中国第四纪冰川地质学史研究

HTSTORY OF QUATERNARY GLACIAL GEOLOGY RESEARCH IN CHINA

中国第四纪冰川地质研究,是在1921年由李四光教授从太行山东麓大同盆地开始的。将近七十年来,从起步、奠基、开拓、发展,现已逐步地形成了—门自成系统的学科——中国第四纪冰川地质学。它的基本内容属于地质学范畴,但也涉及地理学、地球物理学、地球化学、生物学、气候学和天文学等学科内容。它是研究第四纪气候演变和环境变迁的一门具有很强的专业性又具高度综合性的边缘学科,和人类历史发展的关系密切。研究其学科史是中国当代地质科学的重要篇章。本文概略地论述了中国第四纪冰川研究的发展过程及现状,论述了它与人类发展历史的密切关系,总结了该学科发展中的五个方面的主要特色和发展前景。

Quaternary glaciology jast as modern geology originates from northwest Europe. The study of quaternary glaciology of china was started by Prof.J.S.Lee is 1921 first at the eastern foot zone of the Taihang mountain and the Datong basin.Since then,Quaternary glacial geology of china has gradually developed to form one of the disciplines of nateral sciences in china; It mainly concerns some aspects of geology though relating also to geography,geophysics,geo- chemistry,biology,meteorogy and astronomy.It is a marginal science concering quaternary cli- mate evolution and envinor mental change fundamental to the history and of development of mankind.A study of its history has,therefore,a special significance. The history of the study fo quaternary glacial geology in china forms an undetachable port of glaciology and an important chapter of china's contemporary history of geology.It has the following distinctive features: 1.This branch of science was established in China mainly by chinese scientists;Its develop- ment is closely linked with the scientific activity of Prof.J.S.Lee.Many other famous earth scien- tists,such Yuan Fuli,Li Chengshan,Yu Jianzhang,Yang Zhongjian,Li Jie,Wang Yuelun,Jia Lanpo,Sun Dianqing,and Yang Huairen have also made their contributions; 2.The quaternary glaciation in China had raised the attention of foreign geologists from the very beginning and developed through repeated conflicts and debates.For example,the consultant of ministry of agriculture and commece J.G.Andersson,and G.B.Barbour professer of Yanjing university were among the attendants to the heated discussion in 1922.up to now,there are still many foriogn scholers participating in the study and discussion on the very existence of quaternary glaciation in Eastern China; 3.Althoushit sprang up as early as the twenties,it was nor until the founding of new china that great achievements have been made; 4.It will help to reconstruct the paleoclimate,paleoenvinorment to predict its future develop- ment in China.In order to attain this soal,a multidisciplinary cooperation and coordination should be established; 5.It has gradually expanded its field in practical application in the economical construction of the country,Since the sixties much work has been done in dam siting,railway line,investigation, stablity evoluation of major engineering works and searching for placers and the primary deposits.