Outstanding Scientist Award

Ying Li is a Chinese geochemist and earthquake fluid geochemistry researcher currently serving as Professor of Geochemistry and Deputy Director at the Institute of Earthquake Forecasting, China Earthquake Administration. His research focuses on fluid geochemistry in active tectonic zones, earthquake precursor mechanisms, geothermal systems, and high-pressure metamorphic processes in subduction environments. Through interdisciplinary integration of isotope geochemistry, seismic fluid monitoring, and experimental mineral physics, Ying Li has contributed substantially to the understanding of geochemical signals associated with tectonic activity and earthquake forecasting methodologies.[1]

Abstract

Ying Li has developed an internationally recognized research profile in geochemistry, earthquake fluid monitoring, tectonic geochemistry, and experimental high-pressure mineral physics. His investigations have addressed the behavior of deep-earth fluids within active tectonic fault zones and their implications for earthquake forecasting and seismic hazard assessment. Li’s scholarly contributions include extensive work on radon, carbon dioxide, methane, mercury, and geothermal fluid emissions associated with tectonic activity across the Tibetan Plateau, North China Craton, and Ordos Block.[2]

His research integrates geochemical field monitoring, isotope geochemistry, thermodynamic modeling, and laboratory-based high-pressure experiments to evaluate fluid migration processes in active crustal systems. He has also contributed to theoretical studies concerning dehydration reactions in subducted sediments and the metamorphic evolution of hydrous mineral systems under extreme pressure-temperature conditions.[3]

Keywords

• Geochemistry
• Earthquake Fluid Geochemistry
• Tectonic Geochemistry
• Radon Emissions
• Active Fault Zones
• Subduction Zone Metamorphism
• High-Pressure Experimental Geochemistry
• Seismic Forecasting
• Geothermal Fluids
• Fluid Migration Mechanisms

Introduction

The scientific study of earthquake-related geochemical processes has become increasingly important in understanding crustal deformation, tectonic stress accumulation, and fluid migration in active fault systems. Within this field, Ying Li has contributed extensively to the development of seismic fluid geochemistry as an interdisciplinary research domain integrating geophysics, geochemistry, mineralogy, and tectonics.[4]

Ying Li completed his doctoral studies in Experimental Geochemistry at the Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, while also conducting research at Stuttgart University in Germany. He later served as a visiting scholar at Stony Brook University in the United States, further strengthening his expertise in mineral physics and experimental geoscience. His academic and administrative leadership at the Institute of Earthquake Forecasting has positioned him as a key figure in earthquake geochemistry research within China.[1]

Research Profile

Ying Li’s research profile encompasses both field-based tectonic geochemistry and laboratory-based high-pressure geoscience. His studies have focused on the geochemical behavior of fluids in active fault zones, particularly the emission and migration characteristics of gases such as CO₂, CH₄, radon, helium, and mercury within seismically active regions.[5]

In addition to earthquake-related geochemistry, Ying Li has conducted investigations into metamorphic dehydration reactions of subducted sediments under high-pressure and high-temperature conditions. His work combines thermodynamic calculations and experimental petrology to understand deep-earth fluid generation and mineral stability in subduction environments.[6]

• Earthquake precursor geochemistry
• Fluid migration in active fault systems
• Geothermal water geochemistry
• High-pressure mineral experiments
• Subduction-zone metamorphism
• Isotopic analysis of tectonic fluids
• Seismic geochemical monitoring

Research Contributions

Ying Li has contributed to understanding the spatial and temporal variability of soil gas emissions in active tectonic regions of China. His studies demonstrated relationships between gas anomalies and fault activity, helping establish geochemical monitoring frameworks for seismic surveillance.[7]

Several of his investigations explored the correlation between geothermal fluid chemistry and tectonic segmentation in regions such as the Zhangjiakou-Penglai fault zone and Tibetan Plateau fault systems. These studies provided insight into deep fluid circulation, hydrothermal processes, and structural controls on geothermal systems.[8]

Ying Li also contributed to high-pressure geoscience through experimental analyses of carbonate minerals and dehydration processes in pelitic systems. His thermodynamic and experimental studies improved understanding of fluid release mechanisms during subduction metamorphism and mantle wedge interactions.[9]

