October 21, 2012, a workshop was held to discuss implementation approaches for a CAS theme program entitled “Multi-sphere interactions on the Tibetan Plateau and their impacts on resources and environment”. Over 40 professors from various research institutions including ITPCAS, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Peking University, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, and Institute of Earth Environment attended the workshop.

During the workshop, projects’ leaders presented on their thoughts and current understanding of some major aspects in the study, including (1) the formation of the Gangdise Arc-ridge and Cu-Mo-Au mineralization by Prof. XU Jifeng, (2) time limitations and modes and processes of the collision  between the Indian and Eurasian plates by Prof. DING Lin, (3) deep lithospheric structure, thermal status and its evolution beneath the Tibetan Plateau by Prof. WANG Qiang, (4) quantification of the Plateau elevation at different time periods by Prof. DENG Tao, (5) Tibetan Plateau uplift, continental denudation/ weathering and its environmental impacts by Prof. FANG Xiaomin, (6) numerical simulation of the environmental responses to Tibetan Plateau uplift by Prof. LIU Xiaodong, and (7) spatial pattern of climate and environment on the Tibetan Plateau during selected time periods since LGM and related multi-sphere interactions by Prof. TIAN Lide.

Program PI Prof. YAO Tandong presided over the workshop. Detailed approaches were thoroughly discussed during the workshop, as well as some key scientific and technical issues that are likely to occur to all projects within this program. Once passed the evaluation, those research projects will be implemented following the approaches proposed for a better understanding of the geology and environment of the Tibetan Plateau.