060. In the Classification Efficiency Scenario and the Comprehensive Scenario, emissions in 2060 will be cut to −177.26 × 104 t CO2-eq/yr and −702.00 × 104 t CO2-eq/yr, respectively. These results underscore the critical role of waste classification and recycling in mitigating the negative impacts of increasing waste volume. By 2060, combining waste classification with recycling can offset emissions by 803.51 × 104 t CO2-eq/yr, contributing 99 % to emission reduction potential. Improving classification efficiency and recycling ratio are key measures for achieving this reduction goal. Meanwhile, treatment methods and technologies should prioritize classification and recycling. Aiming at carbon neutrality, the study proposes several recommendations to improve classification systems, including enhancing classification efficiency, optimizing treatment facilities and strategies, and establishing recycling and utilization systems, etc.

Genome assembles for Northern three-toed jerboa, Siberian jerboa, Midday jird and Desert hamster and provides insights into similarities and differences in mechanisms for desert adaptation.

The global exploration investment, new oil and gas discoveries, exploration business adjustment strategies of oil companies in 2021, and future favorable exploration domains are systematically analyzed using commercial databases such as IHS and public information of oil companies. It has been found that the world oil and gas exploration situation in 2021 has continued the downturn since the outbreak of COVID-19. The investment and drilling workload decreased slightly, but the success rate of exploration wells, especially deepwater exploration wells, increased significantly, and the newly discovered reserves increased slightly compared with last year. Deep waters of the passive continental margin basins are still the leading sites for discovering conventional large and medium-sized oil and gas fields. The conventional oil and gas exploration in deep formations of onshore petroliferous basins has been keeping a good state, with tight/shale oil and gas discoveries made in Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other countries. While strengthening the exploration and development of local resources, national, international, and independent oil companies have been focusing on major overseas frontiers using their advantages, including risk exploration in deep waters and natural gas. Future favorable exploration directions in the three major frontiers, the global deep waters, deep onshore formations, and unconventional resources, have been clarified. Four suggestions are put forward for the global exploration business of Chinese oil companies: first, a farm in global deepwater frontier basins in advance through bidding at a low cost and adopt the “dual exploration model” after making large-scale discoveries; second, enter new blocks of emerging hot basins in the world through farm-in and other ways, to find large oil and gas fields quickly; third, cooperate with national oil companies of the resource host countries in the form of joint research and actively participate exploration of deep onshore formations of petroliferous basins; fourth, track tight/shale oil and gas cooperation opportunities in a few countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia, and take advantage of mature domestic theories and technologies to farm in at an appropriate time.

Abstract Secondary and plantation forests are the main alternative forests remaining after the deforestation of primary forests. Understanding the conservation value of secondary and plantation forests is important for biological conservation. To explore the impact of forest conversion on biodiversity, we compared multiple diversity metrics (taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity) and community structure of small mammals in the primary, secondary, and plantation forests in Mt. Liangshan, Sichuan Province, China. Three field surveys were conducted in each of the three forest types to characterize local small mammal assemblages from 2017 to 2020. We found that the taxonomic, phylogenetic, and functional diversity of small mammals in the three forest types were similar at the landscape scale, while all diversity metrics were lowest in the plantation forest and highest in the primary forests at the site scale. The community structure analysis showed that habitat filtering was the dominant process driving the assembly of small mammal communities across the three forest types, and there was no statistically significant difference in small mammal community structure among the three forest types. Our results indicated that secondary and plantation forests in the nature reserves, adjacent to the primary forest and exposed to little human disturbance, also can provide important habitats for small mammals.

