China releases seafloor "chemical map" of eastern seas after two-decade research

The China Geological Survey has released the results of nearly two decades of marine geological surveys in China's eastern seas, unveiling a detailed "chemical map" of the seafloor that is expected to support ocean planning, environmental protection, and resource exploration.

Based on data from more than 20,000 sampling sites, researchers inspected the sediment samples and carried out machine learning analysis, and yielded the most comprehensive and reliable geochemical dataset ever compiled for the region. Similar to a complete "elemental check-up" of the seafloor, the study effectively delivers a full-spectrum analysis of seabed sediments, covering the whole sediment transfer process from land to ocean.

Using this data, scientists have mapped the distribution and concentration of dozens of elements, including iron, manganese, copper and rare earths, culminating in the Geochemical Atlas of Sediments in China's Eastern Seas. The atlas is expected to serve as a key reference for marine development and conservation in the region.

"Element distribution allows us to quickly identify polluted areas and ecologically sensitive zones, set protection boundaries, and better manage marine pollution and risks. It also helps pinpoint subsea mineral resources, facilitating prospection. It can also benefit scientific researches with its valuable data for understanding sea history and the Earth's evolution," said Dou Yanguang, a researcher with the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology under the China Geological Survey.

Covering key waters such as the Bohai Sea, Yellow Sea, and East China Sea, China's eastern seas region acts as a vital link between the Eurasian continent and the Pacific Ocean. Sediment layers on the seabed, composed by soils, sand, and biological materials, preserve a long-term record of geological and environmental change, including continental movement, climate shifts, and river evolution.

The research fills a long-standing gap in systematic geochemical mapping of the area and is expected to strengthen China's role in global studies of marginal seas.

China releases seafloor "chemical map" of eastern seas after two-decade research

China releases seafloor "chemical map" of eastern seas after two-decade research

China releases seafloor "chemical map" of eastern seas after two-decade research

The Heritage Guardian, a China Media Group (CMG) documentary featuring President Xi Jinping's deep concern for the inheritance and development of culture, began airing along with other two documentaries made by the group on mainstream media outlets in Laos on Monday.

Thongloun Sisoulith, general secretary of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee and president of Laos, sent a congratulatory letter on the documentaries' airing .

The documentaries reflect the importance that Xi places on cultural heritage protection, as well as Xi's far-sighted vision in governance and profound patriotism, said Thongloun in the letter, noting that the documentaries provide examples for Laos to carry forward its unique national culture while pursuing economic and social development.

CMG and the publicity department of the LPRP Central Committee held a broadcast launch event in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, on Tuesday.

This year marks the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Laos, and is the China-Laos Friendship Year.

Chinese documentary "The Heritage Guardian" airs in Laos