China's 42nd Antarctic expedition team departed Shanghai this weekend, embarking on a mission to deploy advanced drilling systems and renewable energy solutions in one of Earth's most extreme environments. The 500-member team – including researchers from the Chinese mainland and over 10 countries and regions – aims to unlock secrets of climate history while testing sustainable polar infrastructure.
Drilling into Climate Archives
For the first time, scientists will use domestically developed hot-water drills to sample subglacial lakes beneath 3,000 meters of ice. 'These pristine environments hold vital clues about ice sheet evolution and microbial life adaptation,' said expedition leader Wei Fuhai. The operation could provide critical data for predicting sea-level rise patterns.
Green Tech in Polar Night
Qinling Station, China's newest Antarctic base operational since February 2024, showcases a wind-solar-hydrogen-storage hybrid system that reduces annual fossil fuel use by 100 tonnes. During polar nights, stored green energy powers essential operations for 2.5 hours daily. Construction teams are now implementing AI-driven warehouse robots to boost material handling efficiency by 40%.
Global Collaboration in Harsh Conditions
The 30-month mission features international participants from Thailand, Chile, Portugal, and China's Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions. New hardware being tested includes the Snow Leopard 6×6 all-terrain vehicle and heavy-duty towing equipment designed for polar logistics. 'This expedition demonstrates how polar research can unite global scientific communities,' noted Long Wei of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.
