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  • Yujiu XIONG, Xu WANG, Chenbin WU
    Advances in Earth Science. 2023, 38(11): 1097-1106. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.069

    Evapotranspiration (ET) encompasses water loss through transpiration and evaporation from soil and water surfaces. Accurate observation of ET is essential for comprehending the ET process, and mechanism, as well as water-energy nexus and land-atmosphere feedback. ET serves as a pivotal link between the hydrological cycle and energy processes. In-situ measurements provide fundamental datasets for validating remotely sensed ET products. The surface renewal theory differs from the commonly used eddy covariance method in describing the physical ET process. Unlike the expensive sonic anemometers in the eddy covariance system, the surface renewal method is cost-effective because it uses a fine- diameter thermocouple to record high-frequency air temperature and estimate the sensible heat flux through coherent structures. The surface renewal method for measuring ET, with an accuracy comparable to that of the eddy covariance system, and it has been widely applied for ET measurements in America and Europe. Recognizing the substantial potential of this method, this paper reviews the theory of surface renewal and research advancements in the method made over the past 30 years. Additionally, preliminary studies related to ET measurements in China using the surface renewal method are also presented. By summarizing this progress and exploring the challenges in the application of the surface renewal method, we can enhance our understanding and promote a variety of domestic ET observation methods.

  • Na YUAN, Lingling Deng, Xia YIN, Shanhai SONG, Suihua LIU
    Advances in Earth Science. 2023, 38(11): 1145-1157. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.062

    Guizhou Province, characterized by unique topography and complex climatic conditions, offers an excellent opportunity to study spectral surface albedo (short-wave, near-infrared, and visible light). Analyzing this refines surface parameters and understands the characteristics of solar spectral radiation but also provides scientific references to explore the physical processes of the relevant spectral radiation, variables in the process of energy conversion of the earth-air system in mountainous areas at low latitudes. Therefore, based on MCD43A3 albedo data, MCD15A2H Leaf Area Index (LAI), temperature, precipitation, land use, and soil moisture data, using anomalous variance analysis, Theil-Sen (T-S) and Mann-Kendall (M-K) trend analyses, and geophones, we analyzed the spatial and temporal trends and driving factors of spectral surface albedo in Guizhou Province. The results show that interannual changes in spectral surface albedo were in the order of size: near-infrared>short-wave>visible. In addition to visible surface albedo being on the rise (the three bands of surface albedo high-value area were basically the same), there was a line from the northeast to the southwest, and the western distribution of the characteristics of the County of Weining; considering seasonal changes, the size order of short-wave and near-infrared surface albedo was the same, as follows: summer>autumn>spring>winter and that of visible surface albedo was spring>winter. The sizes of short-wave and short-wave albedo were the same, as follows: summer> autumn>spring>winter, and that of visible surface albedo was: spring>winter>autumn>summer; the driving factors of spectral surface albedo were LAI, followed by land use. The results of this study reveal spatial and temporal variations and driving mechanisms of the spectral surface albedo in Guizhou, which can provide a reference for the ecological protection of mountainous areas in Guizhou.

  • Baiting ZHANG, Qi FENG, Zongxing LI, Zhixiang LU, Baijuan ZHANG, Wenju CHENG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(3): 304-316. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.019

    The value realization of ecological products is not only the practice of the concept of “green mountains and clear waters are gold and silver mountains”, but also an important channel to solve the contradiction between China’s social and economic development and ecological environmental protection, which is of great significance to comprehensively promote China’s economic green transformation. Through a systematic review of the existing scholars’ research on the realization of the value of ecological products, it is shown that: The number of studies related to ecological products has increased significantly, and the research content has become more in-depth, which effectively promotes the development of interdisciplinary integration. The research content involves the concept discrimination, connotation, and extension of ecological products, the accounting method of ecological product value, the path and mode of ecological product value realization, the practical exploration and typical case analysis of ecological product value realization, and the construction of an institutional guarantee of value realization, etc. This suggests that there may be difficulties in the process of realizing the value of ecological products and ensuring the efficient transformation of the value of ecological products remains a challenge for future research. Through sorting theoretical research and the summary and analysis of typical practice exploration cases, it is expected to provide certain references for the transformation from “clear waters and green mountains” to “gold and silver mountains”.

  • Jiaqi YAO, Huanyu CHANG, Mengran WANG, Min CHEN, Fan MO, Nan XU, Zhen WEN, Yongqiang CAO
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(4): 374-390. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.027

    Hydrological and water resource monitoring are pivotal components of Earth observation systems, crucial for supporting the high-quality development of water conservancy in the modern era, fulfilling the requirements of “three water” co-governance, and implementing the “sixteen words” water-control strategy. Satellite remote sensing offers a scalable, rapid, and high-precision data acquisition pathway. Nonetheless, challenges persist in the application of existing satellite remote sensing in hydrology and water resources, including difficulties in achieving multi-satellite synchronous observation, limited emergency response capability, and susceptibility to adverse weather conditions. In December 2022, NASA launched the Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) satellite, the first satellite in the world designed to observe global land and ocean water resources through multisensor collaboration. This groundbreaking satellite greatly improves the spatial and temporal resolution and accuracy of hydrology and water resource monitoring. This study systematically reviews the development status, applications, and technical challenges of hydrological and water resource monitoring satellites. It also analyzes the satellite parameters, scientific tasks, algorithm flow, and application products of SWOT, providing a valuable reference for future satellite design planning and key data processing technologies, especially in China.

  • Chaoqun YANG, Xiangfeng ZHU, Liang WANG, Chuanbo SHEN, Yunshuai LI
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(2): 124-139. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.005

    The Yangtze River is the largest river system in Asia, and its formation and evolution are of great significance for understanding the topography, climate change, biological evolution, and material cycles of East Asia. The Three Gorges lie in the central Yangtze Block, and its formation connects the drainage in the Sichuan Basin and the Jianghan Basin; therefore, it is regarded as one of the most critical events in the history of the Yangtze River. However, the debate over how and when the Three Gorges were formed has been ongoing for over a century. This study reviews the century-long debate, especially regarding the formation mechanism and age of the Three Gorges, to clarify the formation of the Yangtze Three Gorges. A comparison highlighted a conflict between the erosion time of the Three Gorges and the provenance analysis in the downstream basin, stemming from limitations in research ideas, objects, and methods. Determining the formation time of the Three Gorges necessitates a comprehensive approach that integrates gorge erosion and provenance analysis in the Jianghan Basin. Methods such as monazite fission track, cosmogenic nuclide dating, and geochemical analysis of single-grain minerals offer precise constraints on gorge erosion and aid in establishing a source-sink system between the Jianghan Basin and Sichuan Basin. Drawing on the principles of Earth system science and source-sink systems, this study proposes an analysis of tectonics, landforms, and climatic evolution to understand the evolution of large drainage systems such as the Yangtze River. In particular, a comprehensive analysis of the geochemical characteristics and exhumation histories of the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, basin development, and geochemical characteristics of detritus minerals is required to investigate the evolutionary processes of large rivers such as the Yangtze River.

