Current research situation and trend analysis of carbonatite based on bibliometrics

Carbonatite, a magmatic rock enriched in carbonate minerals, holds significant economic and scientific importance. This study uses big data and visual analysis techniques, employing Python programming, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace software, to analyze thousands of Chinese and English publications on carbonatite research from the Web of Science (WOS) and the Chinese journal database of CNKI. Through bibliometric analysis, we explore publication trends, source countries, journals funding sources, institutions, and authors of Chinese and English papers related to carbonatite research. Based on the keywords in these publications, we delve into the current research landscape and future development trends in carbonatite research. Keyword and cluster analyses reveal four key research areas: petrogenesis and tectonic setting, magmatic source and evolution, mineralization and related deposits, and related hightemperature/ high-pressure experimental studies. Our findings suggest that these established research fields will continue to attract significant attention in the future. REE deposits and their mineralization remain a central focus of carbonatite research, with an emphasis on understanding rare earth element enrichment and fractionation mechanisms. Additionally, critical metal minerals associated with carbonatite, such as niobium, are gaining increased research emphasis. Advancements in experimental technology are expected to drive further breakthroughs in high-temperature/high-pressure experiments related to carbonatite. Furthermore, the link between carbonatite genesis and deep Earth carbon cycling is emerging as a hot research topic. The giant Bayan Obo Fe-Nb-REE deposit will continue to be a focal point for research, while interest in Oldoinyo Lengai in Tanzania, though declining slightly since 2015, remains significant. In China, domestic research continues to focus on the Qinling carbonatite belt, particularly the Huayangchuan uranium and Huanglongpu molybdenum deposits, and the Mianning-Dechang REE metallogenic belt, exemplified by the Cenozoic Maoniuping deposit. Carbonatite research is demonstrating ongoing expansion in both depth and breadth. Notably, the emergence of big data and artificial intelligence-driven research presents a significant new trend, signaling a promising future for advancements in carbonatite research. © 2024 Geological Society of China. All rights reserved.