Classification, superimposed evolution and sedimentary filling of prototype basins are analyzed based on the Wilson cycle principle of plate theory, by dissecting the evolution history of 483 sedimentary basins around the world since the Precambrian, combined with the three stress environments of tension, compression and shear. It is found that plate tectonic evolution controls the superimposed development process and petroleum-bearing conditions of the prototype basins in three aspects: first, more than 85% of the sedimentary basins in the world are developed from the superimposed development of two or more prototype basins; second, the superposition evolution process of the prototype basin takes Wilson cycle as the cycle and cycles in a fixed trajectory repeatedly. In each stage of a cycle, a specific type of prototype basin can be formed; third, each prototype basin can form a unique tectonic-sedimentary system, which determines its unique source, reservoir, cap conditions etc. For hydrocarbon accumulation, the later superimposed prototype basin can change the oil and gas accumulation conditions of the earlier prototype basin, and may form new petroleum systems. Based on this, by defining the type of a current basin as its prototype basin formed by the latest plate tectonic movement, 14 types of prototype basins can be classified in the world, namely, intracontinental growth rift, intracontinental aborted rift, intercontinental rift, passive continental margin, interior craton, trench, fore-arc rift, back-arc rift, back-arc depression, back-arc small ocean, peripheral foreland, back-arc foreland, strike-slip pull-apart, and strike-slip flexural basins. The classification scheme can ensure the uniqueness of the types of individual sedimentary basin, and make it possible to predict their oil and gas potential scientifically through analogy.

Mineral licks are important components of terrestrial ecosystems that have special value to the maintenance of fluid balance of mammals, by providing them with essential mineral nutrients such as sodium, calcium, and magnesium. In the Anzihe Nature Reserve, southwest China, seven species of ungulates and one species of primates were frequently observed visiting the mineral licks in high densities. As a consequence, mineral licks have attracted illegal hunters and facilitated the spread of parasites and diseases, leading to a depletion of local populations. Therefore, we suggest that regions with abundant mineral licks should be designated as key protected areas in the Anzihe Nature Reserve and relevant zones for animal health surveillance.

In this paper, we study the structural characteristics and sedimentary filling differences of the passive continental margin basins of East Africa and establish hydrocarbon accumulation models in different basins. In the research process, the research methods of prototype basin and lithofacies paleogeography restoration, oil and gas reservoir anatomy, two-dimensional seismic data interpretation, etc. The passive continental margin basins in East Africa are divided into four types of passive continental margin basins, namely “rifted type,” “depressed type,” “faulted depression type,” and “reformed delta type,” based on the three prototype stages of intracontinental aborted rift, intracontinental-intercontinental rift, and passive continental margin basin, and the difference in sedimentary filling thickness between rift and depression periods. Finally, the accumulation models of different types of basins are established, and the favorable accumulation combinations and future exploration directions are discussed.

High-altitude environments impose intense stresses on living organisms and drive striking phenotypic and genetic adaptations, such as hypoxia resistance, cold tolerance, and increases in metabolic capacity and body mass. As one of the most successful and dominant mammals on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QHTP), the plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae) has adapted to the extreme environments of the highest altitudes of this region and exhibits tolerance to cold and hypoxia, in contrast to closely related species that inhabit the peripheral alpine bush or forests. To explore the potential genetic mechanisms underlying the adaptation of O. curzoniae to a high-altitude environment, we sequenced the heart tissue transcriptomes of adult plateau pikas (comparing specimens from sites at two different altitudes) and Gansu pikas (O. cansus). Differential expression analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) were used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their primary functions. Key genes and pathways related to high-altitude adaptation were identified. In addition to the biological processes of signal transduction, energy metabolism and material transport, the identified plateau pika genes were mainly enriched in biological pathways such as the negative regulation of smooth muscle cell proliferation, the apoptosis signalling pathway, the cellular response to DNA damage stimulus, and ossification involved in bone maturation and heart development. Our results showed that the plateau pika has adapted to the extreme environments of the QHTP via protection against cardiomyopathy, tissue structure alterations and improvements in the blood circulation system and energy metabolism. These adaptations shed light on how pikas thrive on the roof of the world.

