Phytogeography, as a core discipline studying the distribution patterns of plants on Earth and their environmental driving mechanisms, has made remarkable progress over the past decades. This paper systematically reviews the classification and distribution characteristics of global flora. It explores the driving roles of environmental factors such as climate, soil, and geology in the formation and evolution of plant flora. It highlights the dynamic changes and historical pathways of plant distribution patterns across different regions. Additionally, the paper emphasizes modern research methods in phytogeography, including the application of remote sensing technology, geographic information systems, and the development of flora models for future distribution predictions. In the context of biodiversity conservation and global climate change, the study discusses the potential applications of phytogeography in ecosystem management and sustainable development. It also identifies key directions and challenges for future research. By uncovering plant distribution's spatial patterns and environmental responses, phytogeography provides essential theoretical foundations and practical insights for understanding ecosystem dynamics and addressing global environmental changes.

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Soil salinization is a critical environmental issue restricting agricultural production and ecosystem health globally, making its effective management a core topic in agricultural and environmental science research. With the continued expansion of saline-alkali land, developing innovative remediation technologies and integrated management strategies is very important. This paper systematically reviews key research directions and major challenges in soil salinization management: (1) the dynamic changes in microbial community structure and function in saline-alkali soils, with a focus on the interaction mechanisms between microbes and plant roots and their potential in soil remediation; (2) the molecular basis of plant salt tolerance, analyzing the regulatory networks and metabolic pathways of salt tolerance genes under saline-alkali stress, providing theoretical support for breeding salt-tolerant crops; (3) the synergistic effects and optimization strategies of bioremediation combined with physicochemical treatment technologies; (4) the development and application of novel saline-alkali soil amendments, emphasizing their roles in improving soil structure, ionic balance, and water retention; (5) innovative water management techniques for saline-alkali soils, investigating the impact of precise water regulation on crop yield and quality; and (6) the interactions between heavy metals and salinity in saline-alkali soils and their ecological risk assessment, uncovering potential threats to soil ecological functions and sustainable agriculture while proposing scientific management strategies. These advancements provide technical support for the efficient use and sustainable management of saline-alkali land and contribute significantly to global food security and environmental improvement.

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Climate change-induced drought and environmental stresses challenge maize production. Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data show great potential in maize breeding for drought resistance. Intelligent breeding platforms using multi-source data and deep learning improve drought resistance prediction models and uncover gene-environment relationships. Explainable AI reveals the biological mechanisms behind drought resistance, aiding breeding decisions. Technologies like drones, multispectral imaging, and LiDAR enable high-resolution phenotypic data collection for water use efficiency and genotype screening. Regional breeding databases support genotype selection and climate adaptability simulations. Integrating gene editing with precision breeding further enhances drought resistance, supporting sustainable global agriculture.

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This paper explores the potential applications of generative AI in addressing various challenges faced by local communities and proposes specific solutions along with their impacts. It highlights concrete examples such as enhancing recognition of local specialty products through regional resource utilization, reducing social isolation among the elderly, and improving recycling rates to tackle environmental issues. Additionally, it discusses the potential of generative AI in diverse fields, including providing personalized learning materials to address educational disparities, optimizing public transportation, and disseminating disaster information to enhance regional safety. Furthermore, the introduction of AI technologies to support the preservation of local culture and promote health activities is suggested to contribute to raising community awareness and revitalizing the region as a whole. Through these initiatives, generative AI emerges as a critical tool with the potential to effectively resolve regional challenges and improve the quality of life for residents.

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Drought stress is a key environmental factor limiting peanut production and nitrogen use efficiency. This study was conducted at an agricultural experimental station in Sichuan Province, employing the 15N tracer technique. Under normal water supply and mild drought stress conditions during the pegging and pod-setting stages, combined with different nitrogen fertilizer levels (0, 90, and 180 kg N/ha), the comprehensive effects of drought stress, and nitrogen fertilizer levels on peanut yield, nitrogen absorption and accumulation, distribution, and utilization efficiency were systematically analyzed. The results showed that drought stress significantly reduced peanut yield and nitrogen accumulation in plants, with the yield inhibition caused by drought during the pegging stage being significantly higher than during the pod-setting stage. In terms of nitrogen distribution, the nitrogen accumulated in kernels constituted the majority of the total nitrogen; however, drought stress significantly affected nitrogen distribution and transport efficiency among plant organs. Analysis of nitrogen fertilizer levels indicated that the medium nitrogen treatment (90 kg N/ha) under drought stress exhibited a higher nitrogen fertilizer recovery rate (38.8%) and lower nitrogen loss rate (12.6%), significantly improving nitrogen use efficiency. This study elucidates the regulatory mechanisms of drought stress on nitrogen utilization in peanuts, providing scientific insights for efficient peanut cultivation and fertilizer management in drought-prone regions.

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Soil acidification and carbon sequestration are central issues in addressing global soil degradation and climate change. Soil acidification, driven by natural processes and human activities, has significant negative impacts on soil physicochemical properties, agricultural productivity, and ecosystem functions. In contrast, soil carbon sequestration, as a critical approach to mitigating climate change, not only enhances soil fertility but also improves ecosystem functionality. This paper systematically outlines the mechanisms underlying soil acidification and its effects on soil properties and the environment, while delving into the processes and influencing factors of soil carbon sequestration. It emphasizes the evaluation of major technologies for ameliorating acidic soils, including traditional lime amendments, novel materials such as biochar, and biological approaches. The paper also highlights the application of carbon sequestration techniques in improving acidic soils, such as optimizing agricultural management, applying amendments, and promoting vegetation restoration. By analyzing the synergistic mechanisms between acidic soil amelioration and carbon sequestration technologies, it elucidates how these approaches effectively enhance soil carbon stocks and overall soil health. Finally, the paper identifies the limitations of existing research and challenges in technology adoption, proposes future research directions and critical breakthroughs, and envisions the broad prospects of integrated technical applications. This paper aims to provide a theoretical foundation and technical reference for synergistic research on acidic soil amelioration and carbon sequestration, fostering scientific progress and practical applications in this field.

