Chinese Icebreaker Xuelong-2 Embarks on Antarctic Research Mission
Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong-2, also known as Snow Dragon-2, has reached its designated operation site in the Amundsen Sea, marking the start of a month-long oceanic research mission as part of China’s 41st Antarctic expedition.
According to Luo Guangfu, captain of the oceanic team, the survey area is primarily located south of 68 degrees latitude. The mission aims to explore key areas of Antarctic marine hydrology, meteorology, chemistry, biology, and geology.
The team will collect samples of polar seawater, sediment, gas, and biological specimens, conducting pre-processing and analysis in the onboard laboratory. By monitoring annual changes in polar marine ecological parameters, they hope to provide critical data for understanding and protecting the fragile polar environment.
Organized by China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, the goals of the expedition include studying the impacts of climate change on Antarctic ecosystems and advancing international cooperation in scientific research. Earlier in January, Xuelong-2 docked at New Zealand’s Lyttelton Port for resupply and crew rotation.
This expedition not only represents China’s ongoing commitment to polar research but also contributes to global efforts to understand climate change and its effects on Earth’s most remote regions.
Reference(s):
Chinese icebreaker Xuelong-2 embarks on new oceanic research mission
cgtn.com
