What secrets do these silent stones hold? Here at the China University of Geosciences Museum, north of the main building, lies the intriguing 冰川漂砾 (Glacial Erratics) rock garden. Nine unassuming rocks rest here. Their surfaces bear the marks of a long journey. These rocks travelled a great distance from Tibet to find their home in this rock garden. They are a rare and impressive sight. The sheer size of these Glacial Erratics at CUG is quite unusual for geological museums in China.
These Glacial Erratics offer tangible proof of ancient glacial activity. They are a testament to the power of ice. Glaciers are powerful forces. As glaciers move, they pick up rocks and carry them along. These rocks, varying in size from pebbles to massive boulders, can be carried for hundreds of kilometers. When the glacier melts, these “wandering” rocks, the Glacial Erratics, are left behind. They remain as silent witnesses to the glacier’s journey.
The Glacial Erratics at CUG are more than just rocks. They are geological storytellers. They offer clues to the direction, extent, and timing of past glacial movements. The striations and polished surfaces on these rocks are like ancient maps. They tell a tale of ice and movement. Scientists can study these rocks. They can deduce the path the glacier took and even how long ago it travelled. The presence of these Glacial Erratics here at CUG tells us that this area was once covered by a massive ice sheet.
The story of these rocks’ arrival at CUG is itself an adventure. In 2005, the museum lacked any Glacial Erratics. The museum director, Ren Youfu, recognized the gap in their collection and the importance of these geological wonders. He enlisted the help of retired museum deputy director Lu Lianzhong. Together, they journeyed to Tibet in search of these elusive stones.
Their journey was not without challenges. The high altitude of Tibet presented difficulties. Upon arriving in Lhasa, both men experienced severe altitude sickness. They had to wait four days for their symptoms to subside. Once recovered, they travelled to Yangbajain Town, known for its geothermal power plant and the ancient glacial remnants scattered across the plateau. Among the various stones, they carefully selected nine. These chosen Glacial Erratics were then transported over 3600 km back to Wuhan. The rocks were transported by truck and train to finally reach their new home in the CUG rock garden.
Here they stand, a silent testament to the power of nature. The Glacial Erratics, each with its own unique story etched in stone, now serve as an invaluable educational resource. They invite us to appreciate the immense forces that have shaped our planet. They remind us of the interconnectedness of seemingly distant places. They continue to inspire curiosity and wonder. They silently challenge us to discover and protect the Earth’s remarkable geological treasures.