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Agricultural geography not only aids in understanding agricultural production patterns and land use dynamics across different regions but also reveals the impacts of agricultural activities on the environment and ecosystems. With increasing population growth and resource pressures, agricultural geography provides critical support for formulating scientific agricultural policies and optimizing resource allocation. This paper highlights the importance of agricultural geography in predicting the impacts of climate change on agricultural production and promoting the development of ecological and green agriculture. Future research directions include studying the effects of climate change, advancing precision agriculture technologies, analyzing land use changes and sustainability, protecting agricultural ecosystems and biodiversity, and exploring solutions to global food security and agricultural production patterns.

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As an important interdisciplinary field integrating geography and economics, trade geography focuses on the spatial distribution characteristics of trade activities and their driving mechanisms, serving as a crucial tool for understanding global and regional economic development patterns. This paper systematically reviews the theoretical framework of trade geography, including spatial economics, location theory, comparative advantage theory, and economic globalization theory. It provides an in-depth analysis of global and regional trade patterns' main characteristics and formation mechanisms. Based on this, the paper examines the impacts and underlying mechanisms of key factors such as natural resource distribution, transportation network layout, policy environment, and technological progress on trade geography patterns. The paper further highlights research hotspots and frontier areas in trade geography, including the evolution of regionalization trends in the context of globalization, practices of green trade and sustainable development, the constraints and reshaping of trade flows by geopolitics, and the profound influence of the digital economy on traditional trade geography patterns. Through case studies, it demonstrates the application of geographic research in areas such as regional economic integration, logistics network optimization, and the construction of free trade zones, revealing the practical value of trade geography in promoting regional economic coordination and international economic cooperation. This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of trade geography, offer a scientific outlook on future research directions, and advance the further development of the discipline’s theories and practices.

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The China-based AI model “DeepSeek AI” is bringing significant transformation to the AI industry. By achieving performance equivalent to OpenAI’s “o1” at a lower cost and partially open-sourcing its technology, it accelerates the democratization of AI development. This has made AI adoption more accessible for small and medium-sized enterprises and startups. Furthermore, its unique ability to “visualize the thought process” holds the potential to advance AI understanding and improvement to a new level. The rise of DeepSeek AI is also impacting major players such as AI chip manufacturers like NVIDIA and industry giants like OpenAI, intensifying price competition and reshaping the industry’s structure. Additionally, the emergence of low-cost, high-performance AI models promotes technological efficiency and widespread adoption, further accelerating the AI race. DeepSeek AI is expected to be a turning point that profoundly influences the future of AI technology and society as a whole.

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This study explores the frontier research directions of soil-plant-climate interactions, with a focus on the following aspects: (1) the coupling mechanisms of the soil-plant-atmosphere carbon cycle under climate change; (2) intelligent regulation of crop growth environments and precision agricultural decision-making; (3) impact assessment of extreme climate events on soil health and crop productivity; (4) multi-scale interactions between soil microbiomes and plant adaptation; and (5) integration and modeling of cross-scale soil-plant-climate data. This study aims to reveal the interaction mechanisms among soil, plants, and climate, providing theoretical support and practical references for sustainable agriculture, enhanced ecosystem resilience, and responses to global climate change.

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Soil health and water management are crucial for agricultural production and ecosystems. Healthy soil regulates water, while scientific management optimizes its dynamics. Their synergy influences microbial activity, nutrient cycling, and carbon storage. In the face of climate change and water scarcity, integrated strategies can enhance agricultural productivity, and resource use efficiency, and strengthen ecosystem resilience and food security. This paper systematically reviews five key research frontiers in this field: (1) the response mechanisms and adaptability of soil microbial communities to water stress; (2) the relationship between soil aggregate stability and water retention capacity; (3) the development of high-precision models for soil moisture dynamics monitoring and prediction; (4) the synergistic effects of organic matter management on soil moisture regulation; and (5) the construction of dynamic models for soil-plant-water interactions. These studies provide a theoretical foundation and technical support for optimizing soil management strategies, improving water use efficiency, and promoting the sustainable development of agriculture and ecosystems.

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The discovery of dark oxygen can bring innovations in multiple fields, including reconsidering the Earth’s oxygen supply mechanisms, a deeper understanding of deep-sea ecosystems, and exploring new energy sources. This phenomenon is believed to occur when polymetallic nodules electrolyze seawater, generating oxygen, and it is suggested that it may play a crucial role in deep-sea material cycles and biological activities. Furthermore, applying this principle could pave the way for its utilization as a renewable energy source. However, many aspects of its generation mechanism and its impact on deep-sea ecosystems remain unknown. In particular, careful research and the development of environmentally friendly technologies are necessary to assess the potential effects of deep-sea mining on dark oxygen supply and marine ecosystems.

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The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics, awarded to Geoffrey Hinton and his colleagues, highlights the transformative impact of AI research, particularly in deep learning, on science and society. This milestone represents a paradigm shift, with AI driving interdisciplinary innovation in fields such as medicine, climate science, and education. While celebrating these achievements, it is essential to address ethical challenges to ensure AI’s benefits are shared equitably. This recognition underscores the growing importance of computational methodologies in tackling complex global issues, heralding a new era of scientific discovery and collaboration.

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Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a core indicator for evaluating soil quality and health, playing a crucial role in the functionality and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems. Under the context of global climate change and intensive agricultural development, especially in arid and semi-arid regions, the accumulation and stability of SOC face significant challenges. This study focuses on the arid regions of northwest China as a typical case, systematically assessing the effects of different tillage practices (no-tillage vs. conventional tillage) and rotation systems (wheat/maize, wheat-winter rapeseed, and wheat) on SOC and its components. Field experiments were conducted to analyze the dynamic changes in key parameters such as soil respiration rate, organic carbon content, microbial biomass carbon, water-soluble organic carbon, and particulate organic carbon. The results demonstrated that no-tillage significantly reduced soil respiration rates while substantially increasing SOC accumulation in the surface soil layer (0–5 cm). Crop rotation systems exhibited distinct impacts on SOC, with the “wheat-winter rapeseed → maize” rotation showing the best performance in enhancing SOC accumulation. Furthermore, the combined management of no-tillage and optimized rotation significantly improved soil carbon storage characteristics. Particularly in arid environments, optimizing tillage and rotation systems effectively enhanced soil health and ecosystem stability. This study provides scientific evidence for sustainable agricultural development in northwest China, emphasizing the importance of optimizing tillage and rotation strategies to promote SOC accumulation, thereby achieving long-term stability and sustainability of agricultural ecosystems.