  • Jiaojiao LIU, Junzhi LIU, Chao SONG, Weizhen ZHANG, Yongqin LIU
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(2): 111-123. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.013

    Rivers connect the terrestrial landscape and oceans and are considered “bioreactors” of carbon. Understanding the carbon cycling processes in rivers and constructing numerical models for riverine carbon cycling is imperative to estimate regional and global carbon budgets. The summary and discussion of the development and application of riverine carbon cycling models remains inadequate. This study reviewed the mechanisms and models of riverine carbon cycling based on a comprehensive literature review. First, we briefly overview the critical processes in migrating and transforming various carbon components, including particulate organic carbon, dissolved inorganic carbon, and dissolved organic carbon. Riverine carbon cycling models are classified into two types: statistical and process-based. The representative models’ simulation methods, applications, advantages, and disadvantages were compared. Based on statistical or machine learning methods, empirical statistical models establish the relationship between the riverine carbon flux and environmental factors. This type of model is simple but has poor extrapolation and universality. Process-based models are based on land surface or hydrological models coupled with river carbon cycling-related biogeochemical processes. This model simulates and predicts variations in different riverine carbon fluxes and is more reliable but complicated. Such models typically focus on different scientific problems, and the representations of riverine carbon cycling-related processes differ among these models. Simulation research on riverine carbon cycling is still in its early stages; however, many shortcomings remain. For example, the representations of terrestrial and aquatic carbon cycling and human activities in existing riverine carbon cycling models are insufficient; thus, they cannot accurately simulate and predict long-term changes in riverine carbon cycling. In the future, it will be necessary to strengthen observations of river carbon cycling processes and improve our understanding of terrestrial and aquatic carbon cycling to represent the mechanisms and processes in the model. This will improve the accuracy of riverine carbon cycling simulations and provide a scientific basis for China to achieve its double-carbon goals.

  • Fule ZHANG, Jinlong WANG, Dekun HUANG, Tao YU, Jinzhou DU
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(1): 23-33. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.001

    On August 24, 2023, the Japanese government started discharging the Fukushima Nuclear Contaminated Water (FNCW) into the North Pacific. This process is bound to pose radiation risks for the marine ecological environment. In this study, we analyzed the concentrations of major artificial radionuclides in the FNCW and estimated their inventories. Based on the data provided by the Tokyo Electric Power Company, we found that the concentrations of 3H in FNCW tanks as of March 2023 ranged from 1.9×105 to 25.0×105 Bq/L, significantly exceeding the maximum release concentration for 3H (6×104 Bq/L) allowed by Japanese law. In addition, the concentrations of 90Sr and 129I in some FNCW tanks were higher than the corresponding maximum release concentrations (30 Bq/L for 90Sr and 9 Bq/L for 129I) allowed by Japanese law. The inventories of 3H and 129I in the FNCW before the discharge were estimated to be 0.9 and 6.2×109 Bq, respectively, i.e., comparable to the leakage amounts of 3H (0.1~1.0 PBq) and 129I (6.9×109 Bq) to the ocean during the nuclear accident stage. We further discuss the migration and behavior of typical Fukushima radionuclides (e.g., 3H, 14C, 60Co, 90Sr, 129I, 134, 137Cs, and 239, 240Pu) in marine environments from three aspects: transport of Fukushima radionuclides by ocean currents in the Pacific; sediment adsorption to radionuclides; and marine biota uptake of radionuclides. This study is expected to provide scientific foundations and insights for radiation monitoring and risk assessment, which may be required for an appropriate response to the discharge of the FNCW.

  • Jian XU, Zhuo ZHANG, Lanlan RAO, Yapeng WANG, Huanhuan YAN, LETU HUSI, Chong SHI, Song LIU, TANA GEGEN, Wenyu WANG, Entao SHI, Shun YAO, Jun ZHU, Yongmei WANG, Xiaolong DONG, Jiancheng SHI
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(1): 56-70. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.002

    Ozone is among the most important trace gases in Earth’s atmosphere and plays a crucial role in both climate change and ecology. Tropospheric ozone is an important component of photochemical smog, and its variations are closely related to human activity. Monitoring of tropospheric ozone based on satellite remote sensing can help us better understand and quantitatively explain the characteristics of tropospheric ozone changes in different seasons, times, and regions, and explore the mechanism of ozone generation in the troposphere. With the comprehensive development of satellite remote sensing techniques, ozone remote sensing products (e.g., total ozone, profiles, etc.) have improved significantly in terms of accuracy and spatiotemporal resolution. However, the accuracy of tropospheric ozone products is still not sufficient for the current scientific application of the atmospheric composition of the troposphere due to the weak satellite signals and complexity of the subsurface. This review focuses on satellite remote sensing of tropospheric ozone. It outlines and analyzes the development history and current status of ozone satellite remote sensing payloads and discusses the characteristics and applicability of remote sensing retrieval algorithms based on different technologies (direct and indirect retrieval, multiband joint retrieval, collaborated nadir-limb retrieval, and innovative algorithms based on machine learning techniques). It further discusses the application of satellite remote sensing for the provision of reliable tropospheric ozone observation data at the global and regional scales. Overall, this review envisions the application of satellite remote sensing for providing reliable tropospheric ozone observations at the global and regional scales.

  • Zongxue XU, Chenlei YE, Ruting LIAO
    Advances in Earth Science. 2023, 38(11): 1107-1120. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.072

    In urban areas with infrequent rainstorms and rapid flow routing, an integrated approach combining sponge city technology and coordinated hydraulic structure management proves effective in mitigating urban flooding/waterlogging disasters, optimizing urban water resource distribution, and curbing flood cascades. This paper provides a summary of the history and research advancements of sponge city construction in China, along with an analysis of the flood prevention and drainage capabilities of sponge city technology. Subsequently, typical measures and research progress in urban hydraulic structure scheduling are summarized, and the functions of the combined use of sponge city measures and hydraulic structure scheduling in flood prevention and drainage are analyzed. Building upon this analysis and investigation, the study focuses on the downtown area of Fuzhou City to examine the roles played by the integrated use of sponge city technology and hydraulic structure scheduling in urban flooding/waterlogging prevention and mitigation.

  • Yuanjian YANG, Fu LUO, Jiesheng XUE, Lian ZONG, Weishou TIAN, Tao SHI
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(4): 331-346. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.032

    The acceleration of urbanization and population agglomeration intensifies the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect and causes Heat Waves (HWs). The superimposed effects of the two seriously affect urban development and resident health. A few studies believe that HWs and UHI intensity have the characteristics of synergistic enhancement, but there are still large differences in the superimposed effects of HW-UHI. This article comprehensively reviews and summarizes domestic and foreign research on the differences in the synergy between HWs and UHI and explores the formation mechanism of urban high temperatures from the aspects of climate background, local circulation, and urban morphology. Under different climatic backgrounds and local circulation conditions, the synergistic effects of the HW-UHI show significant spatiotemporal differences, particularly the regulatory role of local circulation, which cannot be ignored. The Local Climate Zone (LCZs) classification proposed in the past decade has achieved some results in research on the synergy between HWs and UHI; however, it is necessary to further explore their response characteristics from the three-dimensional morphology of the city. Currently, there is no unified standard definition for HWs, which brings uncertainty to an in-depth understanding of HW-UHI interactions. There is a need to comprehensively understand the spatiotemporal differences in excessive urban warming caused by HW and UHI and their formation mechanisms and regulating factors to provide more detailed guidance and theoretical support for high-temperature monitoring and improvement of the urban living environment.

