近日，第五届国际地球生物学大会野外考察暨剑河"金钉子"（寒武系乌溜阶）现场研讨会在贵州剑河举行。来自国内外的多位顶尖地质学家就"金钉 子"的科学保护与可持续利用展开深入研讨。如何守护这份世界级地质遗产，发挥"金钉子"的科学价值？这不仅牵动着国际地层学界的目光，也将为全 球"金钉子"的保护和利用贡献"中国方案"。 弥足珍贵的"地质标尺" "这枚'金钉子'，让这里的大山和岩石成为世界地质史上的关键坐标。"国际地层委员会副主席、中国科学院院士沈树忠如此评价落户于贵州剑河的全 球乌溜阶"金钉子"。 如今，这枚象征地质时代起点的标志，永久"钉"入了剑河县八郎村的地层界线标志点。这是全球第 69 枚、中国第 11 枚、贵州首枚"金钉子"。它的成 功确立，不仅为全球寒武纪地层研究树立了新的基准，也让剑河成为世界地质科学网络中的重要点位。 "金钉子"钉入仪式 我国早年因与国际地学界交流有限，未能参与"金钉子"的竞争。直到 20 世纪 80 年代，我国科学家才首次参与奥陶系和志留系界线"金钉子"的角逐， 但以失败而告终。 1995 年，浙江常山黄泥塘剖面因其保存完好的奥陶系地质记录和丰富的笔石及牙形类化石，成为研究热点。经过中 ...

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]