Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2025, Vol. 32 ›› Issue (3): 7-22.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2025.3.11

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Surface-Earth response to deep-Earth processes and consequential natural disasters

LIU Jing(), SUN Zhaotong, WANG Wenxin, LI Yunshuai, YAO Wenqian, CUI Fengzhen, LIU Cong-Qiang*()   

  1. Center for Tectonics-Geomorphy-Climate-Ecosystem, School of Earth System Science, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
  • Received:2025-02-05 Revised:2025-02-20 Online:2025-03-25 Published:2025-04-20

Abstract:

The interaction between deep- and surface-Earth processes is an important component of Earth system science research. Deep-Earth processes drive the material and energy cycling between the deep and shallow Earth through various mechanisms, such as tectonics and volcanism, thereby influencing the Earth’s surface system. These influences are specifically manifested in the following ways: (1) Tectonics, by reshaping landscapes, regulate erosion and sedimentation processes at the watershed scale. (2) Volcanism and tectonics drive climate change on geological timescales, by affecting atmospheric composition and circulation patterns, with silicate weathering playing a significant role in regulating atmospheric CO2 levels. (3) Deep-Earth processes have a dual impact on ecosystem evolution, potentially causing species extinction while also promoting biodiversity. (4) Earthquakes and geological disasters impact the stability of socio-ecological systems; the impacts may be further exacerbated by global climate change. The cascading disasters triggered by earthquakes and their long-term impacts on social systems warrant attention and research efforts in disaster-prone China. With the advancement of observational technologies, earth system science studies will achieve a deeper understanding of the coupling mechanisms between deep- and surface-Earth systems. This includes quantifying the intensity of interaction, predicting the evolution of natural disasters, and enhancing the resilience of socio-ecological systems to such disasters. This paper provides a systematical review of the cross-scale coupling of deep earth-surface earth-socio-ecological processes, helping to understand the earth system evolution.

Key words: surface earth system, Earth’s critical zone, tectonic-climate coupling, natural disaster chains, socio-ecological system

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