  • Jingwei XIE, Hailong LIU, Weipeng ZHENG, Pengfei LIN, Jinfeng MA, Yiwen LI, Zipeng YU, Jiangfeng YU, Jiahui BAI
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(5): 454-465. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.040

    The global Ocean General Circulation Model (OGCM) is a critical component of Earth system modeling and plays an essential role in climate projections and marine environmental forecasting. Herein, the history of global OGCM models is systematically reviewed and significant scientific and recent technological advancements are summarized. This review covers three topics involving the core technology of OGCMs: the dynamical core, physics or physical parameterization, and soft-hardware configuration. In the dynamic core, the latest developments in horizontal discretization methods, vertical coordinate schemes, and multi-resolution strategies are explored. Regarding physics, the focus has been on the progress of mesoscale, sub-mesoscale, and boundary-layer mixing parameterizations. In the soft-hardware configuration section, the current status and prospects for the application of heterogeneous computing architectures and artificial intelligence technology in global OGCMs are discussed. The advancement of the LASG/IAP Climate System Ocean Model, a fully autonomous Chinese global OGCM, is also highlighted. Based on key trends and novel ideas in the field of global OGCMs, suggestions are provided for Chinese researchers and relevant policymakers to comprehensively advance R&D strategies and long-term planning for fully autonomous global OGCMs.

  • Feng MING, Yuanxi YANG, Anmin ZENG, Wenhao LI
    Advances in Earth Science. 2023, 38(11): 1186-1199. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.075

    The International Earth Rotation and Reference Systems Service (IERS) released the updated International Terrestrial Reference Frame ITRF2020 in April 2022 (the International Terrestrial Reference Frame 2020). The accuracy of ITRF2020 is better than that of ITRF2014 because of the adoption of a longer time series, better processing models, and more optimized processing strategies. Compared with ITRF2014, ITRF2020 has significant improvements in the strategies for implementation of origin and scale parameters, and for the first time it explicitly provides the origin, scale, and orientation of seasonal signals; that is, the strategy of segmented alignment is adopted to improve the origin and scale parameter realization; the origin, scale, and orientation realizations of seasonal signals in the Center of Mass (CM) and Center of Figure (CF) frames, as well as the harmonic parameter models in the CM and CF frames, are given. In addition, there have been significant technological advances in data processing for each of the independent techniques involved in the construction of ITRF2020. In this paper, we first introduce in detail the progress of data processing within the four space geodetic technologies and the technical progress of the inter-technology combinations, then briefly analyze the ITRF2020 implementation, and finally provide a preliminary analysis and discussion of its shortcomings.

  • Jianghui LI, Fengling YU, Xiongwei NIU, Tian ZHOU, Yunxiu ZHANG, Wenling LI
    Advances in Earth Science. 2023, 38(11): 1121-1144. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.071

    Marine carbon storage plays a crucial role in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. To ensure the efficient and safe storage of CO2, it is imperative to monitor the potential migration of CO2 before, during, and after injection. Current methods for monitoring marine carbon storage encompass built-in sensor monitoring focusing on the seabed wellbore, geophysical monitoring targeting reservoirs and caprocks, and marine environmental monitoring focusing on the seafloor and water column. These three methods can be used to obtain temperature/pressure/acoustic data near the injection/monitoring wellbore, seismic/electromagnetic/gravity data of deep reservoirs and caprocks, and acoustic/chemical/oceanographic data of near-bottom sedimentary layers and seawater, respectively. Analyzing these datasets is expected to reveal the migration characteristics of CO2 injected into the formation. However, the integrated use of relevant monitoring methods and technologies and the design of high-quality monitoring strategies currently pose significant challenges for both academic and engineering communities. To enable scientific and systematic monitoring of the safety of marine carbon storage, offering essential guidance for offshore storage operations, and concurrently enhancing monitoring efficiency while reducing monitoring costs, we have compiled the fundamental principles, application status, and challenges encountered by different monitoring methods and technologies. We also anticipate future development of monitoring technologies for marine carbon storage.

  • Yichao WANG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(2): 181-192. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.009

    In 2015, the “2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development” (2030 ASD), adopted by the United Nations, set 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Scholars worldwide have conducted continuous research on the monitoring and evaluation of SDGs. Data deficiency and inadequate index monitoring abilities are considered vital restrictions in the regular monitoring and evaluation of SDGs. The application of Multisource Data to the monitoring and evaluation of SDGs can effectively address these deficiencies. Research progress on SDGs based on Multisource Data can be categorized into three types: the first type focuses on the basic theory and method system of SDG monitoring and evaluation based on Multisource Data; The second type conducts SDG monitoring and evaluation case studies based on Multisource Data; The third type focuses on strengthening the primary capacity building related to Multisource Data. The application of multisource data can strengthen the evaluation of natural ecosystems, identify critical areas, analyze the interaction between humans and nature, effectively compensate for the lack of data and other deficiencies, and improve the timeliness and spatial and temporal resolution of indicator data, which can significantly enrich the evaluation index system of the SDGs. This study proposes to strengthen the application of Multisource Data in the study of SDGs from four aspects: to expand the application of Multisource Data in the SDGs, promote interdisciplinary and comprehensive research, pilot the application of Multisource Data in the national innovation-driven demonstration zone for implementing the UN's 2030 ASD, and strengthen the primary capacity building of Multisource Data.

  • Weijian ZHOU, Xue ZHAO, Ning CHEN
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(1): 1-11. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.008

    The Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) of the International Commission on Stratigraphy voted that the Anthropocene should be defined by a Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP or ‘golden spike’) as a formal chronostratigraphic unit. Increasing evidence has shown that human activities have drastically intensified since the mid-twentieth century, altering the original rate and direction of Earth’s evolution, triggering a profound impact on Earth’s environment, and leaving their imprint on geological records through physical, chemical, and biological markers. Consequently, the 1950s was assumed to be the ideal onset of the Anthropocene. Currently, 12 candidate sites for the GSSP of the Anthropocene have been proposed for consideration by the AWG. Chinese researchers have made outstanding progress in recent years regarding the establishment of a system of proxies for human activities and the global comparison of the candidate sites for the GSSP of the Anthropocene. These proxies, including anthropogenic radioactive isotopes, microplastics, δ13C, δ15N, and diatoms, have great potential as markers of human activities. These proxies recorded in the sediments of Sihailongwan Maar Lake, which is far away from cities and less affected by human activities, indicate that this site is sensitive to global change. The concentrations of 239, 240Pu have drastically increased since 1953 CE in the sediment profile collected from Sihailongwan Maar Lake. as Additionally, other proxies such as PAHs, 129I, soot 14C, SCP (spheroidal carbonaceous particles), DNA, δ13C, and Pb exhibit synchronous changes near 1953 CE, indicating the onset of Anthropocene. Two sediment stratotype profiles collected from Sihailongwan Maar Lake and Beppu Bay, Japan, were selected by the AWG as auxiliary sections for the GSSP of the Anthropocene. The ultimate goal of Anthropocene science should be to deepen the theory and technological innovation of sustainable development of the Earth-humans system and adaptation based on clarifying the impact of human activities on the Earth system.