Based on regional geology, 2D seismic and ocean drilling data, the formation of the Eratosthenes Seamount (ESM) and its surrounding isolated platforms, types of organic reefs and hydrocarbon accumulation conditions in the eastern Mediterranean were analyzed through fine tectonic interpretation and seismic facies study, and the future exploration targets were pointed out. The formation and evolution of the ESM and its peripheral isolated platforms are highly related to the open and close of the Neotethyan ocean. The precursors of the ESM and its peripheral isolated platforms are both horst-type fault blocks formed in the Middle Triassic–Early Jurassic intracontinental rift stage. The ESM and its peripheral isolated platforms underwent continued and inherited carbonate build-ups during the Middle Jurassic intercontinental rift stage, the Late Jurassic–Late Cretaceous Turonian passive drift stage, and Late Cretaceous Senonian–Miocene subduction stage, as well as medium-slight inversion transformation beginning in the Late Miocene Messinian caused by the closure of the Neotethyan ocean. Three types of isolated platforms formed controlled by variant paleo-tectonic settings: the first type is composed of a single patch-like reef controlled by a small-scale and narrow horst-type fault block, the second type consists of a single atoll controlled by a middle-scale and wide horst-type fault block, and the third type is comprised of multiple reef-beach complexes controlled by a large-scale and broad paleo-high. The first two types universally developed in the highs of the alternate sag-uplift structural zones on the south and west of Eratosthenes, and the third type only developed in the ESM. As a result of fluctuation of sea level, two sequences of reef build-ups, i.e. the Middle Jurassic Bajocian–Upper Cretaceous Turonian and the Miocene, developed in the ESM as well as the highs in the alternate sag-uplift structural zones on the south and west of Eratosthenes. Drillings have confirmed that the first two types of isolated platforms with a single patch-like reef and a single circle-like reef have good conditions for natural gas accumulations. The isolated platform of reef-beach complexes in the ESM also has accumulation potentials of natural gas and is worth prospecting.

Abstract Understanding how biodiversity components are related under different environmental factors is a fundamental challenge for ecology studies, yet there is little knowledge of this interplay among the biotas, especially small mammals, in karst mountain areas. Here, we examine the elevation patterns of the taxonomic diversity (TD), phylogenetic diversity (PD), and functional diversity (FD) of small mammals in a karst mountain area, the Wuling Mountains, Southwest China, and compare these patterns between taxa (Rodentia and Eulipotyphla) and scales (broad‐ and narrow‐range species). We also disentangle the impacts of the human influence index, net primary productivity (NPP), normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI), annual precipitation (AP), and annual mean temperature (AMT) on these three facets of biodiversity by using structural equation modeling. We recorded a total of 39 small mammal species, including 26 rodents and 13 species of the order Eulipotyphla. Our study shows that the facets of biodiversity are spatially incongruent. Net primary productivity has a positive effect on the three facets for most groups, while the effect of the NDVI is negative for TD and PD in most groups. AMT temperature and AP have negative effects on FD and PD, whereas TD is dependent on the species range scale. The human influence index effect on TD and PD also depends on the species range scale. These findings provide robust evidence that the ecological drivers of biodiversity differ among different biotas and different range scales, and future research should use multifacet approach to determine biodiversity conservation strategies.

Altitudinal bird migration involves seasonal shifts up and down the altitude gradient annually. Asia as the place with the largest number of altitudinal migrants, has quite few related studies, especially for montane and temperate avifaunas. To explore the potential drivers of seasonal altitudinal migration for birds in the middle of Hengduan Mountains, we conducted a three-year investigation on breeding and non-breeding season bird communities at eight elevational bands (1200–4200 ​m) in the Gongga Mountains. We examined the altitudinal migration patterns and relationships between seasonal distribution shifts and species' traits of 50 species with sufficient data recorded in both seasons. We found that a large proportion of breeding birds underwent altitudinal migration and showed three migration patterns (downslope shift, upslope shift, no shift). Seasonal distribution shifts were mainly correlated with certain ecological traits. Species breeding at high and mid-elevations, nesting in scrub and being omnivorous are more likely to show downslope movements during the non-breeding season. In addition, territorially weaker species exhibited more diverse migration patterns. Notably, we found the hand-wing index (HWI) was actually more convincing than body mass in explaining altitudinal migration. These results consolidate the studies of seasonal altitudinal migration in montane birds. Our study could be used to bridge existing knowledge gaps that currently impeding effective conservation for montane avifaunas in the Hengduan Mountains.