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Plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB) are microorganisms capable of enhancing plant growth through various mechanisms, including rhizosphere bacteria, endophytic bacteria, and certain fungal organisms. This paper systematically summarizes the main functions and mechanisms of PGPB, encompassing the synthesis of plant growth regulators (such as auxins, cytokinins, and gibberellins), nitrogen fixation, activation of nutrients like phosphorus and potassium, mitigation of abiotic stresses (e.g., drought and salinity), and defense against biotic stresses (e.g., pathogenic infections). Additionally, it highlights the critical roles of PGPB in regulating plant root system architecture and shaping the rhizosphere microbial community. On the application side, this paper reviews the screening and preparation technologies of PGPB, including strain selection, carrier development, and preservation techniques, along with diverse inoculation methods such as seed coating, soil application, foliar spraying, and root drenching. The multifunctionality and potential of PGPB in microbial inoculants, agricultural biopesticides, and biofertilizers are discussed through typical application cases, emphasizing their pivotal role in promoting sustainable agriculture. This study provides theoretical support for understanding the functional mechanisms of PGPB and their applications in addressing climate change, improving agricultural productivity, and enhancing resource use efficiency. It also outlines future research and practical directions in this field.

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As an interdisciplinary field, environmental geography aims to reveal the complex interactions and dynamic mechanisms between the natural environment and human activities, providing a theoretical foundation and decision-making basis for understanding environmental changes, formulating scientific policies, and promoting sustainable development. In globalization, urbanization, and climate change, this field is transitioning from traditional descriptive studies to quantitative analysis, dynamic simulation, and comprehensive evaluation. Its research scope encompasses global change and regional environmental responses, human-environment interactions and sustainable development, environmental risk assessment and emergency management, ecosystem services and environmental value quantification, urban environmental geography and smart city development, the application of new technologies in environmental monitoring and simulation, multi-scale and multi-factor coupling mechanisms, and environmental governance and ecological civilization construction. Leveraging modern technologies such as big data, remote sensing, GIS, and artificial intelligence, research in this field continues to deepen the understanding of complex environmental systems, significantly enhancing the monitoring, prediction, and management of environmental changes. This progress provides a solid scientific foundation for government decision-making and sustainable societal development, effectively addressing global environmental challenges.

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Wheat saline-alkali stress is one of the major challenges facing global agriculture, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions, significantly affecting crop growth, yield, and quality. Researchers have conducted in-depth studies in four key areas to enhance wheat salt tolerance and achieve sustainable agriculture. In soil improvement, microbial remediation techniques, novel soil amendments, and smart agricultural technologies effectively enhance soil conditions. Agronomic management practices, such as precise water and fertilizer management, optimized crop rotation and intercropping systems, and plant signal molecule regulation, improve wheat growth conditions. Salt-tolerant variety breeding, supported by genomics, gene editing, and phenomics, accelerates the identification and application of salt-tolerant genes. Biological and chemical regulation approaches, including the utilization of rhizosphere microbes, exogenous regulatory substances, and RNA-based mechanisms, provide critical support for improving wheat salt tolerance. In the future, integrating interdisciplinary technologies with precision management strategies is expected to enhance wheat resistance to saline-alkali stress further and unlock the agricultural potential of saline-alkali lands.

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The China-based AI model “DeepSeek AI” is revolutionizing the industry by achieving high-performance AI without relying on expensive chips or massive investments. This technological innovation promotes the democratization of AI, enabling small and medium-sized enterprises as well as individuals to leverage cutting-edge technology. At the same time, it highlights the importance of ethics and risk management in an increasingly fast-paced competitive landscape. The emergence of DeepSeek has the potential to create new market opportunities and drive the restructuring of technology and regulatory frameworks.

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As an important branch of geography, hydrological geography primarily studies the spatial and temporal distribution of water bodies, hydrological processes, and their complex interactions with the natural environment and human activities. In recent years, intensified global climate change and human activities have driven the field toward a deeper exploration of hydrological cycle dynamics, sustainable water resource utilization, and the mechanisms underlying extreme hydrological events. This paper systematically reviews the theoretical framework of hydrological geography, with a focus on hydrological cycle theory, watershed system theory, and their interdisciplinary integration. It summarizes key research areas, including watershed hydrological processes, the impacts of human activities on hydrological systems, the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources and their optimal allocation, and risk assessment of hydrological hazards. Based on recent research advancements, the paper highlights the mechanisms of hydrological responses to global change, innovative applications of big data and artificial intelligence in hydrological geography, and breakthroughs in surface water–groundwater coupling studies. Additionally, it discusses the practical value of hydrological geography in integrated watershed management, ecosystem protection, and transboundary water resource governance. Finally, the paper identifies current research challenges and outlines future directions, emphasizing the importance of data-driven model development, climate change adaptation studies, and interdisciplinary collaboration in advancing the field. By comprehensively summarizing the theories and practices of hydrological geography, this paper aims to provide scientific references and practical insights for the discipline’s development and the resolution of global water resource and environmental issues.

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The screening and analysis of growth-promoting mechanisms of core rhizosphere strains in salt-alkali tolerant rice are crucial for enhancing rice tolerance to saline-alkali stress, optimizing saline-alkali soil environments, and promoting sustainable agriculture. This study explores the screening methods of salt-alkali tolerant plant growth-promoting bacteria, with a particular focus on the application of multi-omics technologies, including metagenomics, transcriptomics, and metabolomics, in core strain selection and functional analysis. The study reveals the mechanisms by which these strains promote rice growth and alleviate saline-alkali stress through nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilization, plant hormone synthesis, and exopolysaccharide production. Furthermore, based on field trial progress, the study evaluates the application potential of core strains in saline-alkali rice cultivation and discusses strategies for symbiotic enhancement using synthetic microbiomes, as well as optimization schemes for biofertilizer application to improve strain colonization and growth-promoting effects in the field. These findings provide theoretical support for the development of salt-alkali tolerant microbial fertilizers and offer a scientific basis for rice cultivation in saline-alkali soils and the sustainable development of ecological agriculture.

