Abstract:
As a kind of precious scientific and technological resource, geological cores and samples are endowed with significant economic and scientific research values. Geological cores and samples, as the physical record of geological work results, can intuitively reflect the characteristics of strata, rocks, minerals, etc., providing first-hand information for studying the evolution of the Earth, geological tectonic movements, mineral formation laws, etc. In recent years, the demands of the researchers, experts, scholars, and college students for using geological cores and samples to carry out geological science research, mineral exploration, and teaching internships have gradually been increased. How to balance the long-term effective storage and service utilization of geological cores and samples has become a problem that the archives or the storage institutions need to pay high attention to and find out a way to solve. Based on the extensive collection of relevant information, the service policies, sampling methods, as well as the progress and effectiveness of data services related to geological cores and samples in countries such as the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom, Sweden and Finland are systematically summarized in this paper. By benchmarking against the international advanced level, five suggestions for strengthening the geological cores and samples services in China are proposed. Firstly, sampling requirements should be strictly assessed with the premise of not damaging the continuity of the geological cores. Secondly, the sampling fee system for physical samples should be further improved and the boundary between public service and non-public services should be clarified. Thirdly, the return of remaining samples and data after sample testing and analysis should be strengthened. Fourthly, a sampling information management system of geological core and samples should be established. Fifthly, the network information service of geological cores and samples should be vigorously promoted and the protection of the intellectual property rights for data should also be ensured. All the five suggestions aim to further improve the service methods of geological cores and samples, to achieve the goal of reserving sufficient geological cores and samples for future scientific research while meeting the current service sampling needs, so as to promote the high-quality development of the geological cores and samples service in China.