Based on the compilation and analysis of the lithofacies and paleogeography distribution maps at present and paleoplate locations during six key geological periods of the Mesozoic and Cenozoic, the lithofacies and paleogeography features and their development laws were expounded. Based on our previous research results on lithofacies and paleogeography from Precambrian to Paleozoic, we systematically studied the features and evolution laws of global lithofacies and paleogeography from the Precambrian and their effects on the formation of source rocks, reservoirs, cap rocks and the distribution of oil and gas worldwide. The results show that since Precambrian, the distribution areas of uplift erosion and terrestrial clastic deposition tended to increase gradually, and increased significantly during the period of continental growth. The scale of coastal and shallow marine facies area had three distinct cycles, namely, from Precambrian to Devonian, from Carboniferous to Triassic, and from Jurassic to Neogene. Correspondingly, the development of shallow carbonate platform also showed three cycles; the lacustrine facies onshore was relatively developed in Mesozoic and Cenozoic; the sabkha was mainly developed in the Devonian, Permian and Triassic. The Cretaceous is the most important source rock layers in the world, followed by the Jurassic and Paleogene source rocks; the clastic reservoirs have more oil and gas than the carbonate reservoirs; the basins with shale caprocks have the widest distribution, the most abundant reserves of oil and gas, and the evaporite caprocks have the strongest sealing capacity, which can seal some huge oil and gas fields. Key words: global, lithofacies and paleogeography, plate tectonics, tectonic evolution, source rocks, reservoir, caprock, oil and gas distribution

Abstract Species distributed along mountain slopes, facing contrasting habitats in short geographic scale, are of particular interest to test how ecologically based divergent selection promotes phenotypic and genetic disparities as well as to assess isolation‐by‐environment mechanisms. Here, we conduct the first broad comparative study of phenotypic variation along elevational gradients, integrating a large array of ecological predictors and disentangling population genetic driver processes. The skull form of nine ecologically distinct species distributed over a large altitudinal range (100–4200 m) was compared to assess whether phenotypic divergence is a common phenomenon in small mammals and whether it shows parallel patterns. We also investigated the relative contribution of biotic (competition and predation) and abiotic parameters on phenotypic divergence via mixed models. Finally, we assessed the population genetic structure of a rodent species (Niviventer confucianus) via analysis of molecular variance and FST along three mountain slopes and tested the isolation‐by‐environment hypothesis using Mantel test and redundancy analysis. We found a consistent phenotypic divergence and marked genetic structure along elevational gradients; however, the species showed mixed patterns of size and skull shape trends across mountain zones. Individuals living at lower altitudes differed greatly in both phenotype and genotype from those living at high elevations, while middle‐elevation individuals showed more intermediate forms. The ecological parameters associated with phenotypic divergence along elevation gradients are partly related to species' ecological and evolutionary constraints. Fossorial and solitary animals are mainly affected by climatic factors, while terrestrial and more gregarious species are influenced by biotic and abiotic parameters. A novel finding of our study is that predator richness emerged as an important factor associated with the intraspecific diversification of the mammalian skull along elevational gradients, a previously overlooked parameter. Population genetic structure was mainly driven by environmental heterogeneity along mountain slopes, with no or a week spatial effect, fitting the isolation‐by‐environment scenario. Our study highlights the strong and multifaceted effects of heterogeneous steep habitats and ecologically based divergent selective forces in small mammal populations.

Zagros Basin is one of the essential basins in the Middle East with the giant oil and gas reserves. It is indicated by regional tectonic and sedimentary evolution, basin structural division, petroleum distribution characteristics and main controlling factors of petroleum accumulation. It has experienced four significant phases which are early Paleozoic intra-Cratonic pull apart basin and platform margin basin, late Paleozoic platform margin basin, Mesozoic passive continental margin basin, and Cenozoic foreland basin. The Zagros Mountain Front Fault and High Zagros Fault divided the basin into foredeep zone, simply folded zone, and Zagros thrust fault zone from southwest to northeast. The oil fields are mainly located in the foredeep zone, while the gas fields are mostly in the simply folded zone and few fields are in the Zagros thrust fault zone. The Lower Cretaceous Kazhdumi Formation mudstone is the main source rock for the Mesozoic, and Cenozoic reservoirs and the Silurian Gahkum Formation mudstone is the main source rock for the Paleozoic reservoirs. The Cenozoic carbonate is main reservoir followed by the Cretaceous Sarvak and upper Permian Dalan carbonate. The evaporite and mudstone are the main seal in the foredeep zone, while the mudstone in the simple anticline zone. The anticline structure and the seal type is the main controlling factor for the petroleum accumulation. Keywords: Zagros Basin, Structure division, Zagros Mountain Front Fault, High Zagros Fault, Evaporite

