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  • JIA Fanchen, LI Xi, ZHU Guangyou, CHEN Siyu, HUANG Yue, LAN Wanyan WANG Ruilin, WANG Jianing
    Online available: 2025-06-18
    Abstract:In the intricate domain of marine geochemistry, barium (Ba) and its isotopes emerge as pivotal elements. Their remarkable high preservation rate within marine sediments endows them with the ability to withstand post-depositional alterations, making them ideal candidates for long-term geological records. The stable isotope fractionation property of barium isotopes serves as a powerful tool, enabling scientists to reconstruct paleoproductivity with a high degree of precision. In the course of this research, we meticulously collated high-precision isotope analysis data from various sources. This data-gathering process involved a comprehensive review of existing literature and in-house experimental results. Subsequently, we delved into an indepth exploration of the sources and sinks of marine barium. Our research findings vividly demonstrate that terrigenous, hydrothermal, and biological inputs are not isolated factors but rather collaborate in a complex symphony to drive the cycling of barium in the ocean.Regarding Ba isotope fractionation, within the mineralfluid- melt fractionation system, we uncovered that the dynamic interplay between equilibrium and kinetic fractionation mechanisms is of paramount importance. The equilibrium fractionation, which is rooted in quantum mechanical differences in bond vibrations, and the kinetic fractionation, which is associated with non-equilibrium processes such as diffusion, jointly shape the isotopic composition of barium in the marine environment. The observed regional differences in fractionation further suggest that multiple factors, including temperature, pressure, and the presence of various chemical species, jointly influence marine Ba isotope fractionation. This spatial heterogeneity provides an invaluable basis for tracing the evolution of the paleo-oceanic environment, allowing us to piece together the historical changes in oceanic conditions.Looking ahead, the integration of in-situ micro-area techniques is not merely a desirable approach but an essential one. These advanced techniques will enable us to peer into the microscopic world of marine systems, facilitating a more profound understanding of how biology, minerals, and fluids interact at the microscale. By doing so, we can enhance the accuracy of paleooceanic environment reconstructions, bringing us closer to a more comprehensive understanding of Earth’s past oceanic ecosystems.
  • MA Gang, HUANG Jing, GONG Xinya, YIN Ruoying, ZHANG Hua, YANG Zongru, GONG Jiandong
    Online available: 2025-06-04
    Abstract: Spaceborne infrared hyperspectral data have emerged as a cornerstone of modern Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) systems, enabling high-resolution atmospheric profiling and improved forecast accuracy. However, the utility of these data is significantly constrained by cloud interference, as infrared spectral radiation is strongly attenuated or scattered by cloud particles. Consequently, clear-sky identification— specifically the discrimination of cloud-free pixels and channels—has become an indispensable preprocessing step in data assimilation, ensuring that only reliable observations are integrated into NWP models.This review provides a systematic overview of the evolutionary landscape of clear-sky identification methods for spaceborne infrared atmospheric sounding data, spanning both foreign and domestic sensor systems. It critically evaluates techniques applied to datasets from iconic foreign missions, such as the High-Resolution Infrared Sounder (HIRS), Atmospheric Infrared Sounder (AIRS), Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), and Crosstrack Infrared Sounder (CrIS), alongside domestic advancements using the Hyperspectral Infrared Radiation Sounder (HIRAS) and Global Infrared Imager and Interferometer Sounder (GIIRS) aboard China’s Fengyun satellites.The methodologies are categorized into three distinct technological frameworks: Spectral Feature-Based Approaches: Early techniques rely on single-spectral thresholding, where channels are flagged as clear-sky based on predefined radiance thresholds sensitive to cloud absorption or emission. Advanced variants employ crossspectral consistency checks, leveraging the spectral dependence of cloud properties across multiple wavelength bands to enhance discrimination accuracy. For example, IASI’s cloud-clearing algorithm uses a combination of shortwave and longwave infrared channels to identify consistent clear-sky signatures.Data-Driven and Machine Learning Techniques: Principal component analysis (PCA) has been widely used to reduce the dimensionality of hyperspectral datasets, enabling the extraction of latent variables that distinguish clear-sky from cloudy conditions. More recently, machine learning models—including random forests, support vector machines, and deep neural networks—have demonstrated superior performance in pixel-level clear-sky classification. These models learn complex nonlinear relationships between spectral features and cloud states, achieving higher precision in heterogeneous cloud environments. For instance, AIRS has adopted neural networks to improve clearsky identification in regions with thin cirrus clouds. Domestic Innovations in Assimilation Systems: China’s Fengyun satellite program has developed bespoke clear-sky identification schemes tailored to the HIRAS and GIIRS instruments. These methods integrate physical constraints from radiative transfer models with statistical learning, optimizing clear-sky channel selection for regional NWP models over the Tibetan Plateau and monsoonaffected areas. Such innovations have significantly enhanced the utilization of domestic hyperspectral data in operational assimilation systems. The review highlights two transformative technologies: Three-Dimensional (3D) Clear-Sky Identification: By incorporating vertical atmospheric structure from NWP model forecasts, 3D methods enable the assimilation of clear-sky data above cloud tops, extending the utility of hyperspectral observations in partially cloudy conditions. This approach has been shown to improve upper-tropospheric humidity analysis in Arctic NWP systems. Cross-Spectral Matching with Cloud Parameter Inversion: At the pixel scale, matching hyperspectral observations with cloud properties derived from complementary sensors (e. g., microwave radiometers or visible imagers) has proven particularly effective in multi-phase cloud environments. Compared to standalone 3D methods, this hybrid approach achieves a 15%~20% improvement in clear-sky identification accuracy over ice-water mixed clouds, as demonstrated in CrIS data applications. Looking forward, the review identifies key challenges in all-sky and full-spectrum assimilation, including the handling of sub-pixel cloud heterogeneity, spectral bias in multi-sensor datasets, and computational scalability for real-time operations. To address these, a novel framework is proposed: a machine learning-enhanced 3D clear-sky identification model trained on cross-spectral matching datasets. By fusing physical radiative transfer principles with data-driven learning, this approach promises to unlock the full potential of spaceborne infrared hyperspectral data, offering robust technical support for next-generation NWP systems and advancing global weather forecasting capabilities.
  • BAI Longhui, LIU Bo, LIU Mingbo, SU Yong, WANG Liu, HUO Yingdong, XU Pengcheng, FU Xiaofei
    Online available: 2025-06-04
    Abstract: Shale samples in an open environment, on the one hand, experience significant loss of light hydrocarbons due to pressure release, and on the other hand, due to temperature reduction, the viscosity of retained hydrocarbons increases and their state changes, making it difficult to accurately quantify shale oil content under in-situ temperature and pressure conditions using nuclear magnetic resonance at room temperature. This study takes the Qingshankou Formation shale of the Cretaceous from the Songliao Basin as an example, typical shale samples in the low and high maturity stages were selected. Nuclear magnetic resonance detection were performed on high mature shale samples with different degrees of pulverization, as well as low and high mature shale samples under different temperature conditions, to quantify the fluid loss and state transformation during the pulverization and heating processes, and determine the oil content characteristics under the influence of temperature. The results showed that during the process of crushing shale from standard plunger to ~0.04 cm, the morphology of its T2 spectrum, the total signal amount of T1-T2 spectrum, and the signal amount of each hydrogen containing component remained basically unchanged. Therefore, prolonged exposure to shale samples during the crushing process will not result in significant residual fluid loss. As the temperature of shale samples increases, the light oil signal increases and the water signal decreases in low mature shale, while the oil and water signals decrease in high mature shale. At the same time, the signal of hydroxyl compounds in shale decreased, and its signal level was restored after returning to room temperature. It can be seen that as the temperature increases, free water continues to evaporate; The pre-oil bitumen of low mature shale with high viscosity at room temperature changes from a solid-like state to a liquid light oil. After 100 ℃, the absolute amount of NMR light oil increases by 107%; In high mature, the shale oil bitumen becomes light oil at room temperature, and heating will cause it to evaporate and dissipate. The decrease and increase of hydroxyl containing compounds with temperature rise and fall reflects the controlling effect of temperature on clay adsorption of water. Therefore, when using NMR to evaluate the oil content of low mature shale, attention should be paid to the transformation of the pre-oil bitumen under temperature conditions to avoid underestimating the shale oil content.
