Words of the Editor-in-Chief

Gao and Eriksson (1991)firstly recognized the Ordovician internal-tide deposits of the Appalachians in the USA.Since then, Gao and many Chinese sedimentologists have discovered and studied 9 examples of internal-wave and internal-tide deposits of the stratigraphic records in China.Gaoet al.(2013)conclusively discussed these ancient examples.It was beneficial to the researches of internal-wave and internaltide deposits, despite lack of modern oceanic analogies and relevant references which are problems of sedimentological studies of China as well.

In this issue, Shanmugam sharply criticizes and almost completely negates the article of Gaoet al.(2013).In Shanmugam’s article, some expressions are rather harsh.Gaoet al.replies the criticism from Shanmugam.These discussions and arguments carry an important academic signif i cance.A common understanding will be acquired only via discussion and contending among the Chinese and international geologists.

Therefore, under the principle of “A hundred fl owers blossom and a hundred schools of thought contend”, in this issue, we set up a new column “Academic discussion”, in which we present the “Words of Editor-in-Chief”, the critical article of Shanmugam and the replying article of Gaoet al..I hope the Chinese and international geologists, who have made researches on the internal-wave and internal-tide deposits or have an interest of this subject, submit their papers to our journal.The papers may be in either long or short pages.People can express their minds freely, seek truth from facts, and convince others by reasoning.Via the discussion and dispute about two articles of Gaoet al.(2013 and in this issue)and the article of Shanmugam (in this issue), we can promote the researches of internal-wave and internal-tide deposits, and make contributions to the development and innovation of Chinese and international palaeogeography and sedimentology.

“An inch may prove long while a foot may prove short”.Through the discussion and contending, we can learn from each other, learn from other’s strong points, offset one’s own weak points, and therefore promote the development of academic researches.This is the aim of setting up the column “Academic discussion”.

I thank Profs.Shanmugam and Gaoet al.Their articles provide the foundation and possibility for ourJournal of Palaeogeographyto set up the new column.This new column is not restricted in academic discussion of internal-wave and internal-tide deposits, but covers all domains of palaeogeography.It will be a regular column continuously.In the beginning everything may be hard.We hope geologists will participate in the new column actively.Let us work together and promote the development and innovation of palaeogeography and sedimentology.