藏东地质遗迹空间分布与可持续发展对策

Spatial distribution of geoheritages in East Xizang and countermeasures for sustainable development

关键词:  藏东  地质遗迹  分布规律  可持续发展

Key words:  East Xizang  geoheritage  regularity of distribution  sustainable development

摘要:

藏东地区拥有丰富的地质遗迹资源，涵盖基础地质大类、地貌景观大类和地质灾害大类。对不完全统计的61处地质遗迹经过综合评定，评选出世界级4处、国家级19处、省级38处，据此划分出一级保护区20处、二级保护区9处、三级保护区32处。分析归纳得出藏东地质遗迹空间分布具有两大特征：一是地质遗迹以地貌景观大类为主，具有成群分布的特征；二是地质灾害发育广泛，具有灾害链成灾特点。探讨了藏东地质遗迹保护现状并从强化行政机构管理职责、健全政策法规、加大社会资金投入、助力脱贫攻坚四方面提出了地质遗迹资源可持续发展对策，为今后西藏其他地区地质遗迹相关工作的开展提供重要借鉴。

Abstract:

Background, aim, and scope Geoheritages are precious and non-renewable geological phenomena developed by various internal and external geological processes during the long geological history of the earth. Xizang, which is the provincial-level administrative region with the lowest density of national geological parks per unit land area in China, currently having three national geoparks. East Xizang, with its complex geological background and unique climatic conditions, has nurtured various types of geoheritages. It is one of the areas with the largest quantity and richest variety of geoheritage sites in Xizang. However, because of the relatively underdeveloped economy and limited awareness, there has been a lack of in-depth and systematic research on the important geoheritages in this region. This study performed a mapping survey of the geoheritage resources in the cities of Nyingchi and Qamdo, evaluated their categories, classifications, and distribution patterns, and finally proposed corresponding countermeasures for the sustainable development of the sites. Materials and methods On the basis of fully collecting previous data and field investigations, data were preliminarily analyzed in combination with new geological science theories. Important geoheritage resources with excellent scientific and ornamental characteristics were selected and classified by utilizing remote sensing. In the key work areas, targeted field surveys of important geoheritage sites were performed to investigate their protection status, scientific and ornamental values, and development potential. Experts appraised the geoheritages, determined their grades, and made suggestions for their protection, development, and utilization. Results (1) The incomplete statistics of the 61 provincial level and higher geoheritage resources in the area can be divided into three categories: basic geology, geomorphological landscape, and geological hazards. There were 6 basic geological sites, including 1 stratigraphic section site, 2 important fossil sites, 1 important rock and ore site, and 2 tectonic section sites. There were 45 geomorphologic landscape sites, including 1 volcanic landform site, 10 glacial landform sites, 4 tectonic landform sites, 7 geotechnical landform sites, and 23 water landform sites. Finally, there were 10 geological hazard sites, including 9 geological hazard sites and 1 earthquake remain site. (2) According to the DZ/T 0303—2017, specification for geoheritage investigation, 4 world level geoheritage sites were identified: 1 glacial landform site, 1 tectonic landform site, 1 water landform site and 1 geological hazard site. 19 national level geoheritage sites were identified. These included 16 geomorphologic landscape sites (mainly water landscapes), 1 geological hazard site, and 2 fundamental geology sites. In addition, 38 provincial level geoheritage sites were evaluated. Finally, 20 primary protection areas, 9 secondary protection areas, and 32 tertiary protection areas were identified based on the significance of the geoheritage sites. (3) The distribution pattern of geoheritages in East Xizang is characterized by two major features: first, geoheritage sites are dominated by geomorphologic landscapes with clustered distribution; second, geological hazards are widely developed as and characterized by disaster chains. Discussion This study considered the spatial distribution pattern of important geoheritages, the current state of conservation, and countermeasures for sustainable development. However, due to limited funds, inconvenient transportation, border management restrictions, and vast uninhabited areas, the survey and evaluation work is not yet thorough and detailed. Although some geoheritage sites have been protected to some extent through various means, many problems exist in their practical management. For example, there is a lack of legal basis for management and no sound administrative system. Local economy is relatively underdeveloped, and the government alone cannot afford the huge expenditure of geoheritage protection. The lack of public awareness means that people have little understanding of the significance of geoheritage sites, let alone their effective development and utilization. Moreover, there is still a gap in scientific research on geoheritage. Top-level design, funding guarantee, and public participation are currently the most urgent needs. Conclusions The conservation status of important geoheritage sites in East Xizang varies significantly. Some sites are under relatively strict protection, mainly the geological resources for tourism. Others, mainly those in the basic geological categories, are unprotected and affected to various degrees by human activities. Therefore, there is an urgent need to accelerate the protection and sustainable development of geoheritage sites, particularly the basic sites. Recommendations and perspectives In the future, the East Xizang region can promote sustainable development of geoheritage resources in four ways: strengthening the management responsibilities of administrative institutions, improving policies and regulations, increasing social capital investment, and working to fight poverty. Thus, it can become an excellent case example of geoheritage protection and development that can be replicated and promoted in other areas of Xizang.