  • HUA Wenjian, FENG Huiting, CUI Yazhu, HU Yuhan
    Online available: 2025-03-29
    Abstract: In the summer of 2022, the Yangtze River Basin experienced unprecedented heatwaves, which aroused wide attention from the scientific community. Affected by over a month of record-breaking high temperature and drought, this extreme event has not only caused increasingly serious losses to humans, economic and environment, but exacerbated food insecurity and hindered sustainable development. Therefore, a more comprehensive understanding of the extreme heat in the Yangtze River Basin in the summer of 2022 is essential for understanding the causes of changes in extreme events under the context of global warming, and for recognizing the impacts of human activities and natural variability, as well as evaluating the potential climate risks. The study firstly reviews the main characteristics, formation mechanisms and causes of the extreme high temperature in the Yangtze River Basin in the summer of 2022, and further summarizes the research progress of the 2022 summertime heat extremes in the last three years. Results show that 2022 summertime high temperature in the Yangtze River Basin is a rare extreme heat event. The occurrence of this event was mainly caused by the atmospheric circulation anomalies due to the western Pacific subtropical High and the South Asian High, the triple La Nina, the Atlantic and Indian SST forcing, and the land-atmosphere feedback (e.g., soil moisture and air temperature). In addition to the contribution of natural variability, human activities are also the main factors influencing the heat extremes. Without anthropogenic forcing, it is almost impossible to happen. Such rare extreme heatwaves are projected to become much more common under global warming. Finally, this study discusses the relevant research points and problems of the extreme high temperature.
  • LI Chenhao, LIANG Wenjun, HU Hui, DONG Wenjie, LÜJianhua
    Online available: 2025-02-03
    Abstract:As the climate crisis intensifies, the Earth & Climate System Model as a key numerical simulation tool for predicting and responding to future climate change has become increasingly important. The Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP) aims to promote model development and deepen scientific understanding of the Earth’s climate system, and has become a core platform for international model exchange and application. This paper summarizes China’s participation in the sixth CMIP (CMIP6), and statistically analyzes the citation situation, research overview and characteristics of Chinese models in CMIP6-related studies. The results show that Chinese models are widely used and have a far-reaching impact, but lack highly cited achievements. It is necessary to integrate resources and focus on developing representative models. In addition, this paper briefly introduces the seventh Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP7) under preparation, and summarizes the opportunities and challenges China faces in model development. The application prospects of Chinese models are broad, but there is still room for improvement. China should continue to increase investment in research and development, maintain international competitiveness, and be well-prepared for continued in-depth participation in global climate change governance.
  • WU Jiakun, HU Xiaofei, PAN Baotian, CAO Xilin, WEN Zhenling, SUN Qiang, LI Menghao, ZHAO Qiming
    Online available: 2025-02-03
    Abstract:The Qilian Shan, the youngest mountain range formed by the northward expansion of the Tibetan Plateau, plays a crucial role in understanding the plateau’s expansion processes, uplift mechanisms, and the evolution of orogenic belts. Drainage system evolution responds rapidly to mountain uplift, making the study of drainage development and evolution a critical approach for investigating the uplift and expansion of the Qilian Shan. Based on chronological and provenance studies of geomorphic records, including erosion surfaces, river terraces, wind gaps and ancient river channels, and Cenozoic sedimentary strata, the current research on drainage system evolution in the Qilian Shan has yielded the following findings and insights: ① The formation and evolution of the upper reaches of the Yellow River in the eastern Qilian Shan involve a process of drainage reorganization driven by tectonic uplift or climate change, characterized by headward erosion and river capture; ② Research on river terraces in the Shiyang River and Heihe River basins of the northern Qilian Shan, as well as in the Lanzhou Basin of the eastern Qilian Shan, indicates climate change and tectonic uplift independently govern the timing (transitions between glacial and interglacial periods, and interglacial periods) and extent of river incision; Since the Holocene, terrace formation has been primarily driven by climate change, with river incision occurred during warm and humid periods; ③ River terraces reliably record the evolution processes of major tributaries of the Yellow River in the eastern Qilian Shan, including the Huangshui River (flow reversal) and the Datong River (river capture); ④ Study of chronology, provenance, and paleohydrology of Cenozoic sedimentary strata in the Yumu Shan of the northern Qilian Shan, as well as the Wulan and Chacha basins of the southern Qilian Shan, has reliably reconstructed the regional drainage evolution history, highlighting the significant potential of sedimentary strata for reconstructing reliable and detailed record of drainage evolution. Simultaneously, numerous critical issues remain unresolved, necessitating further investigation. Future research is expected to prioritize and emphasize in-depth studies on geomorphic surface and sediments dating, the integration of multi-source methods for provenance analysis, continuous exploration of geomorphic features, as well as advancements in numerical simulations and simulation modeling studies.
  • GUAN Min, ZHANG Yong, LI Yun, YAO Yixin, CHANG Yuan, SHAO Yikai
    Online available: 2025-02-02
    Abstract: During more than 50 years of continuous research and technological innovation, China's Fengyun Meteorological Satellite System has got significant achievement. 21 Fengyun satellites have been launched. Currently, 9 of them are operating stably in orbit, forming a comprehensive observation system that includes geostationary orbit and sun synchronous polar orbit satellites. By reviewing the development history and current status of Fengyun meteorological satellites and remote sensing instruments, the effectiveness of ground segments in data reception, processing, and operation, as well as the construction and service of application systems, the technical capabilities of Fengyun meteorological satellites, their ground segments and application systems have been analyzed comprehensively. Through comparative analysis with major countries around the world in terms of meteorological satellite network observation, remote sensing instrument technology, and ground segment operation capabilities, it is found that Fengyun Meteorological Satellites not only have a complete orbit layout and remote sensing instrument configuration, but its remote sensing instrument detection capability has reached the international advanced level, although some performance indicators still have room for improvement. The ground segments have established an efficient data reception, processing, and service process, with advanced data pre-processing technology and sub-pixel level geolocation accuracy. The radiometric calibration accuracy is 3% in the visible band and 0.2 K in the infrared band. In addition, the Fengyun Meteorological Satellite System has established a comprehensive and complete quantitative product system for atmospheric, land, marine, and space weather, and has established a radiation correction field for Chinese remote sensing satellites, and carried out authenticity verification of remote sensing products. Fengyun satellite data has been widely used in various fields such as weather forecasting, climate change research, ecological environment monitoring, and natural disaster warning, and its application level is constantly improving. In the future, the Fengyun meteorological satellite observation system aims to evolve towards establishing a hybrid-architecture space observation system, achieving comprehensive and precise perception of observation elements, enabling intelligent and efficient operation of satellite-ground systems, integrating emerging technologies in data processing, expanding remote sensing application scenarios, and fostering international cooperation and sharing.
  • ZHANG Jingyong
    Online available: 2024-12-19
    A new framework for studies of climate change projections and disaster risks oriented towards carbon neutrality was built up, based on a division method of positive emissions period-net zero period-net negative period. Focusing on main Belt and Road regions, future mean and extreme climate change projections and disaster risks oriented towards carbon neutrality were systematically addressed under SSP1-1.9 and SSP1-2.6 sustainable development pathways. It is projected that over global carbon neutrality or net-zero periods, climate change will exhibit new characteristics and patterns, and disaster risks will undergo new changes over the main Belt and Road regions. The newly developed framework provides a new scheme for climate change projections and disaster risks assessment. It is proposed that the seventh assessment report of Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the other future assessment report on climate change should include climate change projections and disaster risks assessment oriented towards carbon neutrality, which can provide new scientific knowledge for jointly dealing with climate change and achieving sustainable development. In addition, the role and application of Artificial Intelligence in future climate change projections and climate disasters assessment are discussed.