Using conventional and unconventional oil and gas resource evaluation methods with play as a unit, this study evaluates the oil and gas geology and resource potential of conventional oil and gas resources and seven types of unconventional resources in the global major oil and gas basins (excluding China). For the first time, resource evaluation data with independent intellectual property rights has been obtained. According to evaluation and calculation, the global recoverable conventional oil resources are 5 350.0×108 t, the recoverable condensate oil resources are 496.2×108 t, and the recoverable natural gas resources are 588.4×1012 m3. The remaining oil and gas 2P recoverable reserves are 4 212.6×108 t, the reserve growth of oil and gas fields are 1 531.7×108 t. The undiscovered oil and gas recoverable resources are 3 065.5×108 t. The global unconventional oil recoverable resources are 4 209.4×108 t and the unconventional natural gas recoverable resources are 195.4×1012 m3. The evaluation results show that the global conventional and unconventional oil and gas resources are still abundant. Key words: global oil and gas bearing basins, resource evaluation, conventional oil and gas resources, oil and gas reserve growth, unconventional oil and gas resources

Abstract Background South China encompasses complex and diverse landforms, giving rise to high biological diversity and endemism from the Hengduan Mountains to Taiwan Island. Many species are widely distributed across South China with similar disjunct distribution patterns. To explore the causes of these disjunct distribution patterns and their genetic consequences, we investigated the endemic species Père David’s Chinese Vole (Eothenomys melanogaster) by integrating geological and ecological factors. We analysed the genetic structure and divergence time of E. melanogaster based on fast-evolving mitochondrial and nuclear markers using Bayesian trees and coalescent species tree approaches. Historical scenarios of distribution range and demography were reconstructed based on spatial interpolations of genetic diversity and distance, extended Bayesian skyline plots, phylogeographic diffusion analysis, and ecological niche modelling (ENM) during different periods. We also assessed the relationships between geographical distance/ecological vicariance and genetic distance (isolation by distance, IBD; isolation by environment, IBE). Results The genetic analysis revealed three deeply divergent clades—Southeast, Southwest and Central clades, centred on the Wuyi Mountains, the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau (YGP) and the mountains around the Sichuan Basin, respectively—that have mostly developed since the Pleistocene. IBD played an important role in early divergence, and geological events (sedimentation of plains and linking of palaeo-rivers) and IBE further reinforced genetic differentiation. ENM shows the importance of suitable habitats and elevations. Conclusions Our results suggest that the primary cause of the disjunct distribution in E. melanogaster is the high dependence on middle-high-altitude habitat in the current period. Mountains in the occurence range have served as “sky islands” for E. melanogaster and hindered gene flow. Pleistocene climatic cycles facilitated genetic admixture in cold periods and genetic diversification in warm periods for inland clades. During cold periods, these cycles led to multiple colonization events between the mainland and Taiwan and erased genetic differentiation.

By using geologic and seismic data, this study restored the proto-type basins and lithofacies paleogeography of the Levant basin in Eastern Mediterranean during main geological periods, carried out comparison analysis on the basin architecture characteristics, and based on careful examination of the characteristics of discovered gas reservoirs, established the reservoir forming pattern and discussed the favorable reservoir forming combinations and future exploration direction in this region. Three structural architectures can be identified in the basin, the early-stage faults, the mid-stage faults and the late-stage faults. The early-stage faults are mainly controlled by intercontinental depression, which were less influenced by later compression stress in the southern deep water area of the basin. Controlled by the lateral structural stress and the Syrian Arc Fold Belt, the mid-stage faults became less active from north to south and from east to west. Influenced by the collision and/or Dead Sea strike-slip Fault Zone, the late-stage faults were active but did not pierce the thick Upper Miocene evaporites. Combined with the discovered reservoirs and outcrops, the Mesozoic sandstones and carbonates in deep water area near Eratosthenes seamount of Israel offshore and the Cenozoic carbonates and Tamar sands of Lebanon offshore are the main petroleum exploration targets in the next step. Key words: Eastern Mediterranean, lithofacies paleogeography, basin architecture, Levant Basin, deep water sedimentation, petroleum exploration direction

