Let’s go! Go to the southernmost tip of the earth to “get seawater”

Antarctica, a sparsely populated icy continent, is full of endless mysteries, and Hu Ji, an associate researcher at the Second Institute of Oceanography of the Ministry of Natural Resources, is one of the brave ones exploring these unknown areas.

In April this year, with the successful return of China's 40th Antarctic expedition, Hu Ji also successfully completed his most recent scientific expedition mission.

In 2014, Hu Ji started his first Antarctic expedition. So far, he has participated in three Antarctic expeditions. "Every trip to Antarctica is a valuable experience. I am also proud to be able to use my meager ability to explore the polar regions and contribute to the cause of human development."

40th Antarctic Expedition

Walking into Hu Ji's laboratory, you will see bottles of various sizes, with some transparent water in them, which are seawater samples brought back from Antarctica. Hu Ji jokingly called them the "trophies" of him and his team members.

On November 1 last year, Hu Ji boarded the Xuelong and started his third Antarctic scientific expedition. Recalling the 168-day voyage, his experiences are still vivid in his mind.

Hu Ji is collecting seawater samples (All pictures in this article are provided by the interviewees)

His research focuses on the biogeochemical change mechanisms of marine pollutants, and the key data are often hidden in the polar seawater.

During this trip to Antarctica, one of Hu Ji's tasks was to deploy and retract the submersible buoy