澳大利亚科学家推出一种望远镜来观察地下深处

Australian Scientists Propose a ‘Telescope’ to Look Deep Underground

Scientists in Australia want to build what they describe as a “downward looking telescope” to look for mineral wealth under the Earth’s surface.

The “telescope” is really a project aimed at increasing understanding of the geology, or physical structure, of Australia.

Scientists want to combine different kinds of geological information and create a three-dimensional (3-D) map of the Earth’s interior. Their hope is to show details of rocks and minerals to a depth of at least 300 kilometers under the surface.

The Australian Academy of Sciences released details of the project earlier this month. It is part of a 10-year plan for increasing geological science research.

The Academy said in its report that geoscience is very important for Australia’s education system and economy.

The plan recognizes the importance of mobile technology, renewable energy and other technologies, like those needed for electric vehicles. Researchers say development of these technologies will lead to a huge increase in demand for some minerals. They include copper¹, cobalt, gold and what are called rare-earth elements.

Many other important minerals are also believed to exist, hidden beneath Australia.

Sue O’Reilly is with the Australian Academy of Sciences. She described the mapping project this way.

“We can map the geology of the interior of the Earth just like we currently map the surface of the Earth by walking over it and physically² looking at the rocks that we see.”

O’Reilly said the map will be put together virtually by using powerful computers. When completed, she believes it will help scientists predict where to look for geological formations and mineral resources. O’Reilly said 90 percent of the work will be done with computers and computer modelling of geological processes.

The project would bring together very different kinds of information about the Earth. It would include measurements of seismic³ waves made by earthquakes. Scientists also would use information about the electrical and magnetic qualities of rocks deep underground. Other sources would include samples from volcanoes and satellite imaging data.

All this information would then be combined with computer and experimental models.

Minerals needed for future industry

Australian scientists believe that by 2030, worldwide demand for the mineral cobalt will be almost 50 times greater than it was in 2016. They are concerned that if Australia cannot produce enough of the metal for its own industries, the country will face shortages, delays and very high prices.

Cobalt is important to the production of long-lasting batteries that power electronic cars and other devices. It is estimated that about 300 companies around the world are searching for new supplies of cobalt.

O’Reilly said that future demand for Australia’s mineral resources requires an increased knowledge of geoscience.

The plan provides evidence of the weakness of geoscience studies in Australia’s education system, and the need to develop a new generation of scientists.

The Academy also noted⁴ the need to “expand Australia’s national computing⁵ capability” so that the country can continue to develop its geological computer models.

I’m Mario Ritter.

Words in This Story

dimensional – adj. of or related to a measurement in any one direction

interior – n. an inner part or area

mobile – adj. being moved; changeable in purpose

virtually – adv. existing or occurring on computers or the internet

seismic – adj. of, relating to, or caused by earthquakes

battery – n. something that produces electric current

1 copper   

n.铜；铜币；铜器；adj.铜(制)的；(紫)铜色的

参考例句：

• The students are asked to prove the purity of copper.要求学生们检验铜的纯度。
• Copper is a good medium for the conduction of heat and electricity.铜是热和电的良导体。

2 physically   

adj.物质上，体格上，身体上，按自然规律

参考例句：

• He was out of sorts physically,as well as disordered mentally.他浑身不舒服，心绪也很乱。
• Every time I think about it I feel physically sick.一想起那件事我就感到极恶心。

3 seismic   

a.地震的，地震强度的

参考例句：

• Earthquakes produce two types of seismic waves.地震产生两种地震波。
• The latest seismic activity was also felt in northern Kenya.肯尼亚北部也感觉到了最近的地震活动。

4 noted   

adj.著名的，知名的

参考例句：

• The local hotel is noted for its good table.当地的那家酒店以餐食精美而著称。
• Jim is noted for arriving late for work.吉姆上班迟到出了名。

5 computing   

n.计算

参考例句：

• to work in computing 从事信息处理
• Back in the dark ages of computing, in about 1980, they started a software company. 早在计算机尚未普及的时代（约1980年），他们就创办了软件公司。