Abstract Background Understanding whether species’ elevational range is shifting in response to directional changes in climate and whether there is a predictable pattern in that response is one of the major challenges in ecology. However, so far very little is known about the distributional responses of subtropical species to climate change, especially for small mammals. In this study, we examined the elevational range shifts at three range points (upper and lower range limits and abundance-weighted range centre) of rodents over a 30-year period (1986 to 2014–2015), in a subtropical forest of Southwest China. We also examined the influences of four ecological traits (body mass, habitat breadth, diet and daily activity pattern) on the upslope shifts in species’ abundance-weighted range centres. Results Despite the warming trend between 1986 and 2015, the 11 rodent species in analysis displayed heterogeneous dynamics at each of the three range points. Species which have larger body sizes and narrower habitat breadths, show both diurnal and nocturnal activities and more specialized dietary requirements, are more likely to exhibit upslope shifts in abundance-weighted range centres. Conclusions Species’ distributional responses can be heterogeneous even though there are directional changes in climate. Our study indicates that climate-induced alleviation of competition and lag in response may potentially drive species’ range shift, which may not conform to the expectation from climate change. Difference in traits can lead to different range dynamics. Our study also illustrates the merit of multi-faceted assessment in studying elevational range shifts.

The basins of the South Atlantic passive margins are filled with early rifting stage lacustrine sediments (Barremian, 129–125 Ma), transitional lacustrine and marine sediments (Aptian, 125–113 Ma), and drift stage marine sediments since early Cretaceous (Albian, 113 Ma). The South Atlantic margins can be divided into three segments by the Rio Grande Fracture Zone and the Ascension Fracture Zone according to variations in the basin evolution history and configuration style. The lacustrine shale and marine shale source rocks are developed in the rift stage and drift (post-rift) stage in the South Atlantic passive margins, respectively. The southern segment of the margins is dominated by the lacustrine sedimentary filling in the rifted stage overlain by a thin marine sag system as a regional seal, where the hydrocarbons are mainly accumulated in the structural-stratigraphic lacustrine reservoirs formed in the rift stage. The middle segment developed salty rift-sag-type basins with rift and sag systems and with salt deposited in the transitional intercontinental rift stage, where the lacustrine shale in the lower part of the rifted lacustrine sequence and the marine shale in the lower part of the sag sequence formed in the marine post-rift stage are high-quality source rocks. This segment in the middle is mainly dominated by pre-salt lacustrine carbonate and post-salt marine turbidite plays. The northern segment is characterized by sag-type basins with a narrowly and locally distributed rifted lacustrine system and its overlying widely distributed thick marine sag systems. Gravity-flow (mostly turbidite) marine sandstones as good reservoirs were extensively developed in the sag stage due to the narrow shelf and steep slope. The post-rift marine shales in the lower part of the sag sequence are the main source rocks in the northern segment and the hydrocarbons generated from these source rocks directly migrated to and accumulated in the deep marine turbidite sandstones in the same sag sequence formed in the drift stage. From southern segment to northern segment, source rocks and hydrocarbon accumulations tend to occur in the stratigraphically higher formations. The hydrocarbon accumulations in the southern segment are mainly distributed in the rifted lacustrine sequence while that in the northern segment primarily occur in the post-rift marine sequence.