  • CUO Lan
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(1): 46-55. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.079

    Global warming caused by human activities has resulted in significant changes in the climate system, including changes in the regional climate, extreme events, snow, ice, vegetation, air quality, water cycle, and responses and feedbacks among various components of the climate system. The land surface is where water, energy, and geochemical transports to and from the atmosphere occur, hydrological processes occur, and vegetation grows. Hence, the land surface is sensitive to climate change. Climate change affects the hydrological processes not only directly but also indirectly by affecting the vegetation structure and physiology. Land surface models are useful for studying climate change and its impacts on the land surface by modeling the relevant responses and feedbacks. There are three types of land surface models that simulate the mass and energy exchange between the land surface and atmosphere: the global land surface process model, global hydrological model, and global dynamic vegetation model. These three types of models focus on different specific components of the land surface. Since the 1990s, various land surface comparison projects have revealed many problems and shortcomings in land surface models and have furthered their development. However, various issues with these models still need to be addressed. For example, one major problem with the global hydrological model is that it does not incorporate dynamic vegetation growth; hence, it cannot project long-term vegetation change impacts on the hydrological processes—let alone extreme hydrological events such as flooding and drought—and cannot be useful with respect to future water resource management. Incorporating dynamic vegetation growth into hydrological models is a frontline research topic in hydrology. Moreover, many land surface models represent soil textures and heat exchanges among soil liquids, solids, and gases on the Tibetan Plateau insufficiently. This aspect requires improvement by enhancing the observations, understanding the relevant mechanisms, and realizing the mechanisms and processes in the land surface models. The Tibetan Plateau provides fresh water to the surrounding regions and forms and modulates climate and weather both regionally and globally; thus, it is dubbed the Asian Water Tower. Improving the land surface model capability of the plateau will improve the understanding of climate change and its impacts, both regionally and globally.

  • Jun SUN, Ting GU, Dai JIA, Yang FU
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(1): 12-22. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.073

    N2O is an important greenhouse gas that also damages the ozone layer. N2O emissions have been observed during microalgae cultivation and in microalgae-based ecosystems, such as eutrophic lakes. However, little has been reported on the important role of the N2O balance in algae and the potential algal N2O production pathways. A review of recent relevant studies on N2O synthesis and fixation by algae shows that the studies mainly focus on the relationship between algae and N2O emissions, several possible pathways of N2O production and consumption in algae, the influence of the algal microenvironment on the distribution pattern of N2O, and the potential impacts on global climate change. However, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change currently does not consider the possible N2O emissions during algal blooms or algal aquaculture; hence, it is necessary to intensify experimental studies related to algal N2O production globally to take important steps towards a comprehensive clarification of the important roles of algae in N2O emission and fixation and a comprehensive assessment of greenhouse gas emissions from aquatic ecosystems.

  • Minglan XU, Lin DU, Maofa GE
    Advances in Earth Science. 2023, 38(12): 1203-1212. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.080

    Ocean aerosols are of important because of their climatic and environmental effects. When bubbles in seawater rise to the surface and burst, they enrich the surface-active substances present in the sea-surface microlayer into Sea Spray Aerosol (SSA), thus affecting their physical and chemical properties. In this study, the sources and quantitative characterization methods for marine surface-active substances are reviewed. The effects of surface-active substances on the concentration and particle size distribution of SSA are addressed, and the influencing mechanisms of hygroscopicity, cloud condensation nucleation activity, and ice nucleation activity are summarized. Owing to different sources, types, and other environmental conditions; the effects of surface-active substances on SSA generation and physicochemical properties vary significantly, making it difficult to study the environmental and climatic effects of SSA. In the future, further observational and modeling research on surface-active substances is required to provide scientific support for improved regional and global modeling of SSA.

  • Guangsheng ZHOU, Mengzi ZHOU, Li ZHOU, Yuhe JI
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(7): 661-670. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.045

    This paper summarizes recent progress in the observation, mechanism, and modeling of land-atmosphere interactions, and demonstrates that existing observational studies have not considered the effects of changes in terrestrial ecophysiology and the atmospheric boundary layer on land-atmosphere fluxes. Consequently, they restrict the parameterization of land surface processes, parameter inversion from satellite remote sensing, and the operational application of the land surface process model. To gain a comprehensive understanding of land-atmosphere interactions and the development of land surface process models, studies on the effects of changes in terrestrial ecophysiology and atmospheric boundary layers on land-atmosphere interactions and the operational application of land-surface process models need to be emphasized in the future. The main tasks to be considered include: three-dimensional observation of the land-atmosphere interactions across the boundary layer, application of multi-source data in the land-atmosphere interactions across the boundary layer, and development and operational application of land surface process models.

  • Xiaohan YU, Zhe LI, Yan XIAO, Hanqing YUAN, Qing LI
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(2): 157-168. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.010

    Aquatic ecosystems are a significant source of methane emissions. Although methane production has previously been recognized to only occur in oxygen-deprived environments, recent research has shown that aerobic water environments also experience high methane levels, known as the “methane paradox”. This phenomenon is linked to the presence of algae that can directly produce methane through photosynthesis or the use of specific compounds. Moreover, algae create conditions conducive to methane production by other microorganisms. However, the specific ecological mechanism of aerobic methane production by algae remains not yet fully understood, making accurate global methane level accounting difficult. Future studies should focus on uncovering the molecular regulation of aerobic methane production by algae and how they adapt to external conditions.

  • Jingquan WU, Quanlian LI, Xiaobo WU, Ninglian WANG, Shichang KANG, Shijin WANG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2023, 38(11): 1158-1172. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.074

    Glycerol Dialkyl Glycerol Tetraethers (GDGTs) are structurally stable, ubiquitously distributed, climate-sensitive microbial biomarkers that serve as important proxies for paleoclimatic and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. Compared to other regions, the extreme environment of the Tibetan Plateau triggers complex microbial responses that cause variations in GDGT distribution characteristics across various archives. These introduce uncertainties that limit the full potential of GDGTs in paleoclimate studies on the Tibetan Plateau. This paper summarizes the distribution, sources, and influencing factors of GDGTs in different Tibetan Plateau archives. It also outlines GDGT-based paleotemperature reconstructions, along with their associated uncertainties. The sources of uncertainty and their explanatory mechanisms are highlighted. Finally, considering the interactions between earth system spheres affecting GDGT proxies on the Tibetan Plateau, perspectives on GDGT research across the Tibetan Plateau archives are discussed, and future directions are proposed.

