Environmental issues and countermeasures in exploiting water resources of rivers

Based on affirming the tremendous benefits that water resources of rivers can provide in their exploitation, main environmental problems and their countermeasures have been proposed and analyzed in this paper. It is argued that multiple measures should be applied to solving those problems by simultaneously carrying out engineering measures, scientific research and also programs to cultivate the society’s awareness, aimed at a sustainable development strategy for exploiting water resources.

Comparative Analysis for Evaluating Wind Energy Resources Using Intelligent Optimization Algorithms and Numerical Methods

Statistical distributions are used to model wind speed,and the twoparameters Weibull distribution has proven its effectiveness at characterizing wind speed.Accurate estimation of Weibull parameters,the scale(c)and shape(k),is crucial in describing the actual wind speed data and evaluating the wind energy potential.Therefore,this study compares the most common conventional numerical(CN)estimation methods and the recent intelligent optimization algorithms(IOA)to show how precise estimation of c and k affects the wind energy resource assessments.In addition,this study conducts technical and economic feasibility studies for five sites in the northern part of Saudi Arabia,namely Aljouf,Rafha,Tabuk,Turaif,and Yanbo.Results exhibit that IOAs have better performance in attaining optimal Weibull parameters and provided an adequate description of the observed wind speed data.Also,with six wind turbine technologies rating between 1 and 3MW,the technical and economic assessment results reveal that the CN methods tend to overestimate the energy output and underestimate the cost of energy($/kWh)compared to the assessments by IOAs.The energy cost analyses show that Turaif is the windiest site,with an electricity cost of$0.016906/kWh.The highest wind energy output is obtained with the wind turbine having a rated power of 2.5 MW at all considered sites with electricity costs not exceeding$0.02739/kWh.Finally,the outcomes of this study exhibit the potential of wind energy in Saudi Arabia,and its environmental goals can be acquired by harvesting wind energy.

Deep bedrock geothermal resources in the Maichen Sag,Beibuwan Basin and their potential for exploitation and utilization

The Maichen Sag in the south-central part of the Beibuwan Basin is abundant in geothermal resources that have not been widely exploited and utilized due to inadequate research on it.This study evaluated the geothermal resources in the Maichen Sag based on the regional geological setting and geothermal conditions.Grid units for assessment and a geological model for areas with geothermal resources were established using spatial analysis techniques.The spatial distribution models of the physical and thermophysical properties of the geothermal reservoirs were also built using the Kriging interpolation method.Based on the terrestrial heat flow distribution in the target areas,the spatial distribution of the geo-temperature field through the inversion under the constraints of the temperature data from boreholes were predicted.Factors such as deep geo-temperature,thermophysical properties of rocks,and terrestrial heat flow values,were integrated into this quantitative evaluation of geothermal resources through the geological modeling-based volume method and the geothermal reservoir engineering-based numerical simulation method.The results show that the Maichen Sag has favorable heat source conditions with intersected,deep-rooted faults and widely developed Upper Paleozoic fissured granite geothermal reservoirs.The northern outer slope zone at a burial depth of 3‒5 km on the tectonic plane of the basement in the sag is suggested to be a potential target area,where,as calculated using the volume method,is likely to be the home to the total geothermal resources of 80.4×10^(9)GJ(i.e.,2.75×10^(9)tonnes of coal equivalent(tce))in the bedrock geothermal reservoirs at a burial depth of 3‒6 km.The geotemperature of 172‒201℃at a formation depth of 5 km in the sag also indicates that the deep geothermal resources are of high value for exploitation.

Effect of coal resources development and compensation for damage to cultivated land in mining areas

The exploitation of coal resources inevitably affects, to different degrees, arable land resources and impacts the socio-economic development in mining areas. Therefore it is of great practical importance to probe the rules of the effect from coal resource exploration on arable land. Suitable and effective measures to compensate for damaged to and loss of arable land resources should be taken on the basis of carrying out green mining and reducing damage to limited arable land resources. We have used GIS in simulating the effect of coal resource exploration on arable land. In light of our simulation of the space-time spectrum, the effect is analyzed. Given the socio-economic development conditions of a mining area, specified rational amounts and opportunities for compensation to arable land in mining areas are explored. Finally, from a policy perspective, relevant proposals for rational arable land resource compensation are proposed to facilitate the coordinated development between coal resource exploitation and socio-economy development in mining areas.