Sixty-six passive continental margin basins around the world were compared comprehensively from the aspect of seismogeology on the basis of plate tectonics. According to their textural and structural differences, passive continental margin basins were classified into seven subdivisions, i.e., rifted basin, non-saline faulted depression basin, saline faulted depression basin, non-saline depression basin, saline depression basin, delta reformed basin and positive reverse deformed basin. The passive continental margin basins around the world have been generated with the formation of Mesozoic and Cenozoic Atlantic and Indian Oceans and they have experienced superimposition of three prototypes, including intra-continental rift in rifting period, intercontinental rift in transitional period and passive continental margin in drifting period. In rifted basins, the petroleum systems are mainly located in the lower lacustrine/marine rift series of strata and the thinner depression series of strata at the upper part are only regional cap-rocks. Large oil and gas fields are mainly concentrated in structural traps of rift series of strata. In non-saline faulted depression basins, hydrocarbon generation and expulsion peaks occur in both upper thicker marine depression series of strata and lower rift series of strata. Reservoirs are formed in the structures of rift series of strata, and oil and gas are highly concentrated at slope fans in depression series of strata. In saline faulted depression basins, large oil and gas fields are mainly distributed in the lagoon carbonate rocks of subsalt series of strata and the deepwater slope fans of suprasalt depression series of strata. In saline depression basins, only petroleum systems in depression series of strata are active, and various traps are developed, such as slope fan, salt structure and bioherm. In non-saline depression basins, large oil and gas fields are mainly located in submarine fan groups of depression series of strata because this type of basins are of narrow continental shelf and steep continental slope. In delta reformed basins, four major ring-like structure belts (i.e., growth faulting-mud diapir-thrust nappe-foredeep gentle slope) are formed from the shore to the deepwater and large oil and gas fields can be formed in each belt. Positive reverse reformed basins are the passive continental margin basins which are influenced by global orogenesis since the Miocene. In this type of basins, oil and gas are concentrated in compressional anticlines of reverse series of strata. Key words: passive continental margin, prototype basin, basin structure, basin classification, large oil and gas field, distribution rules

Based on the plate tectonic theory, and by studying seismic, geologic data and related documents, this study restored the proto-type basins and lithofacies paleogeography of East African passive margin basins in the major geological periods, and carried out analysis on the basin architecture characteristics and sedimentary filling variance. Based on the dissection of fifteen reservoirs, three hydrocarbon accumulation models were identified to find out favorable plays and the further exploration direction in this region. The East African passive continental margin basins experienced three prototype stages, Late Carboniferous-Triassic Karoo intercontinental failed rifts, Jurassic intercontinental-intracontinental rifts, and passive continental margins since the Cretaceous. The rift sequences are developed in all the basins, forming the “rift type”, “rift depression type” and “delta reconstruction type” passive continental margin basins in line with the different thicknesses of the sediment fillings during the depression period. In the “rift type” basins, the sediment thickness during the depression period was less than 3 000 m, forming “single source – structure type” hydrocarbon accumulation model, where the exploration direction will mainly focus on giant structural traps on the top of the rift sequences. In the “fault-depression type” basins, the sediment thickness during the depression period was more than 5 000 m, forming “double sources – double combinations type” hydrocarbon accumulation model, where the exploration direction will mainly focus on giant slip-collapse-debris flow deposits on the top and middle of the slope. In the “delta-reconstruction type” sediment basins, the thickness is more than 6 000 m, forming constructional delta deposits with four structural belts from onshore to offshore, unique growth faults, mud diapirs, thrust faults and fore deep gentle slope, which are named as “three sources – multi-combinations type” hydrocarbon accumulation model, and all the four structural belts can form giant oil and gas fields. Key words: east Africa, passive continental margin basin, proto-type basin, lithofacies paleogeography, basin structural architecture, hydrocarbon accumulation model, deep-water sediment, petroleum exploration direction