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Intelligent reservoir modeling and high-precision numerical simulation integrate artificial intelligence, machine learning, and big data analytics to provide efficient and accurate solutions for reservoir modeling, parameter optimization, and uncertainty assessment. Traditional reservoir modeling relies on geostatistics and physical numerical simulation methods, which are computationally expensive and struggle to accurately characterize complex reservoir structures and fluid migration patterns. Intelligent reservoir modeling leverages technologies such as deep learning, reinforcement learning, and surrogate modeling to extract key features from vast historical production data and geological information, enabling automated optimization of reservoir parameters and rapid predictions. Additionally, multi-scale numerical simulation combined with uncertainty quantification enhances the stability and computational efficiency of reservoir modeling, offering data-driven decision support for reservoir development optimization. The advancement of this research field will contribute to improving recovery rates, reducing oilfield development costs, and promoting the intelligent and efficient utilization of oil and gas resources.

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With the increasing complexity of oilfield development environments, traditional water injection strategies relying on empirical rules and simple numerical simulations have become ineffective in addressing reservoir heterogeneity, dynamic variations, and geological uncertainties, thereby limiting injection control accuracy and production efficiency. This paper explores the application of intelligent optimization algorithms, including deep reinforcement learning, genetic algorithms, and particle swarm optimization, in optimizing water injection strategies. It further examines the role of data fusion, real-time monitoring, and dynamic optimization techniques—such as digital twins, long short-term memory time series prediction, and Kalman filtering—in enhancing the scientific rigor and reliability of water injection decisions. Additionally, this paper analyzes the advantages of multi-objective optimization algorithms, such as NSGA-II, in balancing recovery rates, energy consumption, and economic benefits. The study aims to provide valuable academic insights for developing an efficient, precise, and low-carbon intelligent oilfield management system.

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Forest soil is a significant source of atmospheric nitrous oxide (N₂O), and its emission processes are strongly influenced and regulated by nitrogen input. This review systematically summarizes the primary mechanisms of N₂O production in forest soils, including nitrification, denitrification, and non-biological pathways, and elucidates the role of environmental factors, such as soil physicochemical properties and climatic conditions, in regulating N₂O emissions. It highlights the biological pathways through which nitrogen input affects N₂O emissions via plants and soil microorganisms, including plant nitrogen uptake and allocation, litter decomposition processes, the regulatory role of arbuscular mycorrhizae, and the contribution of soil microbial functional gene abundance and diversity to N₂O production pathways. Additionally, the review analyzes the indirect effects of nitrogen input on critical factors such as soil moisture and substrate concentration and compares the differences and driving mechanisms of various nitrogen forms on N₂O production pathways. This study aims to deepen the understanding of how nitrogen input regulates forest soil N₂O emissions through multidimensional pathways, providing a scientific basis for optimizing nitrogen management in forest ecosystems and developing greenhouse gas mitigation strategies.

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The frequent occurrence of natural disasters poses significant challenges to human societal security, economic development, and ecosystem stability, making effective forecasting and scientific disaster reduction core topics in geosciences and disaster prevention research. This paper systematically reviews the occurrence mechanisms and evolutionary processes of typical geological disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, landslides, and tsunamis, with a particular focus on recent key advances in monitoring technologies, including seismic network deployment, remote sensing, InSAR, GNSS observations, and deep-sea pressure sensors. Furthermore, it explores the application potential of disaster identification and early warning algorithms based on big data integration, machine learning, and artificial intelligence in improving forecasting timeliness and spatial accuracy. Regarding the construction of integrated early warning systems, the importance of multi-hazard and multi-source data monitoring platforms is emphasized, and the establishment of regional-to-global linkage mechanisms is highlighted as crucial for addressing disaster chains and compound disasters. Looking ahead, with the intelligent upgrading of sensor networks and the deep integration of cloud computing and digital twin technologies, natural disaster forecasting and response are expected to become more efficient, collaborative, and intelligent. This study aims to provide theoretical support and technical reference for disaster science research and offer strategic insights for building a globally coordinated disaster prevention and reduction framework.

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As a critical technological support for energy and resource development, geophysical exploration faces the dual challenges of traditional resource depletion and the transition to clean energy. This paper systematically reviews six key research directions in geophysical exploration for energy and resources: (1) development of advanced techniques for the detailed exploration of oil, gas, and traditional mineral resources; (2) geophysical innovations driven by the development of unconventional energy sources such as shale gas and gas hydrates; (3) high-precision characterization and dynamic monitoring methods of reservoir structures and physical properties; (4) integrated detection and engineering applications of geothermal resources; (5) high-resolution identification and sustainable management of groundwater resources; and (6) intelligent approaches and green mining models for mineral resource exploration. The paper highlights the integration and innovation of core technologies such as high-resolution seismic imaging, electromagnetic exploration, multi-physics coupling methods, artificial intelligence algorithms, and digital geophysical systems in practical exploration. Finally, it envisions future development trends of geophysical exploration technologies toward intelligence, automation, and low-carbonization, aiming to provide systematic theoretical references and technical guidance for scientific research and engineering practices in the energy and resource sectors.

