Abstract：The accelerated retreat of glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau has led to mobilization and downstream transport of accumulated heavy metals, posing a potential risk to downstream ecosystems and human health. However, current research on the distribution and ecological risk of heavy metals in glacier retreat area is still limited. This study targets the monsoonal temperate Midui Glacier in southeastern Xizang and investigates the distribution and ecological risk of typical heavy metals in its debris and soils in retreat area as well as water environment. Results show that soil heavy metal contents range from 144.8 to 520.0 mg/kg, which is dominated by Zn, As and Cr with relatively large spatial variation. The contents of Cd and Hg are at low levels. Soil heavy metal levels progressively increase from the debris to the different stages of retreat area, driven by soil development, vegetation succession, and intensified human activities, with the highest contents observed in the third retreat stage. Most heavy metals (except Cu, Pb, and Hg) exhibit significant differences among the retreat stages, while correlate significantly with soil pH and nutrients. In the glacial meltwater, concentrations of heavy metals from proglacial lakes to downstream rivers vary between 3.76 and 33.37 μg/L, and remain well below Class I water quality standards. Noticeably, elevated levels are detected near the outlet of proglacial lake (Guangxie Cuo) at the Midui Glacier viewpoint and in downstream passing through a village, reflecting strong influence of anthropogenic activities. Ecological risk assessment reveals that heavy metals together pose a moderate potential ecological risk in soils, which is dominated by Cd and As, while there is no risk in water environment. These findings offer critical baseline data and a valuable case for understanding heavy metal biogeochemistry under glacier ecosystem changes on the Tibetan Plateau.

Abstract：Ice clouds are a critical component of the Earth’s weather and climate system. The orientation of ice crystals influences the scattering properties of these clouds, subsequently impacting the accuracy of remote sensing and numerical weather prediction. With the advancement of dedicated satellite programs for ice cloud observation, precise quantification of ice crystal orientation is becoming increasingly important. This review summarizes research progress in the remote sensing of ice crystal orientation. Both active and passive remote sensing techniques are systematically reviewed for their application across various spectral bands. The detection mechanisms, advantages, and disadvantages of diverse remote sensing techniques are analyzed, with particular emphasis on the prospects of spaceborne terahertz radiometers. While existing techniques demonstrate some capacity for ice crystal orientation studies, quantitative retrievals remain challenging due to ice crystal complexity, observational constraints, and limitations in retrieval algorithms. Finally, future research directions are discussed, focusing on the development of novel detection instrumentation, accurate calculation of ice crystal scattering properties, optimization of radiative transfer modeling, and the synergistic integration of multi-source remote sensing datasets.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

There are a large number of rock glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau and surroundings. Because of its unique water storage and climate response, rock glaciers not only affect the potential solid water resources in the region, but also increase the risk of corresponding disasters, which has attracted more and more attention. Currently, there is a lack of study on the identification of rock glaciers, ice volume estimation and simulation of dynamic processes, which results in the inability to accurately assess changes in rock glaciers and their climate response characteristics in regions with no or missing data.This review systematically analyzes the distribution characteristics of rock glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau and surroundings, and comprehensively investigates the research progress on the identification of rock glaciers, ice volume estimation, and dynamic processes. Due to the lack of observation data and the uncertainty of methods, there still remain many challenges in rock glacier identification, ice volume estimation and dynamic process simulation on the Tibetan Plateau and surroundings. In the future, we will deeply understand the interaction mechanism between climate and dynamic processes of rock glaciers, strengthen the multi-level, multi-angle and multi-method monitoring based on Space-Air-Ground, and integrate artificial intelligence and new observation technology into rock glacier identification and ice volume estimation methods. Then, we can accurately evaluate the changes, future trends and impacts of rock glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau and surroundings under climate change conditions, serving the sustainable social and economic development of the Tibetan Plateau and surroundings.

：水文水资源监测是对地观测系统的重要任务之一，是支撑新时代水利高质量发展、满足“三 水”共治需求和践行“十六字”治水策略的直接有效途径，而卫星遥感技术提供了一种大范围、快速 和高精度的数据获取渠道。但是现有卫星遥感在水文水资源应用上存在多星同步观测难、应急响 应能力差和易受天气影响等问题，因此美国国家航空航天局于2022 年12 月发射了地表水和海洋地 形卫星（Surface Water and Ocean Topography，SWOT），这是全球第一颗通过多传感器协同观测全球 陆地和海洋水资源的卫星，预期将极大提升水文水资源监测的时空分辨率和精度。系统梳理了水 文水资源监测卫星发展现状、应用和技术难点等概况，并分析了SWOT 卫星的参数、科学任务、算 法流程和应用产品等内容，对我国后续卫星设计规划和数据处理关键技术有一定的参考价值。

Abstract：Understanding the composition and formation conditions of regional airborne pollen is helpful to clarify the environmental significance of different pollen assemblages. The Burkard pollen trap was used to observe airborne pollen on the northern slope of Mount Qomolangma for two consecutive years (2012 and 2013). Based on backward air mass trajectory model and source receptor models, the pathway and potential source of Alnus pollen which is the main component in autumn were discussed. The relationship between Alnus pollen and plant distribution and atmospheric circulation were analyzed as well as its environmental significance. Three main results were obtained. First, the air mass transport pathway during Alnus pollen season mainly came from the southwest direction of the sampling site. Second, the potential source area of Alnus pollen was mainly located in the middle Himalaya region including central and eastern Nepal, southern Tibet, etc, which is basically corresponded with the main air mass transport pathway. Third, the interannual changes of Alnus pollen quantity, transport pathway and potential source area may be related to atmospheric circulation. The southwest air mass influenced by upper westerly had a stronger influence on Alnus pollen. The results provide foundational insights into the climatic significance of exotic pollen on the northern slope of the Mt. Qomolangma region.