Breakthrough of the year

Response of the weathering carbon sink in terrestrial rocks to climate variables and ecological restoration in China

The weathering carbon sink (CS) of rocks has a sensitive response to different influencing factors, and it is important to accurately distinguish this response in the global carbon cycle. However, no quantitative analysis of the response mechanism has been performed. In this study, the CS of the 12 types of terrestrial rocks in China from 2000 to 2014 is estimated using the GEM-CO₂ model. The relative contribution rates of climate change and ecological restoration to the CS are quantitatively evaluated using the Lindeman-Merenda-Gold model. Results showed that: (1) The CS of terrestrial rocks in China was 17.69 Tg C yr^-1, and the CS flux (CSF) was 2.53 t C km^-2 yr^-1; mixed sedimentary rocks had the highest CS (6.89 Tg C yr^-1), and carbonate rocks had the highest CSF (5.8 t C km^-2 yr^-1). (2) The average annual CSF slightly decreased at a rate of 5.4 kg C km^-2 yr^-1; the areas of the CSF that decreased in the south were the areas where water budget decreased significantly, and it was the areas with a reduced water budget and ecological deterioration in the north. (3) The relative contribution rates of water budget and precipitation reached 57% and 35%, respectively; the response of the CSF to temperature was evident in areas with low or decreasing temperatures, and the influence of fractional vegetation cover (FVC) on the CSF in low value area was evident. (4) Mixed sedimentary rocks and carbonate rocks displayed a more evident reduction trend in the CSF than other rocks. This research verified the applicability of the GEM-CO₂ model in China and presented a scientific basis for quantitative assessment of the impact of climate change and ecological restoration on the CSF.

Quantum technology: the second quantum revolution

We are currently in the midst of a second quantum revolution. The first quantum revolution gave us new rules that govern physical reality. The second quantum revolution will take these rules and use them to develop new technologies. In this review we discuss the principles upon which quantum technology is based and the tools required to develop it. We discuss a number of examples of research programs that could deliver quantum technologies in coming decades including: quantum information technology, quantum electromechanical systems, coherent quantum electronics, quantum optics and coherent matter technology.