  • ZHAO Qiang, ZHENG Yongguang, JING Yu, FENG Dian, LIU Juju
    Online available: 2024-12-13
    Abstract:Short-duration heavy precipitation is one type of the most important severe convective disaster weather in China, which is prone to cause urban waterlogging and secondary geological disasters such as mountain torrents, mudslides, and landslides. This paper reviews the main progress in short-duration heavy precipitation in China in recent years, and compared the relevant research findings of the United States and Europe briefly, covering the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and diurnal variation characteristics of short-duration heavy precipitation; the atmospheric circulation situation and environmental conditions for the occurrence and development of short-duration heavy precipitation in major regions of China; the radar echo characteristics and raindrop characteristics; the impact of topography and urbanization on short-duration heavy precipitation and its mechanism; and then the application of artificial intelligence in the potential forecasting, short-term forecasting, and nowcasting of short-duration heavy precipitation in China. With global warming, the frequency and intensity of short-duration heavy precipitation are increasing. In the future, it is necessary to further study its formation mechanism and environmental conditions, improve the spatiotemporal resolution of observations, strengthen the application of new observation data, enhance the forecasting capability of highresolution rapid update cycle assimilation numerical weather prediction models through the fusion analysis of multi-source and dense observation data, optimize the deep learning model and algorithm, especially in the development of large deep learning models to enhance the forecasting and early warning capabilities for shortduration heavy precipitation.
  • WANG Wenyu, XU Jian, WANG Zhenzhan, LU Hao, LIU Jingyi, ZHANG Dehai
    Online available: 2024-12-12
    Abstract: Long-term observations and data analysis of the Earth’s middle and upper atmosphere, an important region for the study of atmospheric processes and even climate change for the study of human activities and climate change, are still sorely lacking. Terahertz limb-sounding technology can obtain atmospheric profiles all day and near all-weather with high vertical resolution (about 1~5 km), and is particularly sensitive to some of the halogen gases associated with ozone depletion which is an important method to measure the Earth's middle and upper atmosphere parameters. The Earth’s middle and upper atmosphere constitutes a crucial region for studying atmospheric processes and even climate change. However, there remains a significant lack of long-term observational data and comprehensive analysis for this atmospheric layer. Terahertz limb sounding technology has emerged as a vital tool for measuring atmospheric parameters in these regions, capable of obtaining atmospheric profiles with relatively high vertical resolution (1~5 km) under near-all-weather conditions with diurnal availability. Particularly sensitive to halogen gases associated with ozone depletion, this technology offers unique advantages. Focusing on terahertz limb sounding technology, this study systematically reviews the technological evolution and current status of terahertz payloads: While existing systems have successfully achieved high vertical resolution measurements of multiple trace gases in the middle and upper atmosphere, current payloads still face challenges such as bulky system configurations and inadequate noise suppression capabilities. Based on newly developed prototype payloads, next-generation terahertz detection systems primarily emphasize advancements in low-noise and miniaturization technologies. Regarding data processing, conventional physical retrieval algorithms suffer from low computational efficiency. The introduction of artificial intelligence technology demonstrates potential to significantly enhance retrieval efficiency while maintaining accuracy. Future development urgently requires breakthroughs in core technologies including terahertz low-noise receivers and high-resolution digital spectrometers, which will further propel the advancement of terahertz limb sounding technology in China.
  • NI Jie, WU Tonghua, ZHANG Xue, ZHU Xiaofan, CHEN Jie, DU Yizhen
    Online available: 2024-11-19
    The Three Rivers Source Region (TRSR) is an important water source and ecological reserve in China, and revealing the changes in the characteristics of its freeze-thaw index can provide a scientific basis for the assessment of the local permafrost environment as well as the response to climate change. In this study, the temporal and spatial characteristics of the Air Freezing and Thawing Indices (AFTI) in the TRSR for the period 1979-2022 were analyzed using the day-by-day air temperature data from a high-resolution near-surface meteorological forcing dataset for the Third Pole region (TPMFD) by means of air freezing and thawing index and other methods. The results show that the mean value of the freezing index in the TRSR over the past 44 years is 1 930.23 °C·d, exhibiting a spatial pattern of gradually decreasing from west to east. In contrast, the thawing index displays an opposite spatial pattern with an average value of 879.25 °C·d. Overall, the freezing index in the TRSR has shown a fluctuating decreasing trend at a rate of -10.01 °C·d/a for the last 44 years with an abrupt change in 2001, while the thawing index has shown a fluctuating increasing trend at a rate of 6.29 °C·d/a with no significant abrupt change. Altitude, as a key factor of freezing and thawing indices in the TRSR, showed a significant correlation, and for every 100 m increase in altitude, the thawing index in the TRSR decreased by about 87 °C·d, and the freezing index increased by about 107 °C·d.
  • SONG Wanjuan, WANG Li, XU Shiguang, HUANG Ni, NIU Zheng
    Online available: 2024-11-08
    Deep space exploration, serving as a pivotal avenue for uncovering the universe's mysteries and fostering sustainable development, has emerged as the foremost strategic frontier in space technology. After decades of development, this technology has been widely used in the exploration of various celestial bodies in the solar system. In February 2015, the first deep space exploration satellite targeting the Earth, the Deep Space Observatory (DSCOVR), was successfully deployed at the Sun-Earth Lagrange Point 1 (L1), providing new perspectives and data for the study of Earth system science, while also posing new challenges to traditional satellite data research. This paper comprehensively analyzes more than 100 related papers and conference summaries published on the official website of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) since the launch of DSCOVR. From the three levels of basic research, applied research and special research, this paper comprehensively reviews the development status, advantages and future development direction of deep space earth observation. This study reveals that deep space Earth observation can integrate existing satellite-aircraftground systems, establishing a benchmark for multi-source data fusion to create globally comprehensive, highfrequency temporal, and multi-spectral datasets for an integrated Earth observation system. It provides temporally consistent, spatially continuous, and spectrally stable global observation data, showing significant potential in the study of large-scale geophysical phenomena across the atmosphere, biosphere, hydrosphere, and lithosphere. Future advancements in sensor innovation, optimized detection technologies, and diversified observation points are expected to enable all-temporal, all-directional, and all-dimensional Earth observation. This will enhance our understanding of physical, chemical, and biological systems on Earth.
  • YU Wenzheng, WANG Minyan, WEI Zhudeng, YU Longhui
    Online available: 2024-11-08
    To investigate the evolution of extreme runoff at the regional scale and its climatic driving mechanisms, the Huangshui River Basin, sensitive to climate change, was selected as a case study. Daily average flow data were collected from seven stations within the basin. Mann-Kendall (M-K) trend analysis and mutation tests were used to assess the interannual variation of extreme runoff and its associations with extreme precipitation and extreme high temperatures.The results show that over the past 60 years, the extreme high flow index in the basin has decreased significantly, while the extreme low flow index has increased notably. The frequency index did not show any significant trend, but all indices demonstrated persistence. A mutation in the high flow index occurred around 2000, while mutations in the low flow and frequency indices were noted in 2010. In terms of cycles, a short cycle of approximately three years was observed for all indices. Additionally, the frequency index exhibited a long cycle of 32.5 years. The variations in runoff were significantly related to an overall increase in extreme precipitation intensity, a decrease in precipitation duration, and the intensification of extreme high temperatures in the basin. Extreme high flow was positively correlated with extreme precipitation and negatively correlated with extreme high temperatures. In contrast, extreme low flow showed a primary positive correlation with extreme high temperatures, with a less significant correlation to extreme precipitation. These findings provide important insights for the utilization of water resources and flood disaster reduction in the Huangshui River Basin.