  • Bin ZHANG, Danqi WEI, Yi DING, Hongtao JIANG, Jian YIN
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(3): 317-328. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.022

    To investigate the spatiotemporal patterns and agglomeration characteristics of carbon emissions in the Pearl River Basin, we constructed a carbon emission estimation model by coupling multi-source data. The spatiotemporal dynamics and spatial correlation characteristics of urban carbon emissions were explored using exploratory spatiotemporal data analysis and modified gravity modeling. The findings indicate that the total carbon emissions in the Pearl River Basin increased from 312.67 million tons to 336.54 million tons. Dongguan, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou consistently stood out as cities with the highest carbon emissions. On the grid scale, the high-value carbon emission agglomeration expands towards the periphery, with the Pearl River Delta region serving as the core, whereas the high-value carbon emission area in the middle and upper reaches is characterized by a point-like distribution. Carbon emissions in the Pearl River Basin show a positive spatial correlation, although there is a decreasing trend in the spatial interaction effect. Furthermore, there is a positive synergistic trend among neighboring cities in terms of carbon emissions. The average linkage intensity of urban carbon emissions increases from 5.93 to 18.97, indicating strengthened connectivity among cities. The carbon emissions network structure shows a trend towards centralization. This method incorporates carbon sources and sinks into the calculation process, has potential practical value, and can support the development of a carbon reduction strategy.

  • Sijie WANG, Jintai LIN, Hao KONG, Yuhang ZHANG, Chenghao XU, Chunjin LI, Fangxuan REN
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(3): 269-278. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.014

    Satellite-based fast inversion for nitrogen oxides (NO x =NO+NO2) emissions at low computational costs and high resolutions (≤5 km or finer) can provide timely, detailed data to support targeted pollution control. To date, a variety of low-cost fast inversion methods have been developed, such as the Exponentially Modified Gaussian (EMG), Divergence (DIV), and the PHLET (Peking University High-resolution Lifetime-Emission-Transport) models. However, quantitative comparisons of these methods and their emission results are lacking. This study compares the above three inversion methods for the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei region during the summer of 2019. We found that the EMG model, which was designed for point source emission inversion, performs poorly in Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei due to dense emission sources even within each city. The DIV considers the horizontal transport of NO x with a predetermined (fixed) lifetime and can quickly identify the locations of emission sources; however, it tends to underestimate the emission amounts and even leads to negative emissions in many places. PHLET algorithm considers the horizontal transport of NO2, the nonlinear relationship between local NO2 concentrations and lifetimes, and the two-way matching between irregular satellite pixels and regular model grid cells, resulting in more reliable emission estimates. Filling in missing satellite data through data fusion, improving wind data resolution and accuracy, and improving NO x chemical loss estimation will significantly enhance the quality of emission inversion.

  • Yuliu CHEN, Ruxin DING, Zhuan SUN, Shengcheng LU
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(4): 357-373. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.031

    Since the inception of the (U-Th)/He thermochronometer at the turn of the last century, it has assumed an increasingly pivotal role in geology and related disciplines, notably in the dating of apatite and zircon. However, the occurrence of apatite and zircon is relatively restricted in nature, significantly constraining the advancement and application of (U-Th)/He dating. Through ongoing, comprehensive investigations into He diffusion kinetics and advancements in analytical technology, alongside apatite and zircon, other minerals (U-Th)/He thermochronologies have also made significant strides, progressively refining and broadening their applications, thereby opening new avenues for the (U-Th)/He thermochronometer. Moreover, different minerals record distinct geological information; hence, employing (U-Th)/He dating across multiple minerals enhances our comprehension of geological processes. This paper provides a concise overview of the progress in (U-Th)/He dating of hematite, goethite, magnetite, carbonate minerals, conodont, fluorite, perovskite, spinel, rutile, and garnet, with a focus on the advanced research in hematite, goethite, magnetite, carbonate minerals, and conodont (U-Th)/He dating, which are relatively mature. Presently, these novel methodologies have found applications in diverse fields such as ore deposits, sedimentology, tectonic geology, geodynamics, and environmental science, particularly in determining mineralization age, reconstructing paleoenvironments and paleoclimates, elucidating processes of oceanic crust alteration, subduction, and exhumation, understanding the functioning of hydrothermal systems, investigating fault deformation, and conducting paleoseismic research, wherein they are poised to play a pivotal role. However, several challenges persist, including multiple diffusion domains, the impact of radiation damage and chemical composition on helium diffusion, loss of parent isotopes during heating and degassing, and open behavior within the (U-Th)/He system, often resulting in dispersed thermochronological (U-Th)/He dates. Thus, further investigations into He diffusion behavior in these minerals, enhancements in experimental methodologies, and improvements in instrument accuracy are imperative to ensure the precision of (U-Th)/He data, thereby furnishing a more dependable framework for understanding geological processes.

  • Shuyi FU, Yuxiang DONG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(1): 34-45. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.003

    The mutual interaction between coastal aeolian landforms and vegetation has been the focus of research in different periods, both domestically and internationally. This brief review summarizes the main advancements in research on the interaction between coastal aeolian landforms and vegetation, as well as the techniques and methods used. Research improvements are necessary in terms of systematic analysis, deepening the understanding of the impact and response mechanisms of vegetation on dune evolution, and addressing the lack of regional comparative studies. This review proposes future research directions that advocate for an intensified examination of landscape effects resulting from the interaction between coastal aeolian landforms and vegetation. It further suggests a deeper exploration of the response patterns of vegetation to the morphological and dynamic processes of coastal aeolian landforms, clarification of the feedback mechanisms between coastal vegetation and aeolian landform morphology and activity, and increased emphasis on regional comparative studies. This will enrich and enhance the research on coastal aeolian landforms in China.

  • Yani WU, Yang CHEN, Ye WANG, Pengjun MO, Weibin GAO
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(1): 71-81. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.082

    Research on the Anthropocene—a newly determined geological chronological unit—requires higher temporal resolution, which necessitates the identification of appropriate dating methods. Currently, the main dating methods involve 137Cs, 210Pb, and 239, 240Pu isotopes. Compared with 137Cs and 239, 240Pu dating, 210Pb dating has a wider application range, relatively stable geochemical behavior and distribution in the environment, and relatively high dating reliability. It can be used to estimate sedimentation rates in Anthropocene estuaries, lakes, oceans, and other sedimentary environments. This paper summarizes the 210Pb dating method, dating principle, and model, and expounds the application of 210Pb dating for the establishment of the Anthropocene age scale and acquisition of sedimentary rates in different sedimentary environments, such as estuaries, lakes, and oceans. It also discusses its influencing factors, and indicates that there are certain error sources in the 210Pb dating method, such as changes in sedimentary rates, which require further study. Future research should combine 210Pb dating with other dating methods to obtain a more comprehensive and accurate Anthropocene chronological framework. 210Pb will continue to play an important role in the study of the Anthropocene, helping us to better understand the history and future of Earth.

