2023-11-02 08:49:14
China’s 40th Antarctic scientific expedition started on Wednesday. As part of this, it is planned to complete the construction of a new station near the Ross Sea by February 2024. Thus, the station will become the fifth research station of the PRC in Antarctica.
According to the Global Times, three ships set off on the five-month expedition: the icebreakers Xuelong and Xuelong-2 and the cargo ship Tianhui, carrying materials and equipment for the construction of the station.
Over 460 people are participating in the expedition. They are going to study the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem. The expedition group will conduct comprehensive research and monitoring of bioecology, marine environment, and ecosystems.
China has already built the Kunlun, Changcheng, Taishan and Zhongshan stations in Antarctica. At the new station with an area of 5244 sq. m. in summer 80 expedition members will be able to stay, in winter – 30.
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