  • DU Jingwen, TONG Chenchen, HUANG Ching-Sheng
    Online available: 2024-11-08
    Deriving shape factor in analytical models for flow in double-porosity media is partially empirical. This study proposes a new flow equation and new shape factor for matrixes without empirical derivations in considering the problem of the standard pumping test in double-porosity confined aquifers. For a single fracture-strip matrix medium, a new analytical model incorporating the new flow equation and new shape factor is developed; the analytical solution is derived. For a fracture network-matrix medium, a finite element solution depending on the new flow equation and new shape factor is built without discretizing the space in each matrix. Results show the shape factor for the strip matrix is the reciprocal of the square of the matrix width, for the circular matrix is the reciprocal of the square of the radius, but for other shapes of matrix is an empirical parameter. The relative error of the fracture drawdown predicted by the analytical solution with the new shape factor is less than 5%. The relative error considering existing shape factors is, however, about 99%. When the ratio of the fracture area to the total medium area (defined as fracture density) exceeds 62%, the fracture networkmatrix medium can be regarded as a double-porosity continuous medium. The finite element solution has applied to a field standard pumping test.
  • WANG Shuting, CAO Shuyun, ZHAN Lefan, LIU Jianhua, CHENG Xuemei
    Online available: 2024-11-08
    It is of great significance to clearly define the mineral deformation and slip system for in-depth analysis of the intrinsic mechanism of mineral response to external stress and temperature, as well as its rheological weakening process. The rapid development of science and technology and its deep integration in the geological field provide an opportunity for detailed analysis of structural deformed behavior and mechanism. This study takes quartz and amphibole in typical naturally deformed rocks as examples. Based on microstructure analysis, the comprehensive analysis was conducted on the massive mineral lattice preferred orientation data accumulated using the Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD) probe mounted on the Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM). Based on microstructural features, EBSD mapping data, dislocation geometry types, and properties, a detailed analysis method for grain boundary trace and misorientation (axes) is elaborated. It is revealed that strain adjustment and grain refinement process of the quartz are mainly through the {m} slip system dominated by subgrain rotational recrystallization mechanism in quartz veins. It is also found that in mylonitic amphibolites, the amphibole porphyroclasts exhibit strong deformation behavior of fine-grained under the dominance of subgrain rotational recrystallization. The amphibole exhibits the interaction of multi-slip systems dominated by the [001] direction through dislocation creep in the banded amphibolites. Therefore, combining the EBSD grain boundary trace with the misorientation axis analysis method and microstructure features can completely count the micro-geological information (composition, shape, grain size, orientation, boundary, strain, etc.) of deformed minerals, and well reveal the orientation evolution law from the grain interior to between grains (or matrix). Moreover, the dominant slip system in the mineral deformation process can be effectively defined and related to the deformation environment, which has important geological significance.
  • LI Jun, ZHAO Yang, CHEN Zhaozhou, ZHANG Lele, CAO Huan, LI Shichang
    Online available: 2024-10-18
    Abstract: The prediction of borehole collapse pressure plays a key role in drilling safety, reducing construction cost and realizing efficient drilling. The fracture development in complex ultra-deep geological conditions has a great influence on the prediction of borehole collapse pressure. The conventional methods are mostly based on finite element simulation for 3D geomechanical modeling and 3D collapse stress prediction. Although the method is highly accurate, it requires huge computing power resources. In order to solve this problem, an efficient and fast in-situ stress modeling method flow driven by seismic data is proposed in this paper, which is then used for 3D collapse pressure prediction. Firstly, combined with multi-scale data of pre-stack seismic and rock mechanics logging, a combined spring model with curvature properties is established to complete the efficient and rapid modeling of three-dimensional in-situ stress field, and is used to calculate threedimensional borehole stress. Secondly, based on the maximum likelihood attribute, the fracture development is obtained from 3D seismic data to provide 3D weak surface attribute parameters for the study area. Finally, the collapse model of sliding along fracture plane is calculated by using Mohr-Coulomb criterion, and the collapse pressure prediction of fractured formation is realized from one-dimensional logging data to three-dimensional working area. The method is applied in the woodworking area of Tari, and the results show that the prediction results of the model are in good agreement with the measured data, reaching 93.79%. The prediction results of collapse pressure are in good agreement with the interpretation results of formation microresistivity scanning imaging, which verifies the feasibility of this method in predicting borehole wall collapse events. This study can realize the rapid modeling of collapse pressure with high precision, and effectively provide an integrated solution of geological engineering for drilling construction in ultra-deep and complex areas.
  • LEI Wenjie, LUO Dongliang, CHEN Fangfang, LIU Jia, PENG Yifei, LI Shizhen, SHEN Qi
    Online available: 2024-10-18
    Abstract:The thermal regime of soil is vital for indicating the presence and thermal stability of permafrost. To investigate the long-term changes in the thermal regime of permafrost in the Headwater Area of the Yellow River (HAYR), we first constructed a mathematical model for soil heat transfer to simulate the dynamics of ground temperatures at six boreholes using the HYDRUS-1D model. The reliability and applicability of the model were confirmed through parameter calibration procedures. Subsequently, the changes in permafrost thermal regime from 1979 to 2018 in the HAYR were simulated using monthly air temperature data extracted from the China Meteorological Forcing Dataset (CMFD). The model simulations revealed an abrupt change in mean annual ground temperature in the HAYR after 1999. Prior to 1999, the changing rates were from ?0.037 to 0.026 °C/a, whereas after 1999, they ranged from 0.006 to 0.120 °C/a. The abrupt increase in mean annual air temperature in 1998 and the occurrence of extreme climate disasters in 1999 were identified as the primary reasons for the sudden changes in permafrost thermal regime in 1999. The rise in permafrost temperature and the decrease in its thermal stability are expected to have various impacts on the water resources conservation function and biogeochemical cycle. This study can provide scientific and technological support for clarifying the response patterns of plateau permafrost to climate change and for strengthening zoning and control of the ecological environment in the HAYR.
  • SUN Jianhua, TIAN Fuyou, XIA Rudi, ZHENG Linlin, HUANG Yue
    Online available: 2024-10-18
    Abstract:To improve the understanding of the formation mechanism and forecast accuracy of severe convective winds(SCWs), the important achievements of the formation mechanism and forecasting methods of severe convective winds and related convective systems were reviewed. Firstly, the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of severe convective wind in the world are briefly introduced. SCWs in China mainly occur in the eastern region, with high-frequency areas in northern North China, central and southern Northeast China, and Guangdong Province. Then, the relationship between the organizational modes and structural features of the parent convective systems that generates SCWs, the influence of atmospheric environmental conditions, forecasting methods are summarized. Squall lines and bow echoes are important convective systems that generate SCWs, especially strong SCWs. The rear inflow jet and meso-γ-scale vortices in squall lines or bow echoes are important structural features that generate SCWs. The environmental conditions and forecasting methods for SCWs are summarized. The environmental thermal and dynamic factors can affect the generation and intensity of SCWs, but the intensity of convective activity mainly depends on the covariant relationship between convective effective potential energy and vertical wind shear. Numerical model forecasting, physics-based methods (ingredients-based method), and deep learning/machine learning methods are currently the main methods used in short-term forecasting operations for SCWs. Finally, it is indicated that the following issues associated with SCWs in China should be studied, including detailed spatiotemporal distribution characteristics, formation mechanisms of SCWs under different environmental conditions, and forecasting methods.
