China’s 41st Antarctic expedition set sail on Friday, marking the beginning of a nearly seven-month mission to advance polar research and bolster infrastructure in the southernmost continent.
The expedition team departed aboard three vessels: research icebreakers Xuelong (Snow Dragon) and Xuelong 2 (Snow Dragon 2), along with the cargo ship Yong Sheng. The Xuelong 2, designed for efficient navigation at an economic speed of 15 knots, is expected to arrive in Antarctica on November 26.
Over the coming months, Chinese researchers will focus on constructing supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station in Antarctica. They will investigate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem and engage in international research and logistics cooperation.
“The research team aboard the vessels will conduct extensive investigations and monitoring of biological ecology, water environment, sedimentary environment, atmospheric environment, and pollutant distribution,” said Long Wei, deputy head of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.
Long added, “Relying on China’s Antarctic stations—Kunlun, Taishan, Zhongshan, and Changcheng (Great Wall)—Chinese scientists will carry out comprehensive surveys and monitoring of the ecosystem, nearshore marine environment, soil environment, geological environment, atmospheric environment, snow and ice environment, and space environment. The research will provide an in-depth study of Antarctica’s role in global climate change.”
The mission will cover key areas including Prydz Bay in East Antarctica, the Astronaut Sea, the Ross Sea in West Antarctica, the Amundsen Sea, and adjacent waters of the Antarctic Peninsula.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