  • Hong JIANG, Yongming HAN, Weiguo LIU, Yunning CAO, Jing HU, Huimin FAN, Bo LIU
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(1): 82-95. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.006

    Based on a global comparison of geological records, the International Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) determined that the onset of the Anthropocene was sometime in the mid-twentieth century (~1950 CE), and the Sihailongwan Maar Lake has been included as one of the candidate sites for the Global boundary Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) of the Anthropocene. However, humans had a profound impact on the environment of the areas around Sihailongwan Maar Lake even before 1950 CE. Historical sequences of TOC contents, C/N ratios, δ13Corg values, Ca/Ti ratios, and concentrations of silicate major elements, such as Si, Al, and K, since 900 CE were reconstructed, with the average resolution being ~10 a, to explore the history of human activities in this region under the background of climate change. Human activities have significantly increased since 1850 CE, and changes in the measured proxies during the Medieval Warm Period and Little Ice Age before 1850 CE generally follow natural laws. The changes in the measured proxies during 1850-1950 CE indicate a rapid population growth, which damaged vegetation and resulted in intensified weathering and deviation of the surface environment evolution from the natural state. Hence, humans had started to be an important force for the geological environment; nevertheless, the changes during this period resulted in mostly local signals. After 1950 CE, the C/N ratios and δ13Corg values decreased continuously, indicating that the environmental status of the area around Sihailongwan Maar Lake changed once again under the new government and advanced productivity. This was in sync with the Great Acceleration of the global geological environment and supports the conclusion of the AWG that the onset of the Anthropocene was sometime in the mid-twentieth century.

  • Zhongqing WU
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(6): 551-564. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.044

    The island arc and oceanic plateau models of a mantle plume are two popular models for the origin of the crust. In contrast to the island arc model, the oceanic plateau model can account for most of the features of the Archean crust but meets the fundamental challenge of explaining the water-rich features of the magma source for the Archean crust. The recent water-induced mantle overturn model accounts for not only water-rich features but also several puzzling phenomena in the Archean. The whole-mantle Magma Ocean (MO) separated into outer and basal MO because the crystallized mantle floated in the middle mantle. The water-induced mantle overturn model shows that with crystallization, basal MO became increasingly enriched in water because lower-mantle minerals can only contain a limited amount of water. Water reduced the density of basal MO. The basal MO eventually became less dense than the overlying solid mantle and became gravitationally unstable because of water enrichment. The triggered mantle overturned transport a large amount of water to the shallow part of the Earth and resulted in large pulses of crust and thick subcontinental lithospheric mantle (SCLM) generation. Therefore, the Archean crust was the result of the evolution of the basal MO. Once the mantle overturned from the basal MO, Archean-type crust no longer formed. Thus, the water-induced mantle overturn model can account for global change at the end of the Archean and other puzzling phenomena. For example, why were Tonalite-Trondhjemite-Granodiorite (TTG) and thick SCLM rare in the Hadean, why does the source of Archean basalts remain the primitive mantle from ca 4.0 to 2.5 Ga, and why does only Earth have continental crust?

  • Chuan TONG, Min LUO, Minjie HU, Chun WANG, Baigui LIU, Pengfei ZHAN
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(5): 441-453. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.029

    Sea-Level Rise (SLR) directly changes the hydrology and salinity of estuarine tidal wetlands and is one of the primary drivers of global change that significantly impacts ecosystem processes. Herein, various methodologies and experimental facilities (marsh organs, weirs, and flow-through mesocosms) for manipulating SLR are systematically reviewed. This study provides a comprehensive summary of the effects and mechanisms associated with SLR regarding the fluxes and production rates of CH4 and CO2, and the pathways and rates of soil organic carbon mineralization from the perspectives of SLR-saltwater intrusion and inundation increase. Saltwater intrusion due to SLR notably decreases CH4 production rates and fluxes. It induces a shift in the pathways of soil organic carbon mineralization, transitioning from CH4 production to microbial SO 4 2 - reduction in tidal freshwater marshes. The main mechanism reducing saltwater intrusion-induced CH4 flux is the increased presence of the electron acceptor SO 4 2 - , which hinders soil CH4 production. The impact of SLR through saltwater intrusion on CO2 emissions in tidal freshwater marshes exhibits distinct uncertainty. Owing to the inherent challenges in experimentally manipulating SLR in situ, few reports concerning the effects of SLR-related inundation on CH4 and CO2 fluxes and production rates exist. However, some studies have suggested that an increase in inundation height leads to a reduction in CO2 emissions. Additionally, this study consolidates information surrounding electron acceptors and microbial mechanisms associated with SLR that influence the pathways and rates of soil organic carbon mineralization in coastal tidal wetlands. Finally, this study outlines the specific domains that warrant further exploration in future research on the impact of SLR on the production and emission of carbon greenhouse gases in estuarine tidal marshes.

  • Wei WEI, Jiayi BAI
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(3): 221-231. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.018

    As computing power continues to improve, the horizontal grid resolution of numerical weather prediction models has reached the kilometer-to-sub-kilometer scale. This grid scale is comparable to the characteristic turbulent scales in the convective boundary layer, allowing the numerical models to resolve the organized convective structures. The assumptions of traditional one-dimensional boundary layer parameterization schemes (suitable for horizontal resolutions of several kilometers or coarser) and large eddy simulation three-dimensional turbulent closure schemes (suitable for horizontal resolutions below several tens of meters) do not hold at this scale, which is referred to as the gray zone. This study discusses the applicability and limitations of traditional parameterization methods and introduces the gray zone of the convective boundary layer from three perspectives: theory, methodological approaches, and impact. It summarizes the characteristics of the simulation methods at the CBL gray zone scale developed over the past two decades and explores the impact of the boundary layer process simulation at this scale on other physical processes (e.g., shallow/deep convection) in numerical models. Further, we anticipate future research directions and approaches.

  • Liujie PAN, Hongfang ZHANG, Jiahuimin LIU, Chunjuan QI, Mian LIANG, Danmeng MA, Peirong LI, Changming DAI, Xingxing GAO
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(2): 193-206. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.012

    The objective evaluation of small-scale variables’ forecast performance is vital for the application and development of Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP). Traditional point-to-point verification has significant limitations in the evaluation of high-resolution NWP. The Object-based Diagnostic Evaluation (MODE) method utilizes convolution functions and a given threshold to identify objects in the forecast and observation fields, extract their attributes, and diagnose the performance of the NWP. It has been widely applied in weather forecasting. This paper systematically reviews the academic ideas, technical framework, algorithm flow, and verification indices of the MODE spatial verification method. Subsequently, this paper summarizes the typical applications of MODE verification in precipitation forecasting, weather radar, satellite cloud images, ensemble forecasting, and other elements. It elaborates on the significance of verification results in evaluating the quality of NWP and their role in improving the accuracy of weather forecast results, both subjectively and objectively. Furthermore, it introduces recent updates and developments in MODE verification methods. These include the comprehensive evaluation index MODE Composite Score (MCS), which considers the mismatched attributes of objects, three-dimensional spatiotemporal object tracking using ellipsoids as targets, and the verification method, MODE Time Domain (MTD). Finally, it discusses the MODE verification method's applicability, advantages, and limitations while considering its future development direction and application prospects. The purpose of this study is to provide references for better application and diagnosis of NWP performance using the MODE method.

