China's icebreaker Xuelong departed Antarctica's Terra Nova Bay on February 21, 2026, concluding its 42nd Antarctic expedition after retrieving critical marine data and transitioning Qinling Station to its overwintering phase. The vessel recovered 69 summer team members and the final acoustic monitoring device from the Ross Sea, leaving 18 researchers to maintain operations through the polar winter.
During the mission, scientists conducted comprehensive surveys across the Amundsen Sea, Ross Sea, and adjacent waters, analyzing ocean dynamics, marine biodiversity, and atmospheric conditions. The team deployed four upgraded ecological mooring systems with domestically developed sensors, enabling unprecedented long-term monitoring of sub-ice marine environments.
"This expedition significantly advances our understanding of Southern Ocean ecosystems," said Zhang Haifeng, head of Xuelong's ocean team. Researchers collected krill and midwater fish samples to map food web interactions while documenting penguin population dynamics – vital data for tracking climate change impacts.
After disembarking personnel in Hobart, Australia, Xuelong will proceed to Zhongshan Station for additional research operations. The mission's findings are expected to inform global climate models and sustainable fisheries management strategies.
