Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2019, Vol. 26 ›› Issue (6): 320-354.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2020.2.29

Special Issue: Research Articles (English)

Previous Articles    

Epigenetic geochemical dynamics and driving mechanisms of chemical elemental distribution patterns in soil in Southwest China

CHENG Hangxin,PENG Min,ZHAO Chuandong,HAN Wei,WANG Huiyan, WANG Qiaolin,YANG Fan,ZHANG Fugui,WANG Chengwen,LIU Fei, ZHOU Yalon   

  1.  1. Institute of Geophysical & Geochemical Exploration, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Langfang 065000, China
    2. Research Center of Geochemical Survey and Assessment on Land Quality, China Geological Survey, Langfang 065000, China
    3. Key Laboratory of Geochemical Cycling of Carbon and Mercury in the Earths Critical Zone, China Geological Survey, Langfang 065000, China
    4. Key Laboratory of Geochemical Cycling of Carbon and Mercury in the Earths Critical Zone, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Langfang 065000, China
    5. School of Geosciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
    6. Yunnan Institute of Geological Survey, Kunming 650216, China
    7. Sichuan Geological Survey, Chengdu 610081, China
    8. Guizhou Geological Survey, Guiyang 550081, China
  • Online:2019-11-30 Published:2019-11-30
  • About author:Cheng Hangxin(1964-), male, researcher, doctoral supervisor, chief expert of land quality geochemical survey project, mainly engaged in research on exploration geochemistry/ecological geochemistry/epigenetic geochemistry. E-mail:chenghangxin@igge.cn
  • Supported by:

     November 20, 2019; Revised: November 25, 2019

    Funded projects:Geological Survey Projects of China Geological Survey,Ministry of Natural Resources(Project 0848, DD20160313, DD20190522, and DD20190518)

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Abstract:

 The Earth's surface is a complex system involving mutual interactions of its many components, including mountains, rivers, forests, farmlands, lakes and grasses. The interaction and mutual feedback of chemical elements in Earths surface layer can drive changes in chemical elemental distribution patterns. In this study, we evaluated the mechanisms and interactions driving the distribution patterns of macroelements, probiotics, halogens and heavy metals in soils in Southwest China, based on a systematic geochemical land-quality survey at a scale of 1250000. The results showed that the parent material determines the natural state of chemical elements in land resources. Epigenetic geochemical dynamics reshapes the distribution patterns of chemical elements in top soil; biogeochemical processes drive the evolutionary trends of land quality; and human activities, such as mining, disrupt the natural evolution of chemical elemental distribution patterns. The establishment of an epigenetic geochemical dynamics theory allows the construction of a framework for understanding the Earths surface layer and promoting technological innovations for the comprehensive geochemical investigation of land resources.

Key words: epigenetic geochemical dynamics, driving mechanisms, distribution pattern of elements in soils, Southwest China