Fellow of both AGU and GSA Yan Zheng visits our university for academic exchange

Professor Yan Zheng, Fellow of the American Geophysical Union and the Geological Society of America, visits our university for academic exchange

On the afternoon of June 16, 2023, Professor Yan Zheng, Fellow of the American Geophysical Union (AGU) and the Geological Society of America (GSA), and a chair professor at Southern University of Science and Technology, gave a lecture on "The Story of Groundwater: Think Globally, Act Locally" at the invitation of the National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention and Joint International Research Laboratory of Global Change and Water Cycle. It is also the first lecture of the AGU College of Fellows (COF) Distinguished Lecture Series, which aim to address global challenges and promote scientific knowledge through high-level academic reports in various fields of earth and space science.

The lecture was chaired by Professor Yu Zhongbo, the director of the National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention. Notable attendees included Professor Duan Qingyun and Li Yanping, distinguished National High-Level Talents, as well as the research team from the laboratory, along with over 100 students and faculty members. Additionally, over 300 teachers, students and researchers from universities and scientific research institutions participated online, with more than 3,000 people attending the AGU College of Fellows (COF) Distinguished Lecture live broadcast.

Professor Zheng emphasized the importance of groundwater and elaborated the story of groundwater from the perspective of global solutions to groundwater pollution and depletion. Groundwater is the drinking water source for more than 2 billion people and provides more than 40% of the world's agricultural irrigation water worldwide. Therefore, groundwater is crucial for drinking water, food security, and addressing climate change. Professor Zheng pointed out that the sustainability of groundwater is threatened by the overexploitation and pollution from both new and old chemical and biological hazards. Using inorganic arsenic as an example, Professor Zheng called for global arsenic testing of domestic well water to reduce health risks and ensure drinking water safety. Regarding the issue of groundwater depletion, Professor Zheng introduced the surface water-groundwater integrated scientific management model based on aquifer artificial regulation theory. She pointed out that there are challenges to the implementation due to water rights and water quality risks. Professor Zheng presented comprehensive research results in theoretical research, program construction, case analysis and promotion and application. Through the explanation of scientific theories and practical cases, we gained a clearer understanding of "The Story of Groundwater: Think Globally, Act Locally". The lecture provided an excellent opportunity for both students and faculty to broaden their academic horizons and gain insight into cutting-edge advancements. The question-and-answer session at the scene was lively, with faculty and students engaging in in-depth interaction with Professor Zheng.

Before the lecture, Professor Zheng visited the National Key Laboratory of Water Disaster Prevention. During her visit, she attended the workshop with the comprehensive research reports delivered by the research team focused on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and communicated with them. Her visit facilitated a seamless integration of expertise and fostered an environment of collaborative growth.