  • HE Jinqiu, LI Haipeng, HOU Mingcai
    Online available: 2024-10-18
    Abstract:The study of source-to-sink systems is an important field of research focused on understanding the entire process of material transport from source areas, such as mountain ranges or other landforms, to sink areas like river basins, lakes, or the ocean. This process involves the weathering of parent rock, the erosion of materials, their transport via various agents (such as wind, water, or ice), and their eventual deposition at sink locations. Analyzing this system helps reveal dynamic surface changes, material cycling mechanisms, and how these processes respond to environmental shifts over time. Understanding these complex processes is crucial for a variety of scientific fields, including geomorphology, environmental science, and natural resource management. Traditional methods used to study these systems, such as field observations and laboratory analyses, often face several limitations. Data availability, low spatial-temporal resolution, and ambiguity in interpretation make it difficult to capture the rapid and dynamic changes occurring in natural systems. Furthermore, these methods are not well-suited for analyzing long-term evolutionary processes or large-scale systems. As a result, numerical modeling has become a critical tool in the study of source-to-sink systems, addressing these traditional limitations by simulating complex processes over varying spatial and temporal scales. These models provide more quantitative insights into the dynamics of erosion, transport, and deposition under different environmental conditions.This paper highlights five key numerical tools commonly used in source-to-sink research: Dionisos, SEDSIM, Landlab, goSPL, and Delft3D. Each tool has specific advantages that make them suitable for different research needs. Dionisos, for instance, is particularly effective for modeling large-scale, long-term basin filling processes, but it may not be as effective for simulating small-scale, dynamic changes. SEDSIM, which is based on hydrodynamic equations, offers highly accurate results, especially in clastic sedimentary processes, though it tends to be slower and more focused on specific types of sediments. Landlab is highly customizable and capable of multi-process simulations, but it requires advanced programming skills for its effective use. goSPL excels at handling global-scale, high-resolution simulations, though it struggles with localized phenomena and demands significant computational resources. Delft3D, meanwhile, is ideal for small-scale, fine-detail simulations, particularly in coastal, riverine, and lacustrine environments, although it faces challenges in large-scale applications.As computational power continues to grow and algorithms improve, future advancements in sourceto- sink modeling are expected. The integration of big data and AI will likely play a key role in driving further developments, enabling more accurate predictions, facilitating multidisciplinary integration, and fostering the intelligent evolution of the field.
  • HUANG Baorong, ZHOU Zhe, CHU Huaqiang, DAI Chaomeng, YANG Shouye, ZHANG Yalei
    Online available: 2024-10-18
    Abstract:Carbon neutrality is a crucial strategy for combating global warming, and Negative Emissions Technologies (NETs) are key to achieving this goal. The ocean, as the largest carbon reservoir on Earth, plays an irreplaceable role in regulating the global carbon cycling and holds significant potential for negative emissions. Ocean alkalinity enhancement is regarded as a highly efficient and ecologically beneficial negative emissions technology. This technology not only increases ocean alkalinity by adding alkaline minerals to seawater, thereby enhancing the absorption of atmospheric CO2, but also improves the buffer capacity to resist the ocean acidification. This study introduces the mechanisms and advancements in ocean alkalinity enhancement research at multiple scales, based on the dissolution theory of carbonates in the ocean. Assessing the potential for negative emissions and associated costs reveals several challenges regarding implementation pathways, environmental impacts and public acceptance. Considering the specific conditions of China's coastal regions and the characteristics of ocean alkalinity enhancement technology, the study proposes the pathway integrated with wastewater treatment plant and coastal engineering. Furthermore, it presents an innovative concept on the application of ocean alkalinity enhancement and enriches the scientific understanding of blue carbon sinks.
  • LI Yue, WANG Ying, LI Yuecong, ZHANG Ruchun, MA Linyuan, YOU Hanfei, WANG Rongrong, CAO Yihang, XU Qinghai
    Online available: 2024-10-17
    阿里地区作为高寒荒漠草原的代表区域,是青藏高原独有的荒漠草原类型。其相对花粉 产量和相关花粉源范围,是基于花粉进行植被和气候定量研究的重要参数之一。基于阿里地区37 个样点的现代表土花粉和植被数据,利用ERV模型的不同子模型,以藜科花粉为参考种,估算了禾 本科、藜科、蒿属、菊科、十字花科和委陵菜属6 种主要花粉类型的相对花粉产量及相关花粉源范围。 结果显示,子模型2 估算结果最为理想,计算得到的研究区相关花粉源范围为1 550 m。主要花粉类 型的相对花粉产量如下:藜科(1.000),蒿属(1.286±0.058),菊科(0.689±0.043),委陵菜属(0.139± 0.008),十字花科(0.763±0.063)和禾本科(0.003±0.006)。留一法和REVEALS 模型检验表明,上述 相对花粉产量和相关花粉源范围结果均较为可信,可应用于区域植被重建。
  • LIU Yu, WU Zhijun, PU Xiao, MIN Xiangyu, SHENG Anxu, LI Ziyan, CAI Yanjiang, YU Zhen, ZHANG Jianjun
    Online available: 2024-09-27
    Abstract: Statistical analysis was conducted on submission, acceptance, review and grant funding of various projects managed by the discipline of Environmental Geosciences, Department of Earth Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2024. Academic achievements of the completed projects in 2023 were partly summarized according to research subjects. This might provide enlightenment for potential project applicants.
  • ZHANG Liang, WANG Dong, ZHANG Xiaowen, ZHANG Jianheng, LU Shasha, LENG Shuying
    Online available: 2024-09-27
    Abstract:The application, peer-reviewing and funding statistic data of different types of projects in the Marine and Polar Sciences Division (Code: D06) in the Department of Earth Science at National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in the year of 2024 are analyzed in this article. Issues found in the management of NSFC funds are summarized as well. The information could help researchers to improve the quality of their proposals for NSFC funds and final reports of completed projects. In summary, D06 received proposals in General Program, Youth Science Fund, and Less Developed Regions Fund from 409 institutions in 2024, 46 more than last year. The number of proposals received in D06 raises to a new record of 3 191, 702 more than last year. In terms of final reports of completed projects, more projects added NSFC project number into the acknowledgement of their publications. However, the quality of some final reports could still be improved according to the rules.
  • LI Wei, GE Fei, YANG Yali, HE Jianjun, SHANG Huazhe, LIU Zhijuan
    Online available: 2024-09-27
    Abstract:The DivisionⅤ(Atmospheric Sciences Discipline) of the Department of Earth Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), has successfully completed the application, mail review, panel review, and funding results summaryof 2023 as scheduled. In terms of project applications, the Atmospheric Sciences Discipline received 2 312 applications for General Program, Young Scientists Fund, and Fund for Less Developed Regions in 2024, with an increase of 19.9% compared to 2023. From the perspective of review results, the comprehensive scores of the mail reviews for these three types of projects in 2024 were slightly lower than those in 2023.When determining the priorityprojects for panel review, the discipline layout wasconsidered.Two sections (i. e., the second-level application codes D0509 to D0515) were appropriately tilted toward the Supporting Technology and Development Fields. Under the equal conditions, preference was given to female applicants. After the panel review, the Atmospheric Science Discipline funded a total of 423 projects in the above three types, and successfully completed the funding plan determined by the Earth Science Department.With the aspect of concluding achievements, a total of 337 projects were completed in 2023, with the indicators such asthenumberof publications slightly increased compared to 2022.
  • GAO Yang, XIONG Juhua, ZHANG Zhonghao, LIU Jian, GENG Jing, ZHANG Da, GAO Linlin, WANG Fenglong, XIE Haichao, LI Wende
    Online available: 2024-09-25
    Abstract: National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) is the main funding institution of fundamental research in China. Geography (or geographical science), as an important component of Earth sciences, is a fundamental discipline that studies the patterns of spatial differentiation, temporal evolution processes, and interaction mechanisms of natural factors, human elements, geographic information, and geographic complexes. It mainly includes three sub-disciplines: human geography, physical geography, and information geography. The acceptance of grant project application, the review of proposals, and the evaluation of project reports for the geography discipline are centrally managed by the Division of Geography in the Department of Earth Sciences of NSFC. This paper introduces the application and acceptance, review process, deliberation, and funding status of the NSFC projects for the three major sub-disciplines of geography during the 2024 annual centralized acceptance period. A statistical analysis was conducted on the research outcomes of projects completed at the end of 2023, highlighting the main research advancements achieved by some selected projects.
