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Spatial analysis of global Bitcoin mining.
Wei Sun1,2, Haitao Jin3, Fengjun Jin4,5
1Key Laboratory of Regional Sustainable Development Modeling, Institute of Geographic Sciences and Natural Resources Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China. sunw.17b@igsnrr.ac.cn.
Scientific Reports
|June 23, 2022
Summary
Bitcoin mining, crucial for the network, shows a global spread but concentrated computing power near energy sources. Its spatial distribution dynamically shifts with economic and regulatory changes.
Area of Science:
- Geospatial analysis
- Cryptocurrency studies
- Network science
Background:
- Bitcoin mining underpins network security and links digital assets to the physical world.
- Existing research highlights network security, management, and sustainability concerns.
- A spatial perspective offers novel insights into Bitcoin mining dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the spatial distribution of Bitcoin mining globally.
- To identify geographical patterns and concentrations of mining activities.
- To explore the relationship between mining locations and energy production.
Main Methods:
- Bottom-up tracking of Bitcoin mining operations.
- Application of geospatial statistical analysis.
- Correlation analysis between mining distribution and energy production sites.
Main Results:
- Bitcoin mining detected in over 6000 geographical units across 139 countries.
- Significant spatial concentration of computing power observed.
- Mining activity shows a strong association with energy production locations.
- Dynamic spatial distribution influenced by economic and regulatory factors.
Conclusions:
- Bitcoin mining exhibits a globally distributed yet spatially concentrated nature.
- Energy availability is a key factor influencing mining power distribution.
- The evolving landscape of Bitcoin mining necessitates ongoing spatial and economic monitoring.
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