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ChineseFrom July 7 to July 14, 2021, Prof. Tonglu Li, associate Profs. Yaguo Zhang and Ping Li, who are the president and vice president of the Observation and Research Station of Water Cycle and Geological Environment for the Chinese Loess Plateau, and chairman of Department of Geological Engineering of Chang’an University, respectively, led the students of the Department of Geological Engineering to conduct a field study in Ulan Taolgai Huduge Ranch, Jilantai Town, Inner Mongolia. The inspection route is shown in Figure 1. Departing from Yinchuan, we went crossing Helan Mountain, along the eastern edge of the Badain Jaran Desert towards the North, via Alxa League Left Banner and Jilantai Town, and finally reached Ulan Taolegai Hudu Ranch. Along the way, the three teachers expounded a series of geological and geomorphological phenomena such as the genesis and the characteristics of Helan Mountains, Yinshan Mountains, foreland alluvial fan, Gobi, desert and Jilantai Salt Lake to the students. Detailed investigations were made on topography and landform, groundwater, desert plant types, growth conditions, and climate conditions in the destination site-Ulan Taolgai Huduge Ranch. With the cooperation of local herders, we excavated the soil longitudinal section under the typical plants of the ranch. The soil moisture and physical properties were measured, and plant samples were collected and brought back for studying.
Figure 1 Inspection route Figure 2 The vast sandy land with sparse vegetation
Figure 5 Excavation of a pit, sampling test
Figure 6 Excavation of the Haloxylon tree section and field density test
Figure 7 The root of the Haloxylon tree
After the investigation, Prof. Tonglu Li pointed out that the Badain Jaran Desert was an ancient lake in the geological period. The Ulan Tolgoi Hudu Ranch is located near the ancient river channel, which is one of the overflow outlets of the ancient lake. Therefore, he deemed that this place has an abundant groundwater. After investigation, researching and discussion, a new observation site, which will be used for the scientific research on the ranch, was considered to build. Our technical product, the wind-solar complementary drip irrigation system, will be applied and promoted for the restoration of the ranch sandy land. The construction of the observation site will not only provide technical support for desert ecological restoration and animal husbandry development, but also will contribute to our country's goal of "carbon peak" in 2030 and "carbon neutral" in 2060. Five freshmen and five juniors besides teachers and postgraduates joined in this investigation. Taking the student into the nature greatly enhanced the students' interest in science and professional sentiment. This activity also provides new attempt for the spiritual inspiration of students majored with geology engineering.