"Earth Codes," a popular science book on geoscience authored by Xu Yan, Li Fuqiang, and others from the Yifu Museum of China University of Geosciences (CUG), with a preface by Academician Wang Yanxin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was recently published by China University of Geosciences Press. This marks the third popular science book on geoscience published by the Yifu Museum since 2018, following Long-Slumbering Fossils and Roaming the Mineral World.
"Earth Codes" is divided into four chapters: "Tracing the Footsteps of Ancient Life," "The Colorful Scroll of Geological Evolution," "The Mission of CUG in Serving the Nation," and "Q&A on Earth Science." Throughout these chapters, the authors weave stories of how the CUG community deciphers the "codes" of the Earth—some of which are thrilling "adventures"—captivating readers with an urge to delve into the narrative and offering an immersive experience.
Since its establishment in 1957, the Yifu Museum of CUG has journeyed through 68 years of growth and development. It is now recognized as a National Second-Grade Museum, the first university museum designated as a National AAAA-Level Tourist Attraction, a national practical education base for primary and secondary school students, a national popular science education base, a national youth science and technology education base, a national natural resources science popularization base, and a national practical teaching base for "Integrating Ideological and Political Education in All Courses." Its collections—including the fossil wall, crinoid fossils, rocks dating back 4.3 billion years, and the "First Divine Dragon of China," the Mandschurosaurus fossil from Heilongjiang—comprise precious paleontological fossils, minerals, and rocks. These artifacts document Earth's extensive evolution, reflect the museum's developmental history, and embody the dedication and wisdom of generations of geologists and museum professionals. They open a window for visitors onto the magnificent 4.6-billion-year history of Earth's transformations, the 3.8-billion-year evolutionary journey of life, the exquisite world of gems and jades, the dazzling realm of minerals and rocks, and the underground treasures closely linked to human existence.
In recent years, the Yifu Museum has deeply explored the significance of its collections, intensified scientific research, and produced a series of "Museum Stories," which have garnered significant public attention and further enhanced the university's influence. To help the public better understand the museum's development, improve the interpretation and presentation of specimen research, and truly "bring the specimens to life," the "Voice of the Earth" Science and Culture Studio at CUG, led by Professor Xu Yan, selected twelve of these "Museum Stories" for compilation into the popular science book "Earth Codes." Through accessible language, accompanied by exquisite specimen photographs and historical images, the book reveals nature's breathtaking craftsmanship and the proliferation and evolution of life on Earth.
Regarding the creation of "Earth Codes," Xu Yan holds a unique perspective. She believes that the Earth, with its vast 4.6-billion-year history, holds countless scientific mysteries. An outstanding geoscience popularization book should not only systematically summarize geological knowledge but also "transcend" it, delving deeper to articulate personal insights, viewpoints, and propositions. This, she asserts, represents a second innovation in geoscientific understanding.