  • ZHENG Yuanming, XIAO Jun, LÜ Zeng, LI Wenbiao
    Online available: 2024-09-19
    Abstract: This paper systematically analyzes the application, acceptance, evaluation, and funding of the projects managed by the Geochemistry Discipline (Application Code: D03) of the Earth Sciences Department of National Natural Science Foundation of China in 2024, and analyzes the project completion and precautions in 2023. In 2024, the total number of applications for geochemical projects increased by 21% compared to 2023, among which the number of general projects increased by 45.5%. In the past four years, the total number of supporting units applying for projects has kept increasing continuously, and Earth’s surface geochemistry (D0310) has become a new growth point of the discipline. The general projects and youth projects are mainly based on “free-exploration basic research”, while the key projects in the field of “resource and energy formation theory and supply potential” are mainly based on “goal-oriented basic research”. In recent years, geochemistry discipline has remained characterized by a relatively small number of applications and slow growth. In the future, in-depth research and discussions should be conducted on how to maintain the inherent strengths in isotopic theories and technologies within the geochemistry discipline, guide the deep integration of basic research with target orientation and national needs, and promote the deep intersection and integration of geochemistry discipline with other disciplines. While expanding the direction of the field, efforts should be made to create highquality and advantageous disciplinary directions in geochemistry.
  • ZHENG Yuanming, HUANG Yuangeng, WANG Yang, ZENG Gang, LANG Xianguo, LIANG Changyu, SONG Zezhang, REN Jianguo
    Online available: 2024-09-19
    Abstract:To better understand the application status of geological science funding projects, improve the quality of proposals and final reports, and identify the current research hotspots in this discipline, this article analyzes the application, review, and funding situation of geological science projects (Code D02) in 2024. It examines issues in the acceptance and review process, and summarizes the completion of the 2023 annual closing projects along with the main research progress across various disciplines. Additionally, using the proposals for the general and young scientists funds related to Earth’s ecosystem evolution and energy fields in 2024 as samples, the word cloud analysis method is employed to statistically analyze the keywords in these proposals. This analysis reveals the research hotspots in this field and each sub-discipline, providing a valuable reference for scientific researchers applying for projects.
  • ZHAO Zheng, LIU Cheng, FENG Xiao, CHEN Shuotong, GONG Jingwen, LIU Zhiwei, WANG Yan, XIA Shaopan, LIU Xiaoyu, BIAN Rongjun, ZHANG Xuhui, CHENG Kun, ZHENG Jufeng, LI Lianqing, PAN Genxing
    Online available: 2024-09-13
    Abstract:Ecosystem functions and services provided by soil in earth surface has been considered as the key foundation supporting global society and environment sustainability. All of these functions and services are closely linked to aggregate hierarchy system of the soil cover. In this review, key ecosystem functions and services provided by soil including accumulation and stabilization of organic carbon, biodiversity conservation, Extracellular Enzyme Activities (EEAs) mediating biogeochemical cycling are overviewed linking to development of aggregate hierarchy system. In particular, understanding these functions and services by aggregate system in line with methodology updating of aggregate separation, characterization and data analysis/ synthesis are discussed in depth. The discussions are focused on potential mechanistic linkage of multi-functions of these soil carbon sequestration, microbial diversity protection and EEAs modulation to the diverse micro-scale spatial pattern of the different hierarchies of aggregate size fractions. Following, the dual structure of soil aggregates and the associated pore system is highlighted in the diverse provisioning of the above mentioned functions and services. In the way, we point to the diversity of the aggregate-pore structure of the hierarchy aggregate systems of or within a soil as the key to understand the formation and development of the above mentioned functions and services for a give soil system. Meanwhile, through re-visiting and exploring the original data in some cases of soil aggregate studies published, we propose some novel methods for better characterizing the key roles of soil aggregate system in provisioning the ecosystem services and the improvement with rational practices or reasonable interference so as to guide sustainable soil management. Finally, comments on the importance of soil aggregate study in the research of Earth system sustainability. We urge a holistic understanding of soil aggregates as fundamental soil functioning units, instead of a direct agent in field process. Considering a key player in biogeochemical cycling and soil health, we call for a well-designed but long pursuing study of soil hierarchy aggregate systems and a global unification of soil aggregate characterizing and parameterization. This should be considered as a core foundation of soil system science in the late 21th century.
  • ZHAO Zheng, FENG Xiao, LIU Cheng, CHEN Shuotong, LIU Zhiwei, WANG Yan, XIA Shaopan, LIU Xiaoyu, BIAN Rongjun, ZHANG Xuhui, CHENG Kun, ZHENG Jufeng, LI Lianqing, PAN Genxing
    Online available: 2024-08-04
    Abstract:With the increasing concerns for ecosystem functioning and services provided by soil, the study on soil aggregates has been increasingly a streamline discipline of modern soil science with the continuing updating of consensus and the methodology. In this review, we provide a holistic overview of understanding and characterizing soil aggregate system emerged for over last two decades. Evolution of concepts of soil aggregation, size fractionation and structural characterization is displayed, and separation and examination of the biophysical structure are discussed, as well as the final core scientific consensus of soil hierarchy system is synthesized. The main point of view of understanding soil aggregates include the followings. ① Soil aggregates are considered as the minimum micro-architecture and functional units, comprised of mineral particles, organic matter and (micro-) biome via their interaction and co-occurrence, thus noting their basic functional particles of soil in nature; ② The micro-spatial distribution of soil aggregates at different hierarchy levels results in the heterogeneity but functional diversity of a soil; ③ The final nature of soil aggregates could be envisaged of the embedded bio-pore system, created via the dual structure of aggregate and the associated pore system governed by the hierarchy aggregate system; ④ A soil aggregate system is generally represented by the three major hierarchies of aggregate size fractions including macroaggregates, microaggregates and silt/clay fraction, with the macroaggregates formed via binding microaggregates and/or silt-clay particles with coarse organic matter in a mode of pomegranate; ⑤ Wet sieving of field moist samples are recommended for preparation of soil aggregate separates despite of dry or moist sieving often used for samples from dry lands; ⑥ The μCT tomography technology is a powerful tool to quantify and visualize the pore system of soil aggregates, potentially linking to soil life processes and ecosystem services. Global cooperation is urged to develop unified protocol for fractioning, quantifying and visualizing the soil hierarchy system of aggregates of world soils. With the developments, the complexed soil system, particularly of the biodiversity of soil, can be explored at aggregate scale. Based on the updated understanding and characterization of soil aggregate system, nature-based solutions for global soil management policy and technical options will be provided for developing Earth sustainability.
  • Zhou Guangsheng, Zhou Mengzi, Zhou Li, Ji Yuhe
    Online available: 2024-06-21
    The paper summarizes recent progress in the observation, mechanism and model of landatmosphere interaction, and pointed out that the existing observational studies have not taken into account the effects of both the changes of terrestrial ecophysiology and atmospheric boundary layer on land-atmosphere fluxes. As a result, they restrict the parameterization of land surface process, parameter inversion from satellite remote sensing, and the operational application of land surface process model. In order to realize comprehensive understanding of land-atmosphere interaction and the development of land surface process models, it is pointed out that the studies on the effects of changes in terrestrial ecophysiology and atmospheric boundary layer on landatmosphere interactions and the operational application of land-surface process models are needed to be emphasized in the future, the main tasks to be concerned include: (1) three-dimensional observation of the landatmosphere interaction across the boundary layer, (2) application of multi-source data in the land-atmosphere interaction across the boundary layer, (3) development and operational application of land surface process model.