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The study of Earth’s internal structure and dynamic processes is a fundamental scientific issue for understanding the evolution of the Earth system and the nature of geodynamic activities. This paper discusses the layered characteristics of Earth’s interior and the dominant dynamic processes, covering key research areas such as seismic tomography, gravity and magnetic field exploration, mantle convection, material cycling, and heat transfer. Seismic tomography reveals the detailed three-dimensional structure from the crust to the inner core, while gravity and geomagnetic observations provide critical constraints on the density distribution and conductivity structure of Earth’s deep interior, aiding in the identification of fluid dynamics in the mantle and outer core. Mantle convection is widely regarded as the primary driving force of plate tectonics and surface structural movements, and deep material cycling plays a crucial role in maintaining Earth’s long-term thermal state and chemical evolution. Research on internal heat transfer mechanisms helps to elucidate the distribution of deep heat sources and their control over global tectonic processes. With the continuous advancement of high-resolution geophysical imaging technologies, deep Earth experiments, geochemical tracing, and numerical simulation methods, studies on Earth’s internal structure and evolution are moving toward higher precision, multi-scale coupling, and interdisciplinary integration. In the future, the integration of seismology, geodynamics, geomagnetic and gravity exploration, and advanced simulation techniques is expected to deepen our understanding of internal Earth processes and provide theoretical support for planetary science, Earth system modeling, and resource and environmental research.

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Ecological geography, a crucial interdisciplinary branch of geography and ecology, primarily focuses on the interactions and patterns between ecosystems and environmental factors in geographical spaces. This paper first reviews the theoretical foundation and historical development of ecological geography, emphasizing the evolution of its research paradigms. It systematically summarizes the main research topics and hotspots in the field, including the spatial distribution and dynamic changes of ecosystems, interaction mechanisms between ecological processes and geographical patterns, the impacts of human activities on ecosystems, and ecological responses and adaptations under global change. Furthermore, it outlines the core research methods and technological advancements in ecological geography, particularly the applications of remote sensing, geographic information systems, big data analytics, artificial intelligence, and multi-perspective simulation methods. Finally, the paper explores ecological geography’s practical applications and future directions, such as biodiversity conservation, land use optimization, climate change mitigation, and ecological restoration strategies. This paper aims to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for researchers in the field of ecological geography and to offer scientific foundations and research prospects for its continued development.

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Accurate simulation of multiphase flow processes in complex reservoirs is a key technology that enables the efficient development and intelligent management of oil and gas resources. This paper focuses on the core scientific issues and engineering challenges currently facing multiphase flow simulation. It systematically reviews recent advances in modeling strategies and numerical methods across three typical application scenarios. In complex reservoirs characterized by strong nonlinearity and pronounced multi-scale features, traditional models are increasingly challenged by non-Newtonian fluid behavior, microscale slip effects, and miscible displacement mechanisms. There is an urgent need to develop high-fidelity simulation frameworks capable of coupling multiphysics processes with dynamic phase behavior. In heterogeneous reservoirs, the complexity of spatial structures and the high uncertainty of parameters significantly constrain predictive accuracy. This paper analyzes the roles of high-resolution geological modeling, adaptive grid generation, and thermo-hydro-mechanical coupling mechanisms in enhancing simulation reliability. It discusses the potential of parallel computing and multilevel optimization algorithms for improving computational efficiency. In developing deep and ultra-deep reservoirs, the widespread occurrence of gas-liquid-solid three-phase flows gives rise to complex coupling among solid particle migration, phase transitions, and geomechanical stress fields. Accordingly, this paper proposes a three-phase coupling simulation strategy tailored for extreme conditions, along with its practical implementation approaches.

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In the high water cut stage of oilfield development, reservoirs are characterized by enhanced heterogeneity, complex fluid migration processes, and diversified recovery measures, which pose significant challenges to traditional numerical simulation methods. This paper reviews the latest research progress in refined reservoir numerical simulation. It systematically summarizes five key technological domains: multi-scale geological modeling and reservoir characterization, dynamic geological modeling and intelligent history matching, modeling techniques for heterogeneous and fractured reservoirs, methods for residual oil identification and intelligent prediction, and fully coupled multi-physics simulation strategies. Based on an in-depth analysis of current technological approaches, the study highlights the growing integration of multi-source data fusion and artificial intelligence algorithms, which drives numerical models toward higher resolution, greater fidelity, and dynamic adaptability—especially in simulating complex displacement mechanisms and identifying residual oil with precision. Looking ahead, with the continuous advancement of high-performance computing platforms and intelligent analysis tools, refined numerical simulation is expected to play an increasingly critical role in enhancing recovery efficiency during the high water cut stage, optimizing dynamic adjustment strategies, and promoting the development of intelligent oilfields.

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High water cut oilfields, typically in the mid-to-late stages of development, face challenges such as declining reservoir energy, complex oil-water migration, and highly heterogeneous remaining oil distribution. These issues hinder conventional recovery methods and constitute key technical bottlenecks for enhanced oil recovery (EOR). As most major Chinese oilfields enter this stage, improving recovery is vital for sustaining production, extending field life, and ensuring national energy security. Addressing injection-production imbalance, rising water treatment demands and energy consumption calls for a shift toward digital, intelligent, and eco-friendly development models. This paper identifies five key research directions aligned with current technological trends: intelligent injection-production optimization, nanofluid EOR, fine-scale residual oil characterization, multi-field coupled chemical flooding, and integrated CO₂-EOR with sequestration. These approaches aim to advance both the theory and practice of EOR in high water-cut oilfields.

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The Yanchang Formation in the Ordos Basin is an important tight oil reservoir in China. Its characteristics of tight reservoirs, low permeability, and complex accumulation mechanisms make it a key focus and challenge for oil and gas exploration and development. This paper systematically analyzes the accumulation mechanisms, reservoir characteristics, distribution patterns, and dynamic conditions of tight oil in the Yanchang Formation, uncovering the critical factors influencing its formation and distribution. Additionally, it explores theoretical and practical approaches for efficient development. The results indicate that the formation of tight oil in the Yanchang Formation is primarily controlled by the characteristics of source rocks, reservoir structures, the spatial relationship between oil shales and tight sandstones, and accumulation dynamic conditions. Under the combined influence of these factors, the distribution of tight oil exhibits significant regional differences, resulting in multiple accumulation models. This research elucidates the dynamic characteristics of tight oil accumulation, including hydrocarbon generation overpressure effects and oil and gas migration mechanisms, providing theoretical support for the efficient development of low-permeability reservoirs. Moreover, by integrating core samples, thin sections, seismic data, well logging, and geochemical data, this paper systematically reveals the accumulation patterns of tight oil in the Yanchang Formation, offering innovative insights and methods for reservoir development. The findings enrich the theoretical understanding of tight oil accumulation and provide valuable references for the exploration and development of other low-permeability reservoirs, advancing the sustainable development of low-permeability resources in China. This paper aims to clarify the formation and distribution patterns of tight oil in the Yanchang Formation, explore effective accumulation models, and provide theoretical guidance and practical references for the economic and efficient development of low-permeability oil resources.