• Investigation of radon and CO₂ emissions across active faults
• Analysis of geothermal fluid isotope systems
• Experimental modeling of hydrous mineral stability
• Thermodynamic calculations of subducted sediment dehydration
• Assessment of fluid geochemistry in seismic forecasting
• Characterization of tectonic fluid migration processes

Publications

Ying Li has authored and co-authored more than 130 indexed publications and several scholarly books in geochemistry and earthquake science. His publications appear in internationally recognized journals including Chemical Geology, Applied Geochemistry, Geothermics, Earth and Space Science, American Mineralogist, and Journal of Asian Earth Sciences.[10]

Research Impact

The scientific impact of Ying Li’s work is reflected in his publication record, citation metrics, leadership roles, and interdisciplinary collaborations. His Scopus profile records more than 1,591 citations and an h-index of 23, indicating sustained influence within geochemistry and earthquake science communities.[1]

Ying Li has contributed to major scientific initiatives related to earthquake prediction and fluid geochemistry, including UNESCO International Geoscience Programme projects and national earthquake monitoring programs in China. His work has supported advances in geochemical surveillance methods and improved understanding of deep-earth fluid systems associated with seismic activity.[11]

In addition to research, Ying Li has served in editorial and professional leadership positions, including roles within the Seismological Society of China and editorial boards of geoscience journals. These contributions demonstrate continued engagement in scientific coordination and academic development within the field.[12]

Award Suitability

Ying Li’s research profile demonstrates strong alignment with the objectives of the International Phenomenological Research Awards and the Outstanding Scientist Award category. His scientific contributions span theoretical geochemistry, field-based tectonic investigations, seismic fluid monitoring, and experimental high-pressure mineralogy.[13]

His studies on earthquake fluid geochemistry and tectonic gas emissions have advanced understanding of the relationship between geochemical anomalies and seismic processes. Furthermore, his leadership in multidisciplinary projects and his sustained publication record indicate a long-term commitment to advancing geoscience research at both national and international levels.[14]

Conclusion

Ying Li has established a distinguished academic career in geochemistry and earthquake fluid science through extensive research on tectonic fluids, seismic precursor mechanisms, and subduction-zone metamorphic processes. His interdisciplinary methodology, combining field observations with experimental geoscience and thermodynamic modeling, has contributed significantly to the understanding of deep-earth fluid systems and earthquake-related geochemical phenomena.[15]

Through sustained scholarly productivity, scientific leadership, and participation in international geoscience collaborations, Li continues to influence the development of earthquake geochemistry and tectonic fluid research. His achievements support recognition within the Outstanding Scientist Award category of the International Phenomenological Research Awards.[1]

External Links

• Google Scholar Profile
• Scopus Author Profile

References

1. X Zhou, J Du, Z Chen, J Cheng, Y Tang, L Yang, C Xie, Y Cui, L Liu, L Yi, et al. Geochemistry of soil gas in the seismic fault zone produced by the Wenchuan Ms 8.0 earthquake, southwestern China. Geochemical Transactions. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gloplacha.2025.104778
2. Z Chen, Y Li, Z Liu, J Wang, X Zhou, J Du. Radon emission from soil gases in the active fault zones in the Capital of China and its environmental effects. Scientific Reports. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-018-35262-1
3. J Tian, A Stefánsson, Y Li, L Li, L Xing, Z Li, Y Li, X Zhou. Geochemistry of thermal fluids and the genesis of granite-hosted Huangshadong geothermal system, Southeast China. Geothermics.  https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0375650523000019
4. X Wang, Y Li, J Du, X Zhou. Correlations between radon in soil gas and the activity of seismogenic faults in the Tangshan area, North China. Radiation Measurements. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1350448713003636
5. Y Yang, Y Li, Z Guan, Z Chen, L Zhang, CJ Lv, F Sun. Correlations between the radon concentrations in soil gas and the activity of the Anninghe and the Zemuhe faults in Sichuan, southwestern of China. Applied Geochemistry.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0883292717302433