Global Geochemical Observation Network and Digital Chemical Earth

There is a critical need to establish a global geochemical observation (baselines) network to provide data for monitoring the chemical changes of the Earths near-surface environment.

The Chemical Earth aims to establish a global geochemical observation (baselines) network to observe the content, distribution and changes of chemical elements in the surface of the earth for the global sustainable development of natural resources and environment; to provide a platform for equal access to global geochemical data services and knowledge sharing, bridging the scientific community, policy makers and the public.

1. Initiative and implementation of the international ‘Big Science’ programme - Mapping the Chemical Earth;
2. Develop international geochemical mapping technical guidelines which has played a leading role across the world;
3. Significant progress of Global Geochemical Baselines Project. The global geochemical baseline network has covered a total area of 31.50 million square kilometers, taking up approximately 31% of the world land area.
4. Establishment of “Chemical Earth” website (globalgeochemistry.com) and data sharing.

Through Chemical Earth, users have access to a wide range of global geochemistry information. Chemical Earth's work is categorized under the following themes:

1. Establishing a Global Geochemical Baselines Network for documenting baselines of nearly-all natural chemical elements in the Earths near-surface environment;
2. Formulating a guideline and protocol for Global Geochemical Observation Networks through the establishment of the China Geochemical Observation Network, for temporal sampling and analysis (every 3 to 5 years) to recognize and quantify potential environmental changes of chemical elements;
3. Determining possible geochemical response to major historic geological events, such as extinction episodes and ancient climate change;
4. Compiling the Silk Road Geochemical Atlas from Asia to Europe;
5. Updating the digital Chemical Earth platform allowing anyone to access vast amounts of geochemical data and maps through the Internet.