  • Qingshan WANG, Chao CHANG, Laiyuan WU, Xingliang ZHANG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2023, 38(12): 1224-1242. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.083

    Black shale is the product of the joint action of life and non-life processes under the condition of multi-circle linkage in the deep inside and on the surface of the Earth and contains abundant energy resources indispensable for social development. To comprehensively understand the research status of black shale in China, clarify the notable research topics, deeply assess the research frontiers and hot spots, and grasp their development trends; a knowledge graph analysis of the literature on black shale in China included in the CNKI (1 466 articles) and Web of Science (1 069 articles) databases was performed using CiteSpace visualization software. The results showed that the number of published papers has increased annually since the beginning of this century, inter-institutional and international cooperation has gradually strengthened, and academic influence has notably expanded. The core research topics included shale gas, Longmaxi Formation, the Sichuan Basin, and other keywords. The research frontier clusters cover 12 subdomains, including “Southern North China Basin”, “Wufeng-Longmaxi Formation”, “Ordovician-Silurian Transition”, “Early Cambrian”, “Ni-Mo Polymetallic Sulfide Bed”, “Ediacaran Radiogenic Sr Isotope Excursion”, “Ordovician-Silurian Wufeng-Longmaxi Shale”, “Ordos”, “South China”, “Shale Gas Potential”, “Cambrian Facies”, and “Early Cambrian Black Shale”. The research on black shale in China is concluded to be in a stage of rapid development, with the most notable research discipline being petroleum geology. The hottest research area is the Sichuan Basin, and the hottest strata include the Wufeng-Longmaxi and Niutitang formations. Frontier research topics have shifted from mineral deposits and sedimentology to petroleum geology. Overall, biased attention has been given to black shale research in China in terms of the discipline, targeted regions, and strata. Multidisciplinary collaborative research remains rare, and its scientific strengths require to be adequately explored. In addition, the study of black shale has been mainly limited to sedimentary environments and redox conditions, whereas the sedimentary processes and mechanisms have not been adequately studied. Currently, an urgent requirement prevailsto strengthen interdisciplinary cooperation and integration and perform major comprehensive research projects on black shale to lead scientific research frontiers and serve the developmental needs of our country.

  • Jinbo LIU, Yong ZHANG, Shiyin LIU, Xin WANG, Zongli JIANG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(4): 391-404. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.030

    The Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings are home to a significant number of rock glaciers. These formations, due to their unique characteristics of water storage and response to climate, not only impact the solid water resources in the region but also contribute to an increased risk of corresponding disasters, garnering growing attention. However, there remains a notable gap in research concerning the identification of rock glaciers, estimation of ice volume, and simulation of dynamic processes. This gap hinders the accurate assessment of changes in rock glaciers and their climate response characteristics in areas lacking data. This review systematically analyzes the distribution characteristics of rock glaciers in the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings while comprehensively investigating the research progress on the identification of rock glaciers, estimation of ice volume, and understanding of dynamic processes. Due to the scarcity of observational data and methodological uncertainties, numerous challenges persist in the identification of rock glaciers, estimation of ice volume, and simulation of dynamic processes in the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings. In the future, efforts will focus on deepening our understanding of the interaction mechanisms between climate and the dynamic processes of rock glaciers. This will involve strengthening monitoring efforts using Space-Air-Ground-based multi-level, multi-angle, and multi-method approaches. Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence and new observation technologies into methods for identifying rock glaciers and estimating ice volume will be pursued. These advancements will enable the accurate evaluation of changes, future trends, and impacts of rock glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau and its surroundings under climate change conditions, ultimately supporting the sustainable social and economic development of the region.

  • Weijing MA, Yaochen WANG, Jingwen KOU, Haijiang YANG, Bing XUE, Xiaohua GOU
    Advances in Earth Science. 2023, 38(12): 1243-1258. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2023.078

    The matching of water and land resources often directly affects food production in various regions and is the basis for high-quality economic and social development and modernization of agricultural production. Using nine provinces along the Yellow River as examples, based on the cross-coupling of four elements, such as the natural background of water resources and water resources for total water consumption control, this study constructed a ternary synergistic model of water-cultivated land-grain by cross-coupling. The matching coefficients of water and soil resources from 2010 to 2020 under each scenario were calculated, and the temporal and spatial evolution characteristics of water and soil resources matching along the “province-city” scale of the nine provinces along the Yellow River and the contribution degree of each element were analyzed. The results showed that: The matching degree of binary water and soil resources based on the natural background of water resources in the nine provinces was improved as a whole, and the matching pattern of water and soil resources was relatively stable; however, the regional differences are notable and manifested as “high in the west and low in the east.” Along the three-way coordinated matching pattern of water-arable land and grain in the nine provinces, from the perspective of the total amount of cultivated land and the amount of irrigated arable land in the natural background of water resources, roughly three distribution patterns were presented: the western and northeastern regions were severely water-deficient areas, the northern and north-central regions typically had varying degrees of water shortage, and the central and eastern regions exhibited a diversified distribution pattern; from the perspective of total water consumption control, a remarkable difference is observed between the total amount of cultivated land and the three-way cooperative matching pattern of irrigated cultivated ground. Under the four scenarios, the average contribution rate of water resources were >50%, and the sum of the effective utilization coefficient of irrigation water and the contribution rate of the irrigation quota were >30%, indicating that increasing the effective utilization coefficient and setting a reasonable irrigation quota had a decisive impact on the change in water and soil resource matching. These results improve our understanding of the relationship between water resources and exploitation, cultivated land production capacity, and reclamation, as well as the interdependence and constraints of the grain planting structure.

  • Yun YU, Jianfeng YANG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(4): 347-356. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.025

    Geodiversity encompasses the diversity of abiotic materials, forms, and processes on and beneath the surface of the Earth. This study investigates the impact of geodiversity on biodiversity, shedding light on the interplay between subsurface-aboveground dynamics and geological-biological roles in natural ecosystems. Synthesizing domestic and international research, we explore the relationship between geodiversity and biodiversity, highlighting their joint role in maintaining natural ecosystems. Specifically, we focus on understanding the formation and maintenance mechanisms of high geodiversity supporting high biodiversity. Additionally, we examine the impact of geodiversity on biodiversity across various spatial scales, noting differences in effects at global, landscape, and local scales. We also underscore the lack of a unified understanding of the impacts of geodiversity on biodiversity and its driving mechanisms, particularly in protected areas. Furthermore, we summarize research methods for geodiversity assessment, including qualitative, quantitative, and qualitative-quantitative approaches, and highlight the effectiveness of the qualitative-quantitative method. Lastly, we suggest that future research should emphasize strengthening empirical analyses of geodiversity on biodiversity within nature reserves, integrating geodiversity on biodiversity research into the management of protected areas, and optimizing geodiversity assessment methods.

