Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the "golden nail" in Jianhe, Guizhou, marks a significant milestone in global Cambrian stratigraphy, positioning Jianhe as an important site in the world geological science network [1][4]. Group 1: Significance of the "Golden Nail" - The "golden nail" serves as a critical reference point for global Cambrian stratigraphy, establishing a new benchmark for geological research [1][4]. - It is the 69th globally and the 11th in China, highlighting the importance of Jianhe in geological studies [1][4]. - The "golden nail" is compared to an Olympic gold medal in the geological community, reflecting a country's comprehensive research strength [7]. Group 2: Challenges in Protection and Utilization - The protection of the "golden nail" faces challenges such as natural weathering, geological disasters, and insufficient public awareness [10][13][16]. - There is a lack of specific laws and regulations for the protection of "golden nails," relying mainly on local government initiatives [19]. - The balance between protecting geological heritage and local economic development poses a significant dilemma [14][19]. Group 3: Innovative Protection Mechanisms - Guizhou has initiated a judicial protection mechanism for the "golden nail," establishing a legal framework to prevent unauthorized excavation and damage [20]. - The local government is incorporating maintenance funding into annual budgets to ensure the protection of the "golden nail" site [18]. - The development of tourism around "golden nail" sites is being promoted, integrating scientific research, public education, and ecological tourism [24][26]. Group 4: Historical Context and Research Contributions - The discovery of the Kaili biota in Jianhe has been pivotal for understanding Cambrian life evolution, providing a unique window into early ecosystems [27][29]. - The research efforts led by Zhao Yuanlong and his team culminated in the successful establishment of the "golden nail," significantly contributing to global geological standards [30].

Core Points - The "Golden Spike" is not made of gold but consists of materials like iron, copper, and organic glass, named after a golden spike used during the completion of the transcontinental railroad in North America [2] - The process of establishing a "Golden Spike" involves selecting a suitable geological profile, voting by an international working group, and multiple rounds of discussions and approvals before formal recognition [3] - The installation of a "Golden Spike" can be done by hammering it directly into the boundary point or using strong adhesive, and it typically contains information such as the name of the International Stratigraphic Committee, the name of the "Golden Spike," the boundary location, and the year of establishment [4]

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of "golden nails" serves as international benchmarks for geological time, aiding in the reconstruction of Earth's history and the study of geological and biological evolution events [2][5][8]. Group 1: Definition and Importance of "Golden Nails" - "Golden nails" are defined as anchor points that differentiate various geological eras, providing a framework for understanding Earth's history [2][5]. - The term originated from a historical event involving a gold railroad spike, symbolizing significant geological time markers [5]. - The establishment of a "golden nail" requires comprehensive geological records and the presence of index fossils or other correlatable markers [5][8]. Group 2: Geological Events and "Golden Nails" - "Golden nails" help identify major geological events, such as the "Snowball Earth" event and the mass extinction event approximately 252 million years ago [7]. - The identification of "golden nails" allows for precise dating of significant events in Earth's history, such as the extinction of dinosaurs linked to a cosmic impact [7]. Group 3: China's Contribution to "Golden Nails" - China has established 11 "golden nails," ranking it among the top countries globally in this field [8]. - The first "golden nail" in China was established in 1997, showcasing the country's growing influence in geological research [8]. - Chinese scientists have also contributed to the establishment of several international "golden nails," enhancing the global geological framework [8]. Group 4: Future Directions in Geological Research - The integration of big data and artificial intelligence in geological research is essential for advancing the understanding of Earth's evolution [9][10]. - The "Deep Time Digital Earth" initiative aims to utilize modern technologies to create high-resolution geological timelines, focusing on significant scientific questions [9][10].

Core Viewpoint - The establishment of the "golden nail" in Guizhou, China, represents a significant advancement in global geological standards, providing a precise reference point for defining geological time scales and enhancing China's influence in earth sciences [3][4][12]. Group 1: Definition and Importance of "Golden Nails" - "Golden nails" are not literal nails but refer to globally recognized geological markers that define the boundaries of geological time units, serving as a standard for stratigraphic classification [4]. - The concept of "golden nails" addresses the historical lack of a unified standard for geological time scales, which has led to significant discrepancies in stratigraphic classification across different countries [4][6]. Group 2: The Significance of the Guizhou "Golden Nail" - The "golden nail" in Guizhou, set to be established in June 2025, is the 69th globally and the 11th in China, recognized for its exceptional geological and paleontological conditions [6][9]. - The site in Guizhou was selected due to its rich fossil record, accessibility, and long-term research conducted by local experts, meeting the stringent criteria set by the International Stratigraphic Commission [6][7]. Group 3: Geological Insights from the "Golden Nail" - The Guizhou "golden nail" will help define the Cambrian period's third system and fifth stage by identifying the first appearance of specific trilobite fossils, which are crucial for understanding geological events from 506 million years ago [9][10]. - The site provides vital evidence for the Cambrian explosion, a significant evolutionary event characterized by a rapid increase in biodiversity [10]. Group 4: Implications for China's Geological Research - The establishment of 11 "golden nails" in China underscores the country's growing capabilities in geological research and its enhanced standing in the global scientific community [12]. - Protecting these geological sites is essential, as they face threats from natural erosion, geological hazards, and human activities, necessitating a collaborative effort for their preservation [12].

Core Points - The establishment of the "golden nail" in Jianhe, Guizhou, marks a significant milestone in global geological history, serving as a key reference point for Cambrian stratigraphy [1][5] - The "golden nail" is recognized as a vital international standard for defining geological time units, with its number reflecting a country's geological research capabilities [4][6] - The recent international conference in Jianhe focused on the scientific protection and sustainable utilization of this geological heritage, highlighting the need for a "Chinese solution" to global geological preservation [1][8] Geological Significance - The "golden nail" serves as a geological benchmark, akin to a gold medal in the Olympics, representing a country's comprehensive strength in geological research [4] - The successful establishment of the Jianhe "golden nail" provides an ideal reference point for global stratigraphic comparison during the Middle Cambrian period [6][8] - China currently holds 11 "golden nails," ranking among the top globally, with each representing invaluable geological heritage [6][8] Challenges in Protection - The protection of "golden nails" faces numerous challenges, including natural weathering, geological disasters, and insufficient public awareness [9][11] - The lack of strong legal frameworks for the protection of "golden nails" means that their preservation largely depends on local government initiatives and public interest [15][16] - The conflict between local economic development and the protection of "golden nails" raises critical questions about prioritization and resource allocation [10][19] Innovative Protection Mechanisms - Guizhou has pioneered a judicial protection mechanism for the "golden nail," establishing a legal framework to prevent unauthorized excavation and damage [15][16] - The implementation of a "judicial protection order" aims to safeguard the ecological environment and restrict harmful activities in the vicinity of "golden nails" [16] - Local governments are encouraged to develop tourism around "golden nails," creating a sustainable model that supports both protection and economic development [19][20] Balancing Protection and Utilization - The challenge lies in finding a balance between strict protection and reasonable utilization of "golden nails" to ensure their scientific and economic value [18][19] - Successful models in China have integrated "golden nails" into tourism, enhancing public engagement and generating funds for their protection [20] - The Jianhe "golden nail" aims to become a renowned research and educational site, promoting both scientific inquiry and ecological tourism [20]