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Against the backdrop of frequent adjustments to U.S. tariff policy, the global trade system is undergoing structural reconfiguration, with traditional trade spatial patterns facing profound transformations. From the perspective of trade geography, this paper systematically reviews several frontier topics that merit close attention in the evolution of trade patterns: the geographical reorganization of global value chains, the reshaping of industrial location by regional trade agreements, the spatial effects of digital trade barriers, the resilience assessment of trade networks under geopolitical tensions, and the regionally heterogeneous impacts of tariff policies coupled with environmental sustainability. The paper highlights that enterprises are realigning their production layouts globally, driven by multiple geo-economic factors. At the same time, regional agreements and institutional arrangements significantly influence the logic of value chain construction. Digital barriers are imposing new spatial constraints on information flow and innovation networks, and geopolitical uncertainties exacerbate global trade networks’ fragility. Moreover, the differentiated regional effects of tariff policies may lead to new developmental imbalances, with environmental externalities remaining a critical concern. This paper underscores the vital role of trade geography in the evolving landscape of global governance and advocates for a spatial analytical framework that combines theoretical depth with policy relevance to support the construction of a more resilient, equitable, and sustainable global trade system.

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Against the backdrop of a profound restructuring of global trade patterns, trade geography is undergoing a significant transformation in its research agenda and theoretical paradigms. This paper systematically outlines the latest frontiers in trade geography from five key perspectives: the resilience and restructuring of global value chains; trade-energy-climate nexus studies driven by carbon border adjustment mechanisms; spatial logic transformations in digital and service trade; the reshaping of regional trade networks under geopolitical risks; and the multi-scalar impacts of trade policy uncertainty on regional economies. The paper highlights a paradigm shift in the spatial organization of trade activities—from efficiency-driven models toward new logics that integrate security, sustainability, and technological sovereignty, prompting a transition from single-scale economic analyses to complex systems involving multiple dimensions and actors. By constructing interdisciplinary theoretical frameworks and employing multi-source data analytics, trade geography is poised to more accurately interpret and predict the evolving structure of the global economic landscape. This paper aims to clarify the evolutionary trajectory of trade geography and enhance its capacity for theoretical innovation and policy response amid global uncertainties.

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Against the backdrop of profound shifts in the global geopolitical landscape and the accelerated restructuring of the trade system, trade geography—an essential discipline linking economic activities with spatial organization—is demonstrating unprecedented theoretical vitality and real-world relevance. This paper systematically explores the theoretical evolution and interdisciplinary integration trends in trade geography by focusing on five frontier issues: the spatial reorganization of global value chains, the redefinition of trade corridor power, the paradigm shift in digital trade space, ecological embedding driven by green regulations, and the spatial logic of institutional regionalization. It highlights the discipline’s transition from traditional logistics and locational analyses to approaches rooted in complex network modeling, institutional geography, and multidimensional power analysis, reflecting both theoretical renewal and practical transformation in response to emerging challenges in global economic geography. This paper aims to provide a systematic knowledge framework and reference for advancing academic dialogue and informing policy practice in trade geography.

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The global trade landscape is undergoing profound structural changes, giving rise to five frontier research directions in trade geography. These include: (1) assessing the spatial impacts of increasingly fragmented and regionalized trade systems; (2) examining how digitalization and automation reshape industrial and trade geographies; (3) analyzing the spatial interplay between climate risks, trade resilience, and low-carbon transitions; (4) exploring cities’ roles in knowledge-based global value chains; and (5) integrating geopolitical perspectives to understand strategic trade vulnerabilities. These directions form a multidimensional framework for interpreting global trade dynamics and guiding regional and global policy responses.

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The Quaternary period represents the most recent stage in Earth’s geological evolution, characterized by unique sedimentary environments, tectonic activities, and climate changes that have profoundly influenced the generation, migration, and accumulation of hydrocarbon resources. This paper systematically reviews the key features of Quaternary geology, including the diversity of sedimentary environments, the driving forces of tectonic evolution, and the patterns of climate fluctuations. It emphasizes the role of Quaternary geology in hydrocarbon accumulation processes, focusing on the geological characteristics of reservoirs, cap rocks, and migration pathways. Additionally, it explores the indicative functions of Quaternary sedimentary geomorphology for deep hydrocarbon distribution and its implications for exploration and development technologies. The paper also highlights technological advancements in Quaternary geological research, such as high-resolution seismic detection, precise chronological analysis, and innovative applications of digital geological modeling. Finally, it outlines future research directions, advocating for interdisciplinary collaboration to advance the understanding of Quaternary geology and hydrocarbon resources while emphasizing the importance of sustainable resource development. This paper aims to uncover the scientific value of Quaternary geology in hydrocarbon formation and development, providing insights for both research and practical applications.

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Against the backdrop of intensified global climate change, increasing water scarcity, and growing demands for high-quality agricultural development, data-driven precision irrigation technology is increasingly emerging as a key pathway for promoting sustainable agricultural transformation. This paper systematically reviews five major research frontiers in the field: plot-scale irrigation decision modeling based on multi-source remote sensing data, deep perception and dynamic response systems for crop water stress, field microenvironment regulation platforms supported by the Internet of Things and edge computing, time-series water demand prediction modeling for intelligent scheduling, and cyber-physical irrigation systems driven by digital twins. Centered on these frontiers, the paper explores critical technical challenges such as multi-source heterogeneous data fusion mechanisms, strategies for improving model generalization and interpretability, optimization of edge–cloud collaborative computing architectures, and intelligent scheduling methods for multi-objective irrigation strategies. This paper aims to provide a systematic reference for the broad application and intelligent evolution of precision irrigation technologies.

