At over 6,000 meters above sea level, China’s scientific investigation team has embarked on a groundbreaking venture to drill deep ice cores from the No. 10 Glacier on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau. This ambitious endeavor, which commenced on September 12, marks a significant milestone in the country’s second comprehensive scientific expedition in the region.
The team’s arrival at the remote and lofty glacier signifies a critical step in understanding the Earth’s climatic history. Ice cores extracted from such high-altitude glaciers serve as frozen archives, preserving valuable information about past atmospheric conditions, temperature fluctuations, and environmental changes spanning thousands of years.
Drilling deep into the heart of the glacier, scientists aim to retrieve ice samples that can unlock secrets of ancient climates. These insights are essential for predicting future climate trends and developing strategies to mitigate the impacts of global warming.
The Purog Kangri Glacier, where the drilling is taking place, is renowned as the world’s third-largest glacier outside the polar regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This majestic glacier holds immense scientific value due to its size and the pristine condition of its ice layers, which remain relatively undisturbed over millennia.
The ongoing expedition not only advances scientific knowledge but also highlights China’s commitment to addressing global environmental challenges. By investing in such research, China contributes to the international effort to understand and combat climate change.
As the scientific team delves deeper into the glacier, the world watches with anticipation. The live progress of this monumental task is being shared through CGTN’s livestream, allowing global audiences to witness firsthand the dedication and expertise involved in this expedition.
This unprecedented exploration promises to enrich our understanding of Earth’s climatic past and inform strategies for a sustainable future.
Reference(s):
Live: Drilling deep ice cores in Qinghai-Xizang investigation
cgtn.com
