The gradually improving scientific research paradigm on Quaternary glaciation in China: a review of the 4th Conference on Quaternary Glaciation and Environmental Variation in China
Glaciers are sensitive to climate change and have been called as landmass thermometer by some scholars. The Quaternary glaciation research has a significant position in earth sciences. In August 2017,the 4th Conference on Quaternary Glaciation and Environmental Variation in China had been held successfully in Lanzhou. The attendees considered that the combination of geomorphology and stratigraphy,as well as some new dating techniques,had effectively promoted the Quaternary glaciation research in China (e. g.,the comparison between glacial-interglacial cycles and marine oxygen isotope stages in the past 800 ka in China) . Through the academic discussions,most of the attendees and some experts argued some questionable glacial landforms in eastern China (east to 105° E),especially in the middle-low mountain areas,which could be explained by non-glaciogenic. Additionally,the experts demonstrated that comprehensive research of petrographic geomorphology,climatic geomorphology and exogenic process needs to be strengthened in the future,especially the classification,formation mechanisms and environmental significance studies of microscale glacial erosion landforms,such as chatter mark. It was said that it is time for the scientists in this field to shoulder the historical responsibility and to correct the defects and deficiencies of the extensive-glacial theory in eastern China,which will help us to do further research on scientific facts,scientific theories and scientific concepts,in the end,the Quaternary glaciation theory in China will be improved. It was strongly recommended that one of the national academic organization should compile technical specifications for the Quaternary glaciation research and evaluation. In addition,more work should be done to train the related teachers in universities and colleges throughout the country. At the same time, the glaciology,Quaternary glaciation and glacial geomorphology should be popularized and publicized.