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Saline-alkali soils represent a critical constraint on global agricultural sustainability, posing serious threats to soil health, crop productivity, and ecological stability. In recent years, nanomaterials have emerged as a promising technological frontier for soil remediation due to their large surface area, high reactivity, and tunable functionalities. This paper systematically summarizes nanomaterials' multidimensional roles and ecological implications in saline-alkali soil improvement. Five core research themes are explored: (1) ion passivation and salt migration control mechanisms via nanomaterials; (2) development of nanocarrier-based precision delivery systems for plant anti-stress agents; (3) synergistic strategies combining nanomaterials with halotolerant microorganisms for enhanced soil–plant–microbe interactions; (4) construction of in-situ nano-sensing platforms for real-time soil monitoring and early warning; and (5) assessment of long-term ecological impacts and environmental fate of nanomaterials in saline environments. These frontiers underscore a shift from conventional remediation to integrated, intelligent, and sustainable approaches. Future research should focus on mechanism elucidation, field adaptability, and ecological safety frameworks to support the scalable application of nanotechnology in soil salinization control.

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Against globalization, urbanization, and sustainable development strategies, agricultural spatial patterns and regional functional systems are undergoing profound restructuring. The traditional agricultural spaces centered on food production are evolving into multifunctional systems that incorporate ecological, cultural, and recreational functions, leading to a systemic reshaping of their structural features, functional attributes, and institutional arrangements. From the theoretical perspective of agricultural geography, this paper systematically reviews and critically evaluates recent research progress on agricultural spatial reconstruction and regional functional transformation, focusing on four core topics: (1) the identification and classification of multifunctional agricultural spaces; (2) the evolutionary characteristics and driving mechanisms of agricultural spatial structure; (3) spatial adaptation strategies and functional reorganization pathways of peri-urban agriculture; and (4) coordination mechanisms and governance systems under the multifunctional transformation of agricultural spaces. This paper aims to construct a systematic, cross-scale, and practice-oriented research framework in agricultural geography, providing a theoretical foundation and methodological support for the optimization of territorial spatial planning, the implementation of rural revitalization strategies, and the advancement of sustainable agricultural development policies.

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Plantation forests, as an important land use form, play a significant role in enhancing timber supply and improving ecological environments. However, their large-scale establishment exerts profound and complex impacts on soil health. This study systematically reviews the effects and mechanisms of plantation forests on soil physicochemical properties, biological characteristics, and disease occurrence. The findings indicate that plantation forests significantly alter soil physical structure and chemical properties, including changes in soil organic matter content, nutrient dynamics, and water retention capacity, as well as notable effects on soil pH and trace element balance. In the biological dimension, plantation forests substantially affect the diversity and functional activity of soil fauna and microbial communities, influencing soil biological functions and ecosystem services. Moreover, continuous cropping obstacles and microbial community imbalances are identified as key factors contributing to frequent soil diseases, posing threats to the sustainable productivity of plantation forests. To address these challenges, this study explores integrated strategies for regulating soil health in plantation forests, such as optimizing fertilization techniques, implementing scientific management practices, and designing rational afforestation configurations. These measures aim to improve soil physicochemical properties, restore microbial balance, and alleviate continuous cropping obstacles, thereby enhancing the ecological benefits and productivity of plantation forests.

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In recent years, rice prices in Japan have continued to rise, marked by notable regional disparities and volatility. This study adopts an integrated geographical perspective to examine the multifaceted drivers behind these trends. Physically, climate change and limited arable land constrain stable rice production. Human factors such as the rice acreage reduction policy, rural depopulation, and shifting consumer demand raise costs and intensify spatial price differences. Economically, Japan’s mountainous terrain increases logistics costs, while weak supply chain resilience and uneven grain reserve distribution undermine market regulation. Trade-wise, protectionist policies limit rice imports, reducing supply flexibility. The paper aims to clarify the geographical mechanisms shaping rice price dynamics and offer policy insights to strengthen regional food system resilience.

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In recent years, the continuous rise in Japanese rice prices has highlighted the multiple pressures and structural challenges facing the agricultural production system. From a geographical perspective, this paper analyzes the complex causes behind the price increase, emphasizing the interactive mechanisms among natural, social, economic, and policy-related factors. The findings reveal that the increasing frequency of extreme weather events and intensified land resource pressure have significantly undermined the stability of rice cultivation. On the production side, structural vulnerabilities have been exacerbated by an aging agricultural workforce, rising input costs, and the institutional inertia of historical agricultural policies. On the demand side, the recovery of tourism and the expansion of the food service industry have driven up consumption, while Japanese consumers’ long-standing preference for domestically grown rice has contributed to sustained market demand. Trade protection measures—particularly high tariffs and import quota systems—have constrained the market’s capacity for external adjustment, further intensifying price pressures. Additionally, inefficiencies in the distribution system and delayed government interventions have amplified the imbalance between supply and demand. The interplay and convergence of these multidimensional geographical factors constitute the fundamental drivers of the rising price of Japanese rice. This paper aims to uncover the geographical mechanisms underlying the vulnerability of the agricultural system and offer practical insights into the sustainable development of Japanese agriculture and the optimization of related policies.

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Commercial geography, bridging geography and economics, examines the spatial organization of economic activities. Amid globalization, digital transformation, and sustainability goals, the field is rapidly evolving. This paper reviews five key research areas: (1) spatial restructuring in the digital economy, (2) supply chain and value chain shifts driven by geopolitics and green transition, (3) impacts of green logistics and circular economy, (4) regeneration of commercial spaces in urban renewal, and (5) AI’s role in reshaping geographic theories. The paper highlights new theoretical insights and practical applications, supporting interdisciplinary integration and spatial governance.

