I. About the center
The Motuo Observation and Research Center for Earth Landscape and Earth System, Chinese Academy of Sciences (hereinafter referred to as the Motuo Observation and Research Center) is in southern foot of Eastern Himalayas and at the right bank of the Guoguotang Great Bend of the Yarlung Zangbo River. Specifically, it is located at Dexing Township, Motuo County, Linzhi City, Tibet Autonomous Region (95.29°E, 29.32°N, and 820 m a.s.l). Motuo Observation and Research Center is the first permanent GPS station (under construction) in the southern foothills of the Himalayas in China.
II. Research objectives
Scientific mission: Centering on the Earth critical zone in Motuo, where the interaction of the Earth's spherical layers is strong, we will establish an integrated observation system covering multiple elements of the full spectrum Earth landscape in the southern foothills of the Himalayas; study the climate change of the South Asia monsoon corridor, multiphase water circulation process, occurrence mechanisms of natural disaster, biological diversity, ecological processes of full-spectrum landscape, and human adaptation under the background of global change and tectonic movement; and build a comprehensive observation and research demonstration base integrating the functions of comprehensive observation, scientific research, ecological protection, and popular science education, to provide scientific support the construction of ecological security barrier and ecological civilization, the national security, and regional green development.
Scientific goal: Improve the comprehensive observation network system of Tibetan Plateau and deepen the scientific research of the earth system through multidisciplinary and high-level observation research; build a comprehensive research base focusing on Himalayan research and integrating scientific research, education, popular science and academic exchanges in China to contribute the "Third Pole Environment" (TPE) international program; provide solid scientific and theoretical support for the ecological protection and national ecological security barrier construction in the southeastern Tibet and the Tibet Autonomous Region with high-level achievements; promote eco-tourism, develop a green economy, as well as promote regional development and safeguard national border security through landscape park construction.
Motuo vertical climate observation network and main meteorological observation stations
Atmospheric boundary layer tower and vertical observation system of vegetation in Motuo
Construction of permanent observation plots, quadrat investigation, tree core drilling, and litter classification
Water level gauge, sediment core drilling deployment of Buqun Lake
Ⅲ. Contact information
Director: Chen Fahu
Executive director: Zhang Lin (zhanglin@itpcas.ac.cn)
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