Since the Neoproterozoic, two important cycles of separation and junction of the Rodinia and Pangea supercontinents controlled the formation of the Tethys, Laurasia, Gondwana and Pacifica domains, as well as the sedimentary basin types including craton, passive margin, rift, foreland, fore-arc, and back-arc basins. Sixty-eight percent of the discovered reserves are from the Tethys domain, while 49% of the undiscovered possible reserves are in passive margin basins. Six major sets of source rocks, two types of reservoirs (carbonates and clastics), and two regional seals (shale and evaporite) formed in global evolution of basins. Ten patterns are summarized from the above factors controlling the distribution of global hydrocarbon resources. (1) Conventional-unconventional hydrocarbon is accumulated “orderly”. (2) Distribution of Tethys controls the accumulation of the global hydrocarbons. (3) Foreland thrusting zones control the distribution of structural oil/gas fields; (4) Intra-craton uplifts control the distribution of giant oil/gas fields; (5) Platform margins control the banded distribution of giant organic reef and bank type oil/gas fields. (6) Passive margins control the distribution of giant marine oil/gas fields. (7) Foreland deep slopes control the occurrence of large scale heavy oil and bitumen. (8) Basin deposition slopes control the accumulation of tight oil & gas and coalbed methane. (9) Organic rich deep basin sediments control the retention of shale oil and gas. (10) Low temperature and high pressure seafloor sediments control the distribution of hydrate. The conventional/unconventional resources ratio is 2:8. The conventional resources are mainly distributed in the Middle East, Russia, North America, and Latin America. The unconventional resources are mainly distributed in North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Russia. According to the ten trends of global petroleum industry, hydrocarbon exploration is mainly focused on marine deep water, onshore deep layer, and unconventional oil & gas. The peak of oil production will probably come around 2040, and the life span of petroleum industry will last another 150 years. Renewable energy will replace fossil energy, not for the exhaustion of fossil energy, but because it is cheaper and cleaner. Key words: unconventional petroleum geology, orderly accumulation, distribution pattern, tight oil and gas, shale oil and gas, Anyue gas field, Fuling shale gas field, life cycle, renewable energy

The Mongolian Plateau (MP), which is situated in the interior of Asia and possesses a typical continental climate, experienced harsh climatic conditions during the Quaternary glacial fluctuations. Although these events likely had huge impacts on the local animal populations, the current effects have hardly been explored. To investigate whether the MP supported a refugium along an oceanic-continental gradient (ROCG), and whether this refugium was glacial or interglacial, we investigated the demographic and phylogeographic history of an endemic mammal species, the desert hamster Phodopus roborovskii. We reconstructed the demographic variation, the phylogeographic diffusion, and modelled the potential habitat during historical periods. The genetic diversity in the MP was the highest among all the localities, and the MP was a suitable habitat throughout the modelled historical periods. A phylogeographic diffusion analysis emphasized the importance of the MP as the centre of origin, preservation and spread for P. roborovskii. The homogeneous landscape provided the opportunity for a wide gene flow, which resulted in low resolution of the phylogenetic relationships. Moreover, P. roborovskii was favoured by the interglacial condition, with both its demographical and geographical ranges expanded within the interglacial periods. The range variation from the Last Glacial Maximum to the current condition reflects a distinct longitudinal shift, while both ranges largely contracted from that of the Last Interglacial. Our results support that the MP served as a refugium and spread centre for P. roborovskii during the Quaternary climate fluctuations. The interglacial expansion and the longitudinal shifts highlighted the important effects of precipitations on the distribution range of species adapted to arid and semi-arid during glacial oscillations.

Although species within Lagomorpha are derived from a common ancestor, the distribution range and body size of its two extant groups, ochotonids and leporids, are quite differentiated. It is unclear what has driven their disparate evolutionary history. In this study, we compile and update all fossil records of Lagomorpha for the first time, to trace the evolutionary processes and infer their evolutionary history using mitochondrial genes, body length and distribution of extant species. We also compare the forage selection of extant species, which offers an insight into their future prospects. The earliest lagomorphs originated in Asia and later diversified in different continents. Within ochotonids, more than 20 genera occupied the period from the early Miocene to middle Miocene, whereas most of them became extinct during the transition from the Miocene to Pliocene. The peak diversity of the leporids occurred during the Miocene to Pliocene transition, while their diversity dramatically decreased in the late Quaternary. Mantel tests identified a positive correlation between body length and phylogenetic distance of lagomorphs. The body length of extant ochotonids shows a normal distribution, while the body length of extant leporids displays a non-normal pattern. We also find that the forage selection of extant pikas features a strong preference for C(3) plants, while for the diet of leporids, more than 16% of plant species are identified as C(4) (31% species are from Poaceae). The ability of several leporid species to consume C(4) plants is likely to result in their size increase and range expansion, most notably in Lepus. Expansion of C(4) plants in the late Miocene, the so-called 'nature's green revolution', induced by global environmental change, is suggested to be one of the major 'ecological opportunities', which probably drove large-scale extinction and range contraction of ochotonids, but inversely promoted diversification and range expansion of leporids.