  • Shujing SHEN, Yueqin SHI, Weiguo LIU, Shaofeng HUA, Jing SUN
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(7): 671-684. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.055

    Warm clouds are predominant cloud types that form precipitation as well as the important objects for weather modification operations. Mechanistic research, seeding estimation, and effect evaluation based on cloud seeding models provide a key basis and scientific guidance for weather modification operations. In numerical models for warm cloud seeding over the past half-century, this study systematically and respectively introduces and compares the development progress of various hygroscopic seeding models based on Bulk, Bin, Particle-based Lagrangian and Hybrid microphysics schemes. A comprehensive examination was provided for the application of a series of models, focusing on salt powders and flares in artificial precipitation enhancement, defogging, precipitation reduction, actual seeding effect evaluation, and mechanism research. It further summarizes the current scientific consensus and existing problems and finally looks forward to the key directions of future scientific research. This will have important guiding significance for the in-depth development of warm cloud seeding numerical models, the study of precipitation enhancement mechanisms, and the application of weather modification operations.

  • Ying GUO, Wenjie FENG, Shaohua LI, Shuhong YAN
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(4): 405-418. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.028

    Sandy braided rivers can create extensive oil and gas reservoirs, with channel bars representing predominant sedimentary features. These bars, including compound middle channel bars and compound sidebars, exhibit complex internal architectural patterns resulting from multiple episodes of erosion, cutting, and redeposition during formation. To address these complexities, numerical simulations of sedimentation were employed to replicate the growth and evolution of the bars, enabling the analysis of repetitive sedimentation and erosion-cutting processes shaping their architecture. The results indicate the following: compound middle bars experienced downward migration followed by lateral migration due to water flow from both sides, whereas sidebars underwent lateral migration first and then downward migration due to water flow from one side; compound middle bars developed through downstream, lateral, and vertical accretions, whereas sidebars formed through lateral, vertical, or infilling deposits, all from bottom to top; and compound sidebars exhibited greater variation in the scale of lateral accretions compared to middle bars, displaying multiple generations and intricate interleaving relationships. A deeper understanding of the internal architecture of middle and sidebars provides novel insights into the characterization of underground oil and gas reservoirs.

  • Xiaoya REN, Ruimin WU, Zhiqiang ZHANG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(2): 140-156. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.015

    Earth science is crucial in economic and social development. A quantitative research framework was established to conduct a multi-level analysis of international trends in earth science, focusing on international status and influence of earth science in China. The analysis encompasses macro-, meso-, and micro-level analyses. Based on literature data, this framework analyzes various dimensions such as output scale, collaboration networks, research topics, topic popularity, and international power. Our analysis shows that since 2012, global Earth science has maintained a relatively active and steady development trend. China has made significant progress in output, representative institutions, collaboration networks, highly cited papers, international power, etc. Policy recommendations are proposed for the development of Earth science in China, including strategic planning in the discipline, deep international scientific cooperation, leadership in international frontier scientific programs, the establishment of discipline-specific data centers, redevelopment of new technological tools, interdisciplinary research integration, and the value of economic and social development. These recommendations are based on domestic and international strategic plans and quantitative research findings. Examples include increasing medium- and long-term disciplinary strategic planning, promoting high-level international S & T cooperation, and initiating China’s cutting-edge international scientific programs.

  • Jun ZHANG, Derui LUO, Chunjie LI, Tao WANG, Zezhou ZHU, Xiaozhong HUANG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(5): 489-503. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.034

    Coprophilous fungal spores, “Non-Pollen Palynomorph” parts of pollen analysis, are mainly used to reconstruct past changes in the population sizes of herbivores and intensity of pastoral activities. By systematically summarizing research examples of modern processes and paleoecological applications of coprophilous fungal spores at home and abroad, this study identified that foreign research has focused on the diversity, influencing factors, and dissemination, transportation, and deposition processes of coprophilous fungal spores. Sporormiella-type, Sordaria spp., and Podospora sp. have emerged as reliable indicators of herbivore activity; in particular Sporormiella-type coprophilous fungal spores have found widespread applications in different study areas. A strong correlation between coprophilous fungal spores and grazing activity has been found in the northeastern Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. International paleoecological studies have demonstrated that Sporormiella-type fungal spores effectively indicate the extinction of large herbivores and fluctuations in grazing intensity. Domestic studies have identified the suppression of human hunting activities by herbivores during the Early and Middle Holocene. Key transitional periods were identified, such as the beginning of grazing activity about 5.6 ka, an increase after approximately 4.0 ka, and a significant increase during the historical period. In future research, it will be necessary to enhance the modern processes of coprophilous fungal spores investigation to understand the production, transmission, deposition, and preservation of coprophilous fungal spores and the mechanisms involved. Additionally, to explore the relationship between coprophilous fungal spores and herbivore population sizes, vegetation status, sedimentary environment, and transport dynamics to provide valuable information for the accurate interpretation of fossil coprophilous fungal spore records of natural sedimentary strata by combining multiple indicators and employing interdisciplinary evidence. Therefore, further research regarding the modern processes and applications of coprophilous fungal spores is of great significance in understanding the histories of past human activities and their interactions with environmental changes.

  • Zengyuan ZHOU, Weilin ZHU, Wenxu PENG, Hefeng SUN, Xiaowei FU, Shijie ZHAO, Kailong FENG
    Advances in Earth Science. 2024, 39(3): 232-246. https://doi.org/10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2024.020

    The Sumatera Basin Group is a typical back-arc basin in Southeast Asia and is the largest oil and gas enrichment area in Indonesia. In the past five years, it has been found that the new oil and gas reserves are on the rise, and the amount of resources to be discovered is large, which has great exploration potential. This study systematically sorts out the hydrocarbon exploration history, main oil and gas resource distribution, and basin tectonic evolution characteristics of the Sumatra Basin group and analyzes the differences in oil and gas distribution and its main controlling factors in the back-arc basin of Sumatra. The uneven distribution patterns of oil and gas were mainly controlled by the differential distribution of source rocks during the fault depression period. The three-stage tectonic evolution during the fault depression period controlled the distribution of sedimentary facies in different types of sedimentary environments, which in turn affected the distribution of the main source rocks. Secondly, crustal tension thinning and magmatism promoted the formation of high heat flow values in the shallow layer of the back-arc area, which accelerated the pyrolysis of the hydrocarbon source rocks. Combined with the oil and gas exploration history of the back-arc basin group in Sumatra and the amount of oil and gas resources to be discovered, it is considered that deep-water areas, such as the Andaman III PSC block in the northern part of the Sumatra Basin, the new strata of the basement buried hill under the source of the South Sumatra Basin, and the low exploration degree areas on land in the Central Sumatra Basin are new areas for the next mature basin exploration.