Editor's Notes:
Season 3 of the educational science program "Mr. Science" has started to air on Beijing Radio and Television Station (BRTV) every Tuesday at 21:05 since July 30, 2024. Each episode features a prominent Chinese scientist who imparts wisdom and experiences to a group of university and middle school students known as the "Future Team," fostering an engaging learning environment. Here are the stories of these distinguished scientists.
Jia Chengzao, a distinguished petroleum geologist and academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has devoted his life to exploring the vast and inhospitable Tarim Basin, home to China's largest desert and the world’s second-largest shifting sand desert, the Taklamakan Desert, often referred to as the "Sea of Death." This challenging environment, characterized by its harsh conditions and complex geology, has become the focus of Jia's groundbreaking work in oil and gas exploration.
To unveil the underground treasures of the Tarim Basin, researchers first need to conduct in-depth geological studies to unravel the complexities of the region’s stratigraphy to identify areas with potential for energy extraction. Graduating with a doctorate in 1987, Jia Chengzao volunteered to go to the forefront of the Tarim Oilfield and dedicated himself to oil and gas exploration.
The Tarim Basin, known for its extreme weather, including frequent sandstorms and hail, posed unique challenges to the scientists. Among its remarkable features is the blade-like mountain, a unique geological formation with rich natural gathering of oil and gas.
Jia and his team displayed extraordinary tenacity. They adapted climbing techniques from mountaineering to transport heavy drilling equipment weighing over 100 kilograms to remote exploration sites. This arduous task required not only physical strength but also immense teamwork, ingenuity, and a willingness to confront danger at every turn.
The unwavering "Daqing spirit," a term that denotes resilience and hard work in the Chinese oil industry, allowed Jia and his team to push through adversity. Over several years, they ventured into this enigmatic terrain, transforming sparse initial data into a comprehensive "Tarim Basin Petroleum Geology Theory." This foundational work remains the most authoritative and comprehensive geological resource for the Tarim Basin today.
The significant contributions of Jia and his team culminated in the discovery of the Kela 2 Gas Field, a milestone in China's oil and gas exploration history that greatly influenced national energy dynamics.
In early 1993, strategic plans for the Tarim campaign included the Kecan 1 well, Kela 1 well, and Dongqiu 5 well, all of which were highly anticipated. However, after two years of drilling without yielding expected results, skepticism began to surround Jia’s exploration efforts. Faced with intense pressure and questioning, Jia remained resolute, convinced that substantial oil and gas reserves lay hidden in the depths of the Tarim Basin.
As the leader of the exploration team, Jia was meticulous in tracking drilling developments and making informed decisions based on thorough analysis. His expertise led him to identify a carbonate layer beneath the surface, which required drilling deeper into purple mudstones to reach the targeted gas zone. However, the team encountered unexpected challenges with an exceptionally thick layer of mudstone, far exceeding expectations at 70 to 80 meters, complicating their efforts and delaying results.
Undeterred, Jia conducted detailed analyses and revised their approach based on real-time data, demonstrating a relentless commitment to overcoming obstacles. His perseverance paid off when they ultimately discovered the Kela 2 Gas Field—one of the most significant gas discoveries in the People’s Republic of China since its founding, marking an essential milestone in the country’s energy exploration history.
The achievements of Jia and his team reflect the spirit of exploration and resilience vital to scientific advancement. Working in the desolate Tarim Basin, they perfectly embodied the "Daqing spirit," serving as role models and pioneers for future generations of geologists.