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As a core discipline for revealing Earth’s history’s evolutionary processes and driving mechanisms, palaeogeography holds an irreplaceable position in understanding global climate change, biodiversity turnover, and the coupled evolution of Earth’s multiple spheres. In recent years, palaeogeographic research has shown a trend toward interdisciplinary integration and methodological convergence, driving a rapid transition from traditional qualitative mapping to high-precision, dynamic, and quantitative simulations. This paper systematically reviews six major frontier research directions in palaeogeography: (1) innovative breakthroughs in high-resolution palaeogeographic reconstruction techniques; (2) studies on the coupling mechanisms between plate tectonics and sedimentary environment evolution; (3) deep mechanisms of palaeogeographic patterns influencing paleoclimate changes and biotic evolution; (4) quantitative coupling simulation of resource accumulation processes and palaeogeographic evolution; and (5) feedback relationships between the carbon cycle and palaeogeographic patterns on deep-time scales. These advances demonstrate the deepening of palaeogeographic theoretical frameworks and innovation in technical approaches, but also mark the entry of the field into a new stage of integrated development driven by big data, artificial intelligence, and Earth system models. This paper aims to provide a systematic theoretical framework and forward-looking research directions for the continued advancement of palaeogeography.

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Cultural geography, as a vital branch of geography, investigates the spatial distribution and diffusion of cultural phenomena and their complex interactions with natural and social environments. This field has undergone a transformation and expansion from traditional regional geography to interdisciplinary research, establishing a systematic theoretical framework and diverse research paradigms. This paper reviews the theoretical foundations of cultural geography, elaborates on its primary research paradigms and academic context, and summarizes core research areas, including cultural landscapes, cultural diffusion, cultural regions, linguistic geography, religious geography, and ethnic cultures, highlighting recent advancements in these domains. Furthermore, it examines the interactions between cultural geography and the environment, particularly in the context of global climate change, cultural globalization, and sustainable development, emphasizing adaptation and challenges. The paper also explores the practical value and cutting-edge directions of cultural geography in areas such as cultural industry development, cultural heritage preservation, and the application of big data and artificial intelligence technologies. Finally, this paper summarizes the research hotspots and future trends in cultural geography, proposing potential development paths and methodological innovations. This paper aims to provide a systematic reference for advancing theoretical research and practical exploration in cultural geography, fostering academic exchange and sustainable development in the field.

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Research on landform evolution has undergone fundamental transformations in theoretical frameworks and methodologies in recent years. The integration of multi-source data, such as high-resolution remote sensing, LiDAR, and geophysical surveys, with machine learning algorithms has significantly enhanced the analysis of geomorphic processes, driving the rapid development of data-driven studies. Investigations into rapid landscape changes induced by extreme events (e.g., catastrophic floods, large-scale landslides) have challenged the traditional paradigm of “uniformitarianism,” highlighting the critical role of abrupt processes in shaping surface patterns and promoting the establishment of a “catastrophism-uniformitarianism” coupling theory. Multi-process coupling studies have revealed the nonlinear interaction mechanisms among hydrological, gravitational, glacial, aeolian, and biogeomorphic forces under varying conditions. The application of quantitative techniques such as cosmogenic nuclide dating and optically stimulated luminescence dating has shifted landform evolution analysis from qualitative inference to high-precision quantification, greatly improving the resolution of long-term evolutionary histories. This paper summarizes frontier advances and challenges, explores future research pathways integrating data and physical models, and provides theoretical and methodological support for understanding surface system evolution and its responses to climate change.

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Soil aggregates are fundamental units of soil structure, playing a crucial role in maintaining soil fertility, regulating ecosystem functions, and promoting environmental protection. This paper comprehensively reviews the development of research on soil aggregates, systematically summarizes aggregate fractionation methods and particle size classification techniques, and analyzes their applicability and limitations in different research contexts. By examining the structural units and key properties of aggregates, the study focuses on the roles of mineral particles, organic matter, iron oxides, and biological activities in the mechanisms of aggregate formation, highlighting the distinct driving forces behind the formation and stabilization of microaggregates and macroaggregates, including the synergistic effects of microscopic chemical reactions and macroscopic physical-mechanical processes. Furthermore, the paper investigates the specific effects of dynamic changes in pH, cation concentration, and redox conditions on aggregate formation and stability in two typical environments: paddy soils and riparian soils. These analyses elucidate how such environmental factors regulate the structural evolution of aggregates in specialized soil systems. Finally, the paper summarizes the major advancements and challenges in current soil aggregate research and explores its potential applications in soil resource management and ecological protection. By enhancing the understanding of the mechanisms underlying aggregate formation and stabilization, particularly under unique environmental conditions, this paper aims to provide scientific insights for the development of effective soil management strategies and the improvement of soil health.

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Amid intensified global climate change, ongoing urbanization, and increasingly frequent exploitation of marine resources, marine geographical systems are exhibiting highly complex multidimensional interactions and rapid evolution, driving marine geography toward deeper theoretical exploration and methodological innovation. This paper focuses on the core scientific issues currently confronting marine geography, including the competitive use of marine resources, the vulnerability response mechanisms of ecosystems, and the complexity of multi-actor spatial governance. It systematically reviews the latest advancements in multi-scale integrated analysis, technology-driven evolution modeling, and coordinated regulation through policy tools. A multi-scale research framework that integrates natural geographical processes, socio-cultural drivers, and advanced geospatial technologies is proposed, aiming to provide systematic guidance and strategic reference for the future development of marine geography.

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As a vital branch of physical geography, plant geography focuses on the reciprocal interactions between vegetation and geographic environments as well as their spatiotemporal evolution, playing a crucial role in understanding the distribution patterns of global biodiversity and the adaptive evolution of ecosystems. This paper reviews several key frontier areas in current plant geography research, including multi-scale patterns of plant diversity and their environmental drivers, dynamics of plant distribution under global change and future scenario projections, phylogeographic evolution and paleogeographic reconstruction, impacts of human activities (e.g., urbanization) on plant geographic patterns, and the coupling between plant functional traits and geographic distributions with their ecological implications. Based on these themes, the paper further synthesizes trends in theoretical framework development and innovations in key technical approaches, with particular emphasis on the integration of multi-source heterogeneous data, cross-scale correlation analysis, and functional trait-based mechanistic interpretation as core drivers of disciplinary advancement. This paper aims to provide a theoretical foundation and methodological reference for future in-depth research and interdisciplinary integration in plant geography.

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