Earth Science Frontiers ›› 2023, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (3): 294-307.DOI: 10.13745/j.esf.sf.2022.12.53

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Quantum Science and Big Data: Two powerful tools that drive rapid advancements in geology

JIAO Shoutao1,2(), ZHANG Qi3,*(), TANG Jun4, YUAN Jie5, WANG Zhen6, CHEN Wanfeng7, CAI Hongming8, WANG Yue9   

  1. 1. Natural Resources Comprehensive Survey Command Center, China Geological Survey, Beijing 100055, China
    2. Technology Innovation Center of Geological Information, MNR, Beijing 100055, China
    3. Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100029, China
    4. School of Geosciences, Yangtze University, Wuhan 430100, China
    5. School of Resources and Environment, Xingtai University, Xingtai 054001, China
    6. Institute of Geology, Chinese Academy of Geological Sciences, Beijing 100037, China
    7. School of Earth Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou 730000, China
    8. School of Geology and Mining Engineering, Xinjiang University, ürümqi 830046, China
    9. School of Earth Sciences and Resources, China University of Geosciences (Beijing), Beijing 100083, China
  • Received:2022-07-05 Revised:2022-08-15 Online:2023-05-25 Published:2023-04-27

Abstract:

Among the five branches of basic science (mathematics, physics, chemistry, biology and geology), quantum physics, quantum mathematics (including quantum computing and quantum astronomy) and quantum chemistry are currently driving the rapid development of modern science, and remarkable progress has been made in quantum biology. By comparison, quantum geology is lagging behind. To address this issue, we suggest that both quantum science and Big Data should be emphasized in geological research. However, the scientific community has yet to reach a consensus on the following two questions: (1) Is the “quantum geology” idea reasonable? (2) Can quantum approach be adopted in geological research? Here we summarize the development, application and future of quantum technology, discuss the urgency and feasibility of conducting quantum geology research in China, and suggest several potential research areas. As Big Data technology has been widely used in geological research, we point out several challenging issues, which include Big Data and paradigm revolution, Big Data thinking, Big Data and artificial intelligence, Big Data and pragmatism, as well as the prospect of and challenges in geological Big Data research. Finally, we suggest that a forward-looking approach should be taken in promoting quantum geology research, and that geological Big Data research should be greatly strengthened and the data-sharing problem in geological research should be addressed.

Key words: geology, Quantum Sciences, Big Data, data sharing, thinking

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