Understanding and examining complex geographic systems

Abstract: The terrestrial surface is an objectively existing complex geographic system, specifically manifested in the spatial-temporal complexity of geographical elements, the complexity of the interactions between elements, and the complexity of driving mechanisms. The patterns of change over time and space constitute the processes of geographical regions. On the one hand, the complexity of spatial patterns is reflected in the shift from traditional static patterns to dynamic patterns and from element patterns to system patterns. On the other hand, the complexity of temporal processes is embedded in the interaction mechanisms among phenomena-processes-driving factors, as geographic regional processes are the result of the interaction of multiple driving forces. The complexity of element interactions is evidenced by the strong coupling characteristics between elements, and these interactions can be understood, regulated, and expressed through nonlinear methods. Furthermore, the complexity of geography is also reflected in the driving mechanisms influencing change. Changes over long time scales are primarily driven by natural factors, while those over short time scales are mainly driven by human activities. The combined effect of these two driving forces adds to the complexity of the driving mechanisms of geographic process changes. This lecture will deepen the understanding of complex geographic systems and provide analytical approaches.

About the Speaker:

Prof. Changqing Song is currently serving as Vice Chairman, Director of the Academic Committee, Director of the Commission on Political Geography of the Geographical Society of China, Associate Editor for academic journals including the Journal of Geographical Sciences, Arid Land Geography, Chinese Geographical Science, and Geography and Sustainability. Professor Song is Director of the Editorial Board of the Journal of Beijing Normal University (Natural Science Edition), Deputy Director of the Teaching Guidance Committee of Higher Education Institutions (Geography Science Discipline) under the Ministry of Education, and Secretary General of the Geographic Discipline Evaluation Group of the State Council. Formerly served as Deputy Director of the Earth Sciences Department of the National Natural Science Foundation of China, member of the China Association for Science and Technology, and Executive Dean of the Faculty of Geographical Science at Beijing Normal University.

Professor Song’s major research interests include the paradigms of geographical research, synthetic research methods on regional studies of geography, and complex geographical systems. Multiple projects are led by Professor Song, such as the Second Comprehensive Scientific Investigation of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau on "Human Activities Impact and Assessment of Environmental Security for Human Survival," and the Key Project of the National Natural Science Foundation on "Research on Discrimination Methods for Regional High-Quality Development Based on Big Data." Published monographs by him include Essentials of Geography: The Thinking Foundation of Land Surface System Research, 30 Years of Soil Science: From Classics to Frontiers, and Supplementary Monograph on Regional High-Quality Development, etc. In addition to those, he published over a hundred high-quality academic papers, and honoured with the Special Government Allowance from the State Council.