Chinese scientists have set a new record by reaching a drilling depth of 750 meters on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, during the country's second comprehensive scientific expedition to the hinterland of the plateau.
The team led by academician Fang Xiaomin from Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) is currently carrying out a resource and environment research project in the Lunpola Basin, which is the first proven oil-producing basin on the Plateau.
Overcoming a series of difficulties brought by the harsh high-altitude environment, the team managed to reach more than 750 meters below the surface.
With an average altitude of 4,600 meters, the Lunpola Basin has accumulated the most continuous Cenozoic strata of the plateau dating back for 55 million years, which makes it a key region for studying the plateau's tectonic features, climate, biology and ecology as well as their co-evolution.
The rock samples taken from deep down the earth not only record the history of tens of thousands of years of geological and climate changes on the Qinghai- Xizang Plateau, but also reveal the distribution of energy in the stratum.
"This gray-green section with continuous layered patterns is conglomerate. This part of red sedimentary rock represents the arid climatic conditions of the subtropical high-pressure zone. And this part, with many beautiful layers, is carbonate rock, and over here, it may contain some white-jade marble or gypsum. Further down is what, I just mentioned, was produced from the tropical environment. We also successfully drilled it out. The oil shale from that time has now transformed into heavy oil, indicating that the biological climate was very rich and humid, with high plant diversity and significant organic sedimentation. It's the most important oil and gas-bearing layer in the Lunpola Basin, which is the first basin on Qinghai-Xizang Plateau where we have drilled an oil outlet," Fang explained to China Central Television reporter.
The scientist said the ongoing drilling is expected to provide an important scientific basis for the simulation and prediction of the impact of global warming and the ecological environment protection on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, the formation of hydrocarbon source rocks, and the exploration and development of salt lake resources.
"We have designed a drilling depth of 1,500 meters, but we will reach 1,000 meters first. If all goes well, we will drill deeper to 1,500 meters. This mission is the first of its kind globally to drill so deep, more than 1,000 meters, in the core of the hinterland on a plateau," said Fang.
Chinese scientists set new drilling record on Qinghai-Xizang Plateau
Chinese scientists set new drilling record on Qinghai-Xizang Plateau
Macao has been emerging as a global hub for conventions and exhibitions in recent years by exploring the enormous opportunities in the sector, driving the region to advance its economic diversification and embrace a brighter future.
Macao has received many awards this year, such as the Best Convention City (Asia) and the Best BT-MICE City, showcasing the recognition for and influence of Macao's exhibition industry.
More than 1,000 electronic game enthusiasts from all over the world gathered recently in Macao to participate in a esports themed event.
Su Zhili, organizer of the event, said that Macao's rich experience in hosting large-scale events, coupled with its good infrastructure, has driven him to choose the region as an ideal destination to hold such an activity.
"Macao has held many similar large-scale events. It has rich experience, and the facilities at the venue are relatively mature, so we can start our work comfortably," said Su.
During the first three quarters of 2024, Macao held more than 1,000 conferences and exhibitions in total.
"We will invite more professional, special conferences to be held in Macao and also cultivate more exhibition brands with international influence in Macao, so as to promote Macao's exhibitions to be more market-oriented, professional, international, digital and greener from various aspects. This is our goal," said Elaine Wong, member of the Macao Commerce and Investment Promotion Institute.
In addition, multiple large exhibitions and conferences, such as the Macao International Trade and Investment fair, the Macao Franchise Expo, and the International Infrastructure Investment and Construction Forum, are held regularly in Macao.
With the introduction of a series of policies and measures to facilitate the exchanges between the mainland and Macao, as well as the construction and development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Guangdong-Macao In-Depth Cooperation Zone in Hengqin, Macao's convention and exhibition industry will embrace more opportunities for development in the foreseeable future.
"We have such a good industrial base in the Greater Bay Area. The mode of 'Convention and Exhibition + Industry' not only integrates the industries of Macao, but also the industries of the Greater Bay Area. In addition, Macao actively integrates into the national development and plays a role in the Belt and Road. Why are we so confident in Macao's convention and exhibition sector? Because it is backed by the motherland, and the country gives Macao great support," said Alan Ho, chairman of the Macao Association of Convention, Exhibition and Tourism Sectors.
Macao emerges as global hub for conventions and exhibitions, driving economic diversification and international recognition
