In early March, a research team led by Hou Zengqian, academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and head of the Deep Earth Science and Exploration Technology Laboratory of the Ministry of Natural Resources, completed a paper on the new pattern of eastward growth on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and published online in the internationally renowned academic journal Nature Geosci-ence, which caused strong repercussions in the academic circles at home and abroad and became another major achievement in the basic research of the Deep Earth Laboratory
What scientific achievements has the Deep Earth Laboratory achieved since its establishment in 2021?
The reporter of "China Natural Resources News" interviewed Academician Hou Zengqian on this
The eastward growth model of the Tibetan Plateau was proposed
The original geological theory results have been published in top international journals
Hou Zengqian told reporters that the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau was formed by the collision and extrusion of the Indian plate and the Eurasian plate, and has a strong multi-circle interaction and extensive resource and environmental effects. In order to delicately describe the process and mechanism of continental collision and plateau uplift, especially the eastward growth of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, foreign scientists have proposed a variety of theoretical models, but all the current geoscientific observation and detection data have not been fully explained.
"To this end, we have conducted an in-depth study of the current mantle structure and its Cenozoic evolution on the eastern side of the plateau through the comprehensive use of multi-scale seismic imaging, geochemical tracer and geodynamic simulation, simulated and restored the spatiotemporal evolution process of the Indian lithospheric tear zone, revealed that the vertical tearing of the Cenozoic Indian plate on the eastern side of the Tibetan Plateau controlled the eastward growth of the plateau, and proposed a new model of 'plate tearing-mantle eddy' to control the eastward growth of the Tibetan Plateau for the first time. This is also the first original work on the growth model of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau published by a Chinese scholar in a top international journal. Hou Zengqian said.
The research team simulated the evolution process caused by differential subduction on the north and south sides of the lithospheric mantle in eastern India due to the Cenozoic Qinghai-Tibet High.
In fact, in the past two years, the scientific research team of the Deep Earth Science and Exploration Technology Laboratory of the Ministry of Natural Resources (hereinafter referred to as the Deep Earth Laboratory) has published a number of papers in top international journals. In 2023 alone, a total of 315 papers will be published in the Deep Earth Laboratory, including 225 SCI papers and 85 papers published in important international journals such as Nature Earth Sciences, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, National Science Review, Nature Communications, Science Advances, Geology, and Earth and Planetary Science Letters. Its goal of becoming a "highland of innovation in the theory of deep earth resources" in mainland China is gradually emerging.
Focus on the strategic scientific and technological issues of "marching into the deep part of the earth".
Exploration of deep mineral resources
General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out that marching into the deep part of the earth is a strategic scientific and technological problem that we must solve. In February 2021, the Deep Earth Science and Exploration Technology Laboratory of the Ministry of Natural Resources was established in response to the demand. "The Deep Earth Laboratory fully integrates strategic scientific and technological forces in the field of deep earth and resources, and focuses on four major research directions: deep structure detection and metallogenic background, deep material detection and metallogenic system, deep mineral exploration theory and technology, deep metallogenic prediction and potential evaluation. The ultimate goal of all research is 'mineral resources', that is, to provide deep solutions for ensuring the security of national energy resources. Hou Zengqian emphasized. 2023 is a bumper year for the scientific research achievements of the Deep Earth Laboratory, which Hou Zengqian summarized into five aspects: in the study of deep earth dynamics, he innovatively proposed the differential rotation model of the earth's inner core, revealing the differential rotation changes of the earth's inner core in the past 70 years, that is, between the earth's inner core, outer core, mantle and surface, due to the coupling effects of electromagnetism and gravity, a coupled resonance system with a period of sixty or seventy years, from the inner core to the superficial surface, has been formed. In terms of deep material detection, the first three-dimensional material structure map in Chinese mainland has been preliminarily completed. It has established the first magmatic rock database and research platform in China, compiled and released the global magmatic rock map and the Asian magmatic rock map, explored and innovated the research paradigm of "data + mapping + research", preliminarily constructed the three-dimensional material architecture of important tectonic units, carried out isotope mapping of eight orogenic belts around the world, put forward the classification of orogenic belts and the new concept of material orogenic belts, and enriched the theory of crustal growth.