  • Li Zhenghong, Zhou Liang, Gao Hong, Wang Wenda, Wei Wei
    Online available: 2024-06-16
    The development of mountainous towns is limited by terrain and landforms, resulting in an urban expansion model dominated by new city construction. The geographical spatial manifestation of this model is that the construction of new cities is far from the main urban area, and the urban construction land gradually expands towards higher slopes (i.e., the gradient expansion of construction land). Although gradient expansion solves the problem of land resource scarcity in mountainous towns, it also increases the risk of geological disasters such as land subsidence. Exploring the law of gradient expansion and identifying disaster risks are paramount. The study selected three new cities with severe gradient expansion as typical case areas and used DEM to obtain the gradient expansion areas of the new areas from 2017 to 2022. Based on Sentinel-1A SAR data from 2016 to 2020, SBAS InSAR technology was used to obtain surface deformation information, revealing the spatial correlation between gradient expansion and land subsidence in the new areas. ① The results show that from 2017 to 2022, the gradient expansion phenomenon in Yan’an New Area, Liangjiang New Area, and Lanzhou New Area was significant, with gradient expansion areas accounting for 53.5%, 51.0%, and 45.2%, respectively. Yan'an New Area, which is most severely affected by terrain, has the highest proportion of gradient expansion areas, and the gradient expansion speed is consistent with the urban expansion speed trend. ② The maximum settlement velocities in Yan’an New Area, Liangjiang New Area, and Lanzhou New Area are 28mm/a, 30mm/a, and 29 mm/a, respectively. Settlement mostly occurs at the front of the expansion of the new area, and there are different scale gradient expansion areas around the settlement area. ③ The intensity of gradient expansion is positively correlated with the rate of land subsidence, and the clustering distribution of areas with high gradient expansion intensity and high ground subsidence rate indicates that urban gradient expansion accelerates the occurrence of land subsidence in the expansion area. The study has positive significance in exploring the correlation between urban gradient expansion and land subsidence and promoting sustainable development of mountainous cities.
  • GE Jiawang, TANG Xiaolong, ZHAO Xiaoming, ZHU XiaoMin, QI Kun
    Online available: 2024-06-16
    Previous sequence stratigraphy research mainly focuses on the two-dimensional seismic interpretation in its dipping direction, while the variations of sequence architectures in vertical provenance direction is the focus and difficulty of current research. This study takes the Late Pleistocene (0.125 Ma to today) shelf margin stratigraphic successions of the Qiongdongdong Basin as an typical example. The internal structure and combination characteristics of the systems tract units are established and identified, according the methods of typical stratal terminations, stratal stacking patterns, and shelf-edge migration trajectory. The systems tract in the studied sequence are classified from bottom to top, including the lowstand systems tract (LST), the transgressive systems tract (TST), the highstand systems tract (HST), and the falling stage systems tract (FSST). Among them, the part of the interface within the falling stage systems tract (WSTS) divides the FSST into early and late phases. The WSTS interface is the transitional surface for the positive to negative angle of the migration trajectory of the shelf-edge and for the stratal stacking transition from progradation to degradation. The stabilized and collapsed types of shelf-edge sequence architectures have developed in the Upper Pleistocene of the western part of the eastern Qiongdongnan Basin. With the change of relative sea-level, the stabilized shelf-edge mainly develops multi-phase shelf margin deltaic and deep-water fan deposits, while the collapsed shelf-edge mainly develops large-scale canyons and mass transport deposits. In response to the a short sea-level rising but a prominent falling cycle, the late Pleistocene shelf-edge sequences are composed of thin or undeveloped LST and TST units, and a thick FSST unit, whereas the active faults in the outer shelf locations increase the proportion of the HST unit in sequences. The pre-existing slope break geomorphology, fault activities and asymmetric sea-level fluctuation coevally lead to a diverse of the sequence architectures in the study area. The quantitative exploration of highfrequency sequence stratigraphic driving mechanisms is the future development trend of the Pleistocene stratigraphy, and this study provides a potential reference significance for the standardization of 3D sequence stratigraphic investigations.
  • YAN Shishuai, YAN Quanshu, SHI Xuefa, YUAN Long
    Online available: 2024-06-16
    In the global subduction systems, the subduction input includes normal oceanic slabs and some buoyant oceanic plateaus. Both of them will exert different geological effects on the subduction zone. Thus, performing the study on the interaction of oceanic plateau and subduction zone will be significant for understand the subduction zone geodynamics and the lateral accretion processes of continental crust. This study summarized the geological and geophysical characteristics of some typical oceanic plateaus that are currently closing to a subduction zone. These, combined with geological and geophysical features of adjacent subduction zones and some recent numerical simulation data, have been used to discuss the geological effects of the interaction between oceanic plateau and subduction zone. In the aspects of kinematics and geometry, buoyant oceanic plateaus can generally resist subduction, lead to subduction retreatment and reversal of subduction polarity, and thereby form a new subduction zone. The subduction process in some subduction zones will be terminated due to the arrival of oceanic plateaus, and the plateaus finally accrete to the mature arc/crustal margins and become part of continental crust. However, recent studies have shown that part of oceanic plateaus does not lead to the termination of the subduction process, but rather contribute to the occurrence of flat subduction, thereby result in tectonic shortening and thickening of the overlying plate in the subduction zone area, and the gradual migration of magmatic activity toward intraplate setting. Geochemically, these oceanic plateaus with enriched compositions will not only affect subduction zone lava geochemistry and the formation of hydrothermal deposits, but possibly contribute to the formation of mantle heterogeneity. Finally, this study put forward some key scientific issues on the interaction of oceanic plateaus with subduction zones, including the detailed crust/mantle structure of subduction zone, the geological and geochemical response of the island arc and backarc basin to the new subduction tectonic framework of “Oceanic plateau-Trench”, and quantitative correlations between the factors controlling whether plateaus are accreted or subducted remain unclear.
  • LIANG Pengbin, MU Jianxin, GAO Yongpeng, TIAN Lide, LI Lintao
    Online available: 2024-06-04
    Abstract:Ice thickness and storage are the prerequisites for glaciological studies such as predicting future glacier changes, estimating available freshwater resources, and assessing potential sea level rise. Based on ground-penetrating radar (GPR) thickness data from 31 glaciers in western China, parameters of the GlabTop 2 (Glacier Bed Topography) model was calibrated and optimized. The simulation of ice thickness on the Qiangtang Plateau and the assessment of the total amount of glacier water resources reveal the following results: ①The average ice thickness simulated by the GlabTop2 model closely matches the measured average thickness, with a correlation of 0.87 and an RMSE of 18.2 m. Overestimation and underestimation of ice thickness by the model are 9% and -17% respectively. The ice thickness distribution along flow is better captured than the distribution across flow; ②The GlabTop2 model estimates that the ice storage of glaciers on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau in 2022 is (177.6±26.6) km3, with an average ice thickness of (88.2±12.3) m. The glacier volume is mainly distributed between 5 600 and 6 200 m, amounting to (148.28±22.24) km3, which accounts for 84.4% of the total glacier volume of the Qiangtang Plateau. The glacier volume in other elevation bands is relatively small.
  • ZHU Tangliu, LIU , Zhidan, ZOU Li, ZHONG Xihuang, XI Jiahong
    Online available: 2024-06-02
    Abstract: The high sequestration efficiency and strong sequestration potential of land-sea interaction regions are important nature-based, long-term solutions to climate change and the achievement of “carbon peaking” and “carbon neutrality”. In order to reveal the sources and forms of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the land-sea interaction stratigraphy along the south coast of Laizhou Bay, and to enrich the understanding of carbon sources and sinks in the land-sea interaction region, the interstitial water from drill core was collected from November to December 2021 and analyzed for UV-visible absorption spectra and three-dimensional fluorescence spectral signatures of chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM). The analyses showed that dissolved organic carbon and a(320) are both characterized by large and high concentrations after the second transgression. The difference in dissolved organic matter composition and properties of terrestrial-phase interstitial water is greater than that of marine-phase interstitial water. Of the five fluorescence components identified by parallel factor analysis and matched by OpenFlour, the humus-like components contributed 77% of the total fluorescence intensity, except for the bottom stratum. The fluorescence index and biogenic index show that the core interstitial water chromophoric dissolved organic matter is dominated by the contribution of microbial reproduction activities, and the longer the burial, the more significant the microbial contribution, and there is no significant difference between the terrestrial and marine phases. The results of principal component analysis show that the compositions have some differences in different sedimentary stages, but the composition and properties of the interstitial water dissolved organic matter gradually converge as the sedimentary process occurs. The humus is highly matured in long time scales.
  • XIONG Yating, DONG Guangtao
    Online available: 2024-05-23
    With the rapid improvement of high-performance computational resources recently, the horizontal resolution of models is gradually refined. Convection-permitting (≤4 km) models (CPMs) have become one of the main directions in the development and application of regional climate models. This paper reviewed four CPMs modeling methods, added value of CPMs compared to regional climate models with traditional resolution, and future climate projections based on a comprehensive literature review. CPMs can explicitly represent deep convection processes without using convective parameterization schemes, which significantly improves the ability to represent complex topography and surface forcing. CPMs have added value in simulating characteristics of precipitation (precipitation diurnal cycle, duration, precipitation intensity at subdaily scale, intensity of extreme precipitation with short duration), characteristics of snow (snow depth, coverage), characteristics of mesoscale convective systems (number, duration), characteristics of tropical cyclone (intensity, track), patterns of urban heat island and effects of urbanization on precipitation. There are still some challenges and uncertainties in CPMs, and in the future, higher-resolution datasets, improved cloud microphysical processes and boundary layer parameterization schemes, higher-performance computational resources can be used to further improve the ability of convection permitting regional climate simulation and application.
  • LIANG Shiqing, LUO Chuanxiu, XIANG Rong, ISLAM ARIFUL, WEI Haicheng, SU Xiang, WAN Sui, DU Shuhuan, ZHANG Lanlan, YANG Yiping, HUANG Yun, LIN Gang
    Online available: 2024-05-23
    Abstract: The occurrence of fire events is closely related to climate change and vegetation changes. A systematic study of the spatial and temporal evolutionary patterns of Holocene fire activities enables a clearer comprehension of the association between fire activity mechanisms and regional climate and vegetation changes, and contributes to the prediction of future fire evolutionary trends simultaneously. In order to comprehend the fire evolution and potential driving factors in the surrounding areas of the Andaman Sea, charcoal analysis was conducted on core ADM-C1 in the southern Andaman Sea to reconstruct its Holocene fire record. Additionally, five other charcoal records were synthesized to reconstruct Holocene fire activities in the surrounding areas of the Andaman Sea in this study. Although the nature of the changes of ignition, fire weather, and vegetation composition varied from place to place, leading to regional and local variations in fire frequency, the changes of fire event frequency around the Andaman Sea were widely synchronized under broader climate change during the Holocene. The frequency of fire activity around the Andaman Sea during the Holocene was influenced by regional variations in vegetation and precipitation, and ultimately by changes in the intensity of the Indian Summer Monsoon. Compared to the last deglaciation, our findings indicate that during 12-9 ka BP period, there was a decrease in the frequency of fire activities in the surrounding areas of the Andaman Sea, reflecting a gradual increase in Indian Summer Monsoon precipitation and woody plant abundance within this region. During 9-5 ka BP period, regional fire activity was constrained by higher Indian summer monsoon precipitation and woody plants. After 5 ka BP, an increase in regional fire activity primarily reflected a decrease in Indian Summer Monsoon precipitation. Furthermore, our research suggests that changes in El Ni?o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) intensity, Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) phase and the location of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) were related to fire activity frequency around Andaman Sea during the Holocene.
  • WU Zhongqing
    Online available: 2024-05-21
    The island arc model and the oceanic plateau model of mantle plume are two popular models for the origin of crust. In contrast to the island arc model, the oceanic plateau model can well account for most of features of the Archean crust but meets fundamental challenge in explaining the water-rich feature of the magma source of the Archean crust. The recent water-induced mantle overturn model can well account for not only the water-rich feature but also several puzzling phenomena in the Archean. The whole-mantle magma ocean (MO) will separate into an outer MO and a basal MO because the crystalized mantles float at the middle mantle. The water-induced mantle overturn model shows that with the crystallization, the basal MO becomes increasingly enriched in water because the lower-mantle minerals can only contain very limited water. Since water reduces the density of the basal MO. The basal MO will eventually become less dense than the overlying solid mantle and become gravitationally unstable because of the enrichment of water. The triggered mantle overturns transport a large amount of water to the shallow part of the Earth and result in large pulses of the crust and thick subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) generations. Therefore, the Archean crust is the result of the evolution of the basal MO. Once the mantle overturns run out of the basal MO, the Archean-type crust will no longer form. Thus the water-induced mantle overturn model can well account for the global change at the end of the Archean. Similarly, the water-induced mantle overturn model can also explain other puzzling phenomena. For example, why are tonalite-trondhjemite-granodiorite (TTG) and thick SCLM rare in Hadean, why does the source of Archean basalts remain to be the primitive mantle from ca 4.0 to 2.5 Ga, and why does only Earth have continental crust ?
  • LIU Yu, LIU Jintao, LIU Chengshuai, LUO Weijun, CHENG Anyun, WANG Shijie
    Online available: 2024-05-21
    The soil is currently facing serious pollution, erosion, and degradation in the background of global change, which is threatening the ecosystem stability and food security of China. Quantifying soil formation and evolution (time and rate, etc.) is a critical scientific issue in Earth sciences. Meteoric radioactive isotope 10Be (hereinafter referred to as meteoric 10Be) serves as a natural tracer, with its inventory in soil controlled by soil age, surface erosion, and chemical weathering processes. Therefore, meteoric 10Be is an effective tool for quantitatively tracing the soil formation and evolution over ten million years and has a broad application prospect. Firstly, this article summarizes and reviews the latest progress on the production, delivery, and deposition of meteoric 10Be in the Earth's atmosphere, as well as its accumulation and migration in the soil profile. The reasonable estimation of the long-term deposition rate of meteoric 10Be and its migration in the weathering zones are important challenges that urgently need to be resolved in this field. Secondly, this article introduces the main methods used by meteoric 10Be to estimate soil formation (residence) age, and formation rate, indicating soil erosion and transportation on hill slopes. The key premise for applying meteoric 10Be technology is based on an understanding of geological and environmental processes in the study area and making a rational assessment of the calculation model. With the rapid development of accelerator mass spectrometry analysis capabilities in China will effectively promote the widespread application of meteoric 10Be technology in quantitative research on soil evolution, helping to solve problems such as predicting environmental ecosystem evolution and soil conservation in arable land.
  • QU Xia, HUANG Gang
    Online available: 2024-05-21
    The climate system properties influence the asymmetry in global surface air temperature evolution under changes in carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration, but it remains unclear which properties contribute relatively more significantly. Due to the insufficient samples from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) experiments, present study utilized output of 45 CMIP6 models and constructed 391 sets of experiments using a two-layer energy balance model that is both rapid and reproducible. The experimental results demonstrate that Equilibrium Climate Sensitivity (ECS), ocean heat capacity, and coefficient of vertical heat exchange in the ocean play primary roles in the asymmetry of Global Surface Air Temperature (GSAT) evolution under fixed CO2 concentration rise and fall. They mainly achieve this by altering the cooling rate after the peak of GSAT during the CO2 concentration decline period. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the climate system’s ECS, ocean heat capacity, and coefficient of vertical heat exchange in the ocean may facilitate a more scientifically realistic achievement of the goals of the Paris Agreement.