Water resources utilization and eco-environmental safety in Northwest China

Northwest China includes Xinjiang Ugyur Autonomous Region, Qinghai Province, Gansu Province, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region and Shaanxi Province, covering 308×10^4km^2. It is located in the warm-temperate zone and the climate is arid or semi-arid. Precipitation is very scarce but evaporation is extremely high. The climate is dry, the water resources are deficient, the ecoenvironment is fragile, and the distribution of water resources is uneven. In this region, precipitation is the only input, and evaporation is the only output in the inland rivers, and precipitation, surface water and groundwater change with each other for many times, which benefits the storage and utilization of water resources. The average precipitation in this region is 232 mm, the total precipitation amount is 7003×108m^3/a, the surface water resources are 1891×10^8m^3/a, the total natural groundwater resources are 1150×10^8m^3/a, the total available water resources are 438×10^8 m^3/a, and the total water resources are 1996×10^8m^3/a and per capita water resources are 2278 m^3/a. The water resources of the whole area are 5.94×10^4m^3/（a.km^2）, being only one-fifth of the mean value in China. Now, the available water resources are 876×10^8m^3/a, among which groundwater is proximate 130×10^8m^3/a.

Marine Engineering Geological Exploration Information System(MEGEIS):A GIS-based Application to Marine Resources Exploitation

Based on the ArcGIS geographic information system and the ORACLE database management system,this paper reports our studies on the technology of Marine Engineering Geological Exploration Information System(MEGEIS). By analyzing system structure,designing function modules and discussing data management,this paper systematically proposes a framework of technol-ogy to integrate,manage,and analyze the seabed information comprehensively. Then,the technology is applied to the design and development of the Bohai Sea Oilfield Paradigm Area Information System. The system can not only meet the practical demands of marine resources exploration and exploitation in the Bohai Sea oilfield,but also serve as a preparatory work in theory and technology for the realization of the 'Digital Seabed'.

Examination of Resource Curse Hypothesis: Mineral Resources Exploitation and Economic Growth in Xinjiang Autonomous Region

The mineral resources exploitation stage and the economic growth rate are various in different regions of Xinjiang Autonomous region. Using the method of location quotient, this paper identifies and classifies the intensive regions of three types of mineral resources, known as coal, oil and natural gas, respectively. The intensive regions of economic growth were also identified, according to the rate of per capita GDP growth at prefecture, autonomous prefecture and city. The relationships between different mineral resources and economic growth are different, for example, the relationship between economic growth and coal resource is positive, while the relationship between economic growth and oil resource, or natural gas resource is negative. This study empirically examines the effects of natural resources on economic growth of Xinjiang. The results show that whilst natural resources have a positive impact on growth, and can make a negative impact on growth through the transmission channels, such as investment, manufacture, human capital, and scientific and technologic innovation. Moreover, it studies the transmission channels, that is, the effect of natural resources on the other explanatory variables, and calculates the indirect effect of natural resources on growth for each transmission channel, and comprehensive effects of natural resources on growth. The calculated result of comprehensive effects indicates that the positive direct effects of natural resources on growth are shown to outweigh the negative indirect effect of Xinjiang autonomous region.

Evaluation of urban underground space resources using a negative list method: Taking Xi'an City as an example in China

Utilization of urban underground space has become a vital approach to alleviate the strain on urban land resources,and to optimize the structure and pattem of the city.It is also very important to improve the city environment,build livable city and increase the capacity of the city.Based on the analysis of existing evaluation methods and their problems,a method for evaluating underground space resources based on a negative list of adverse factors affecting underground space development is proposed,to be primarily used in urban planning stages.A list of the adverse factors is established,including limiting factors,constraining factors and influencing factors.Taking Xi'an as an example,using a geographical information system platform,a negative list of adverse factors for the underground space resources in Xi'an City are evaluated,and preventive measures are proposed.Natural resources,exploitable resources,and the potential growth of exploitable underground space resources are evaluated.Underground space assessment in the different development stages of the city,collaborative utilization and safety evaluation for multiple subsurface resources,environmental impact and assessment,as well as evaluation methods based on big data and intelligent optimization algorithms are all discussed with the aim of serving city planning and construction.

Characteristics,Current Status and Strategy on Exploitation of Agricultural Natural Resources in China

This paper formulated the present characteristics, current status and the problems of agricultural natural China. Measures of preservation and strategy about exploitation of agricultural natural resources were put forward, provide a scientific basis for the government to make policies .

Regime of subsurface water resources in shallow groundwater agricultural fields

In shallow groundwater agricultural fields, water exchanges between groundwater and soil water happen frequently and intensively. This paper analyzes the regale of subsurface water during the growing period of winter wheat from October 1998 to June 1999 in Yucheng area. During an 8- month period of winter wheat growth. 456.66 mm of evapotranspiration and 75.61mm of groundwater evaporation were measured with a new model lysimeter. Groundwater at 1.60-2.40 m depth of water tables contributed 16.6% of total water used by winter wheat under natural. precipitation and irrigation treatment.The results showed that a significant proportion of field evapotranspiration was supplied by groundwater evaporation, whereas the role of groundwater evaporation was not considered during irrigation, leading to soil water percolation into groundwater.In order to improve water use efficiency of crops, some measures were put forward in the paper. Effective use of groundwater and soil water is a key countermeasure for sustainable development of water-saving agriculture and Water resource exploitation in Yucheng area

A NATION-WIDE SOIL SURVEY RATIONALIZES EXPLOITATION OF VARIOUS SOIL RESOURCES

To tap the production potential of soil resources in China by making a nationwide soil investigation is a precondition for developing the farming production as a means of coping with the current population explosion and providing necessities for people’s livelihood.This article expounds practical methods for the survey and elucidates rational exploitation in line with soil conditions in different localities across the land.

Characteristics and Measurements of Ecological Compensation in Ecosystem

This research was to introduce the characteristics of and countermeasures for ecological compensation. From the analysis of the current situation of ecological compensation, a series of characteristics of ecological compensation in resource exploitation and economic development were elaborated. The principles and practical issues are complex in ecological compensation, and the corresponding object, entity, financial system of ecological compensation are the keys to set up compensation mechanism, and studying of ecosystem service function and ecological footprint calculation are important ways to quantitatively assess ecological compensation, and are also important foundations for establishing calculation system of green GDP. Advocating the benefit compensation mechanism of ecological economy and enclosing ecological compensation principle are important ways for establishing the new environmental management pattern and manifesting social justice and the ecological civilization ideas. This research proposed some views of and approaches to ecological compensation mechanism for constructing natural resource development and utilization.The establishment of ecological compensation is an important approach to prevent the imbalance of resource allocation, the system guarantee for sustainable development, and the important basis of saving resources.

Deep original information preservation by applying in-situ film formation technology during coring

Accurately obtaining the original information of an in-situ rock via coring is a significant guiding step for exploring and developing deep oil and gas resources.It is difficult for traditional coring technology and equipment to preserve the original information in deep rocks.This study develops a technology for insitu substance-preserved(ISP),moisture-preserved(IMP),and light-preserved(ILP)coring.This technology stores the original information in real time by forming a solid sealing film on the in-situ sample during coring.This study designed the ISP-IMP-ILP-Coring process and tool.In addition,an ISP-IMP-ILPCoring process simulation system was developed.The effects of temperature,pressure,and film thickness on the quality of the in-situ film were investigated by performing in-situ film-forming simulation experiments.A solid sealing film with a thickness of 2-3 mm can be formed;it completely covers the core sample and has uniform thickness.The film maintains good ISP-IMP-ILP properties and can protect the core sample in the in-situ environment steadily.This study verifies the feasibility of“film formation during coring”technology and provides strong support for the engineering application of ISP-IMP-ILPCoring technology.

The Research of Chinese Salt Lake Organisms:History,Status and Expectation

The research status and the future study prospect of salt lake organisms of Chinese salt lakes were elaborated in this paper.Many saline lakes occur widely in arid and semiarid areas of China,and more than half of the total

A Study of Resource Curse Effect of Chinese Provinces Based on Human Developing Index

Traditional opinion considers that natural resources play an important positive role in economic development, while resource curse theory holds that natural resources usually obstruct economic increase. This debate needs further exploration. In most of empirical studies on resource curse theory, the economic development of an area is mainly evaluated by the Gross Domestic Product(GDP), however, the social and cultural contents of economic development are seldom considered. Thus, the Human Developing Index(HDI) was chosen to describe the comprehensive developing situation of an area in our study. Based on the panel data from the year of 2000 to 2011, the relationship between Human Developing Index and resource exploitation degree(RED) of 30 provinces in China(Tibet, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macao were not included because of the restriction of data acquisition) was investigated by correlation coefficient analysis and regression analysis. We found that resource curse did exist over the entire country and its effect on 30 provinces were not exactly the same. According to the effects of resource curse, these provinces could be classified into four types: no resource curse provinces, slight resource curse provinces, severe resource curse provinces, and extreme resource curse provinces. Testing from two short time periods 2000–2005, and 2006–2011, the resource curse effect was not prominent. However, testing from the entire period of 2000–2011, the effect was obvious among each province.

Imperfect Competition and Common Resource Exploitation --An Analysis of Renewable Resource Management with Non-use Values

This article analyzes the importance of non use values in the management of natural resources with a model of imperfect competition.By constucting a framework of duopolistic exploiters,the incorporation of non use values based on self interest and altruistic motives appears to be significant for determining the degree of inefficiency caused by the problem of common property at the non cooperative Nash equilibrium.It is found that when the non use value placed by the altruist exploiter is bounded by that placed by the pure self interest exploiter,the effect of market power is dominated by the effect of common exploitation.In this case,the exploiters' harvesting strategy will response in the same direction to the change of each other's harvesting at the non cooperative Nash equilibrium.In contrast,when the non use value placed by the altruist is substantially larger or smaller than that placed by the self interest exploiter,one exploiter's increase in harvesting will lead to a decrease in harvesting of the other exploiter at the non cooperative Nash equilibrium.

Protect the Environment and Speed up the Sustainable Development of Chinese Agriculture

Strengthening the environmental protection, deepening rural reform, increasing agricultural input, and promoting a more stable and higher-speed growth of peasants＇ income, all of these are playing a very important role in the sustainable development of agriculture. The environment problems are not only economic problems, but also important political problems. And they constitute an urgent and arduous task that we meet, and need a long time to be conquered. Under the present new historical circumstances, we should establish a scientific development philosophy, strengthen the environment protection, and build up a harmonious society in which urban and rural areas are progressing coordinately.

Progress and Prospects in Tourism Research on Agricultural Heritage Sites

Agricultural heritage is an important type of world heritage. The special features of this kind of heritage are that they are “living” or “real life” systems, in both the ecosystem and in the cultural sense. So, agricultural heritage needs to be conserved in a special way. In a well-reasoned approach to dynamic conservation of agricultural heritage, careful development of heritage sites can realize greater sustainability of the traditional agriculture by considering both conservation and development though tourism. This paper examines the Global Important Agricultural Heritage Systems （GIAHS） as designated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations （FAO） and listed by United Nations Educational, Scientiifc and Cultural Organization （UNESCO） as agricultural heritages sites. Currently, the research in China focuses on tourism resources evaluation and development, production design and marketing, tourism perception and the impacts of tourism development and so forth. There is less emphasis on research about benefit sharing of heritage tourism evolution mechanisms, environmental impacts of agricultural heritage tourism and study methods which should be analyzed in-depth, so as to iluminate the theories and practices of development in a living landscape.

3-D VARIABLE PARAMETER NUMERICAL MODEL FOR EVALUATION OF THE PLANNED EXPLOITABLE GROUNDWATER RESOURCE IN RE-GIONAL UNCONSOLIDATED SEDIMENTS

In order to correctly evaluate the exploitable groundwater resottrce in regional complex, thick Quaternary unconsolidated sediments, the whole Quaternary unconsolidated sediments are considered as a unified hydrogeological unit and a 3-D unsteady groundwater flow numerical model is adopted. Meanwhile, with the consideration of the dynamic changes of the porosity, the hydraulic conductivity and the specific storage with the groundwater level dropping during the exploitation process, an improved composite element seepage matrix adjustment method is applied to solve the unsteady flow problem of free surface. In order to eva- luate the exploitable groundwater resource in Cangzhou, Hebei Province, the hydrogeological conceptual model of Cangzhou is generalized to establish, a 3-D variable parameter numerical model of Cangzhou. Based on the prediction of the present groundwater exploitation, and by adjusting the groundwater exploitation layout, the exploitable groundwater resource is predicted. The model enjoys features like good convergence, good stability and high precision.

Exploitation of mineral resource and its influence on regional development and urban evolution in Xinjiang, China

The aim of this paper is to analyze the relationship between mineral resources exploitation and economic and urban development in Xinjiang. The article summarizes the mineral resource exploitation development of Xinjiang especially over the last 50 years, and investigates energy industries and their driving forces, directions, and economic impact on the oasis urban system evolution in Xinjiang. Methods like correlation analysis, location quotient and elastic coefficient are employed in the presentation and discussion, and also field reconnaissance surveys, interviews and secondary sources are used. The result shows Xinjiang＇s economic growth is promoted by the contributions of the increasing mineral resource industry which promotes economic development by accelerating infrastructure construction, developing industry and raising revenue and fixed investment. Mineral exploitation in recent years had profound impacts on urban development as a growth engine. The evolution of urban system has a close relationship with resource exploitation, and statistical results provide strong evidence to support the argument that mineral resource exploitation has promoted the growth of built-up areas and its expansion patterns in Xinjiang, especially regions along the northern slope of the Tianshan Mountains.