In the study of deep processes and metallogenic in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the formation mechanism of the Himalayan arc mountain range is proposed by using discrete element (DEM) numerical simulation, and the development and formation process of the Himalayan arc is reconstructed, the 30 Ma potassium-magnesium porphyry and the 18 Ma mantle source carbonate magmatic rocks are discovered for the first time, which limits the time of the rift in southern Tibet and constructs a fine model of continental lithospheric evolution and deep melting, the deep structure of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is revealed, and a new mechanism of deep process and metallogenic is proposed。
In terms of the study of deep processes and metallogenic in South China, a new extensional dynamic model of the Late Mesozoic in South China is proposed, new seismological evidence of lithospheric subsidence in South China is discovered, and a new model of Mesozoic explosive metallogenic in South China caused by lithospheric subsidence is proposed, and the deep structure of the metallogenic belt in the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is characterized through comprehensive geophysical exploration, and a three-stage metallogenic model of the middle and lower reaches of the Yangtze River is proposed, and the zircon Hf isotope mapping at the continental scale is carried out for the first time, and a "snapshot" of the deep crustal structure of South China is given It redefines the boundaries of metallogenic belts (provinces) and the spatial attribution of ore deposits, revealing the control of the crustal structure of South China over the metal metallogenic system. In terms of theoretical guidance for prospecting, a number of major breakthroughs have demonstrated the great momentum of scientific research: revealing the distribution law of key elements in the world, discovering the law of supernormal enrichment of heavy rare earth elements, discovering ultra-large-scale ion adsorption type medium and heavy rare earth ores in Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, discovering high-sulfur epithermal gold deposits for the first time in the continental volcanic rock area of Tibet, and making important breakthroughs in exploration, and the research on the theory and migration law of continental potassium formation led to the exploration of the deep continental "gravel-type" in the foothills of the Altun Mountains in northwest Chai The potassium-containing brine has opened up a new space for finding potassium in the Qaidam Basin, and expanded a new direction and field for continental continental potassium searching.
The tectonic analysis team of the Central Asian orogenic belt of the Deep Earth Laboratory investigated the Beishan-Alxa Jurassic large-scale thrust overthrust forward fault in the field.
The research team of the Deep Earth Laboratory conducted a field investigation in the Beishan-Alxa area.
A new paradigm of multidisciplinary integration has been formed
Seek to maximize the effectiveness of scientific research
The academic committee includes 20 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Sciences such as Zhu Rixiang and Wang Chengshan and famous scholars in the field of deep earth such as Dong Shuwen, and among the 158 permanent researchers, there are 6 academicians of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (including 2 full-time foreign academicians) and 38 national-level talents, accounting for more than 60% of them under the age of 45. At the same time, the laboratory has also established the Deep Earth Science Data Center of the Ministry of Natural Resources, and the complete data of the previous national special project - "SinoProbe" (2008-2016) has been fully stored.
Academician Tang Juxing (middle), chief scientist of the Deep Earth Laboratory, at the site of the Zhejiang Copper (Gold) Survey Project
Prof. Zeng Lingsen (right), Chief Scientist of the Deep Earth Laboratory, collects samples in the Lulang area of Tibet
Researcher Lv Qingtian (middle), chief scientist of the Deep Earth Laboratory, led the team to inspect and exchange the gold mine project of the Sixth Geological Brigade of Shandong Provincial Bureau of Geology and Mineral Resources
Hou Zengqian believes that talents and data are the foundation of scientific research, and the fact that Shendi Laboratory can produce more innovative results in a short period of time is due to the scientific concept of multidisciplinary integration and the research paradigm of data-driven scientific discovery.
Taking the paper on the new pattern of eastward growth of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau published in Nature Earth Sciences as an example, the research team is composed of scientists from the Institute of Geology (Deep Earth Laboratory) of the Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, the Institute of Geology and Geophysics of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the University of Science and Technology of China and other units. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and other universities are a successful attempt by experts from different disciplines to carry out multidisciplinary research on the problem of plateau growth.
"Our research is indeed based on the latest multi-scale seismic imaging and other geophysical observation data, but more importantly, it is necessary to change the previous single-disciplinary research model, break the barriers between disciplines, and conduct interdisciplinary and interdisciplinary comprehensive research on massive data in geophysics, geochemistry, geological observation, etc. Hou Zengqian said, "Scientists in different fields will work together around the same scientific goals, and continue to discuss and study scientific issues of common concern, so that their horizons, ideas, and understanding will be expanded and improved." ”
He said that the development of science and technology has entered a new era at this stage. Multidisciplinary research to stimulate new ideas and catalyze new achievements is the general development direction, and artificial intelligence, big data and large models are new and important means. In a sense, in-depth analysis and comprehensive research of multi-source and heterogeneous big data may be more important than blindly obtaining new data.
Linked by clear scientific goals and major projects
Organized into a system of collaborative innovation
The biggest feature of the deep earth laboratory is to use exploration as the main technical means to solve the problem of deep mineral resources. The technical means of the deep earth laboratory mainly include: first, through the combination of geophysical prospecting and drilling, to understand the structure, structure and evolution process of the deep earth, to reveal the deep process, mineralizing factors, geological background and metallogenic environment of the formation of mineral resources; reconstruct the Earth's crust) and its mineral-forming cycles, identify the composition and variation of the mantle lithosphere, and understand the process of metal pre-enrichment. "The search for deep minerals does not necessarily have to be exploited immediately, and depends on economic and technical conditions. However, in order to deeply reveal the formation and distribution law of mineral resources and innovate and develop a new metallogenic theoretical system, it is necessary to delicately describe the metallogenic system rooted in the shallow lithosphere, scientifically understand and deeply understand the 'source-transportation-storage' system of mineralization, as well as the in-situ mechanism and occurrence law of minerals, and theoretically guide the practice of prospecting. ”
Ma Xiaoli, a researcher at the Deep Earth Laboratory, investigates the cracks caused by the Maduo earthquake in Qinghai Province.
At the same time, the deep earth laboratory is also committed to the study and establishment of the theory and technical system of deep mineral exploration, focusing on the problem of deep prospecting at different scales of metallogenic belts, ore concentration areas and ore fields, innovating multi-scale deep exploration theories and exploration models, developing aerogeophysical detection and intelligent interpretation technology, "penetrating" geochemical exploration theory and technology, air-ground-well three-dimensional detection and ore body positioning technology, etc., developing a multi-scale exploration technology system, forming a fine exploration capability of shallow minerals below 2000 meters, and helping a major breakthrough in deep prospecting. The Deep Earth Laboratory will also focus on deep metallogenic prediction and potential evaluation, develop intelligent prediction technology, evaluate the shallow resource potential of key metallogenic areas below 2000 meters, and carry out deep prospecting demonstration research around large-scale resource bases to promote the discovery of more large-scale ore deposits.
Academician Hou Zengqian (middle), head of the Deep Earth Laboratory, inspects the lead-zinc mine in the northern section of the Sanjiang River.
"The goal of the Deep Earth Laboratory is to form a national strategic scientific and technological force, carry out organized and organized innovative research, solve major scientific problems, and serve the major needs of the country. Hou Zengqian told reporters that in order to build a source of technological innovation in deep mineral exploration and evaluation and an incubator for the transformation of deep exploration technology, and provide deep solutions for national energy and resource security, the deep earth laboratory is organizing superior forces to fully undertake major national special tasks and strive to make greater contributions. In order to gather the top scientific research forces in the field of deep minerals in China, so that everyone can build consensus and work in the same direction, the deep earth laboratory has formulated a clear medium and long-term plan and annual research plan, and formed a working mechanism with planning as the framework and project as the link, so that everyone can give full play to their scientific research advantages and cohesion from different disciplines. He believes that scientists should grow up in a relatively liberal and relaxed academic environment, but this does not mean that basic research can only be freely explored. The problem of deep resources is very complex, and for such complex and systematic scientific problems, the free exploration of small teams or individuals can no longer be solved, and it is necessary to vigorously promote organized and organized scientific research, which is also the purpose of establishing a deep earth laboratory. In addition, organized scientific research and free exploration are not either/or, they can fully promote each other and stimulate the internal motivation of scientific researchers. Hou Zengqian is full of confidence in the future development of the Deep Earth Laboratory. He said that as far as the future is concerned, the reserve force of geological science and technology talents needs to be greatly strengthened, and the laboratory will develop a variety of mechanisms and measures at the same time, cultivate and introduce high-level talents, and accelerate the growth and progress of young scientific and technological talents; at the same time, it is also necessary to rely on the Ministry of Natural Resources Deep Earth Exploration Science Data Center, apply for the National Deep Earth Exploration Science Data Center, and build new technology platforms such as artificial intelligence and big data models. Hou Zengqian said: "To promote the progress of earth science, we need to explore the deep part, and to solve the problem of national energy resources, we need to explore the deep part. At present, there are still too many blind spots and too many unsolved mysteries in the deep part of the earth. I believe that on the scientific and technological innovation platform of the Deep Earth Laboratory, more new scientific discoveries and scientific achievements in the field of deep earth mineral resources will continue to emerge. In science, exploring the unknown is a kind of happiness. ”
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Source: China Natural Resources News
Reporter: Zhou Feifei
Text editor: Zhao Lingling
New Media Editor: Qu Bingjie (Trainee)
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