Palaeogeography is a branch of geosciences that studies natural geographical features in the geological history. The research targets are the variance history of ocean and continent, and the distribution and characteristics of the internal palaeogeographic unit. Palaeogeography research in China mainly comes from stratigraphy, tectonics, palaeontology, sedimentary petrology, Quaternary geology, etc. Thus branch disciplines are originated and developed. There are many types of palaeogeographic maps, including tectonic palaeogeographic maps, palaeonotological palaeogeographic maps, lithofacies palaeogeographic maps, qualitative palaeogeographic maps, quantitative palaeogeographic maps, palaeogeographic maps in different geological time and on different scale, etc. maps are the concentrated expression of the study of palaeogeography. The development of modern computer and information technology provides a series new method for palaeogeography research. Palaeogeography database can be established with various information acquisition and management methods. Palaeogeography information of multi-source and multi-scale can be organized with spatial data model. Palaeogeography environment can be reconstructed with 3D modeling and virtual reality technique. Palaeogeography research achievements can also offer better service with Internet development. The syncretism of palaeogeography research and information technology can advance the research method and level, also can supply effective technology supports for sedimentary mineral deposits in geological history.
About author: Sun Hongjun, born in 1968, graduated from the Petroleum Geology Department of the University of Petroleum in 1989 and obtained Ph.D degree from University of Petroleum (Beijing). He once worked on geological research of oil and gas exploration in oilfield, and now is mainly engaged in application of information technology to hydrocarbon exploration and production.
Cite this article:
. Application of information technology to enhance palaeogeography research[J]. JOURNAL OF PALAEOGEOGRAPHY, 2006, 8(3): 419-426.
. Application of information technology to enhance palaeogeography research[J]. JOPC, 2006, 8(3): 419-426.