Marine science in China: Current status and future outlooks

doi:10.13745/j.esf.sf.2022.4.60

Abstract

Abstract:

Oceans as the cradle of life, the treasure trove of resources, and the protective barrier for national security play an important strategic role in the future sustainable development of mankind. Until now only 5% of oceans have been explored. For the national development it is vital to accelerate the marine science and technology innovation, improve the marine resources exploration capability, and protect the marine ecological environment. However, due to its inherent complexity, the “ocean problem” cannot be solved within a single discipline. Presently marine study in China is gradually catching up with the world, yet research originality is still lacking. This paper reviews the domestic marine research progresses and trends, points out the gaps between China and advanced countries, and proposes future directions. Focusing on the major scientific frontiers e.g., multiscale inter-ocean interaction, climate change, healthy ocean, marine life cycle, cross-sphere fluid-solid interaction, rapid changing polar system, and sustainable development of coastal zone-this paper proposes that China should strengthen its top-level design and strategic planning, carries out cross-scale, cross-sphere interdisciplinary research, and pursues leadership roles in major international scientific programs. These efforts are essential to enhancing China's influence in international marine research, effectively improving its national security capability, supporting its socioeconomic development, and providing scientific and technological support in achieving maritime power and building a global community with a shared future.

Key words: oceanography, ocean energy and material cycle, cross-sphere interaction, sustainable development, interdisciplinary

CLC Number:

P746

WU Lixin, JING Zhao, CHEN Xianyao, LI Caiwen, ZHANG Guoliang, WANG Shi, DONG Bo, ZHUANG Guangchao. Marine science in China: Current status and future outlooks[J]. Earth Science Frontiers, 2022, 29(5): 1-12.

Figures/Tables 4

Fig.1 Schematic of multi-sphere interactions of the earth system

Fig.2 Ocean-lithosphere coupling process and the formation, evolution and extinction of ocean plates. Modified after [9].

Fig.3 Evolutionary origin and diversification of animal kingdom. Modified after [11].

Fig.4 Schematic representation of the basic structure and hydrological functions of the Arctic Ocean and the coupling of Arctic and subarctic marine and atmospheric systems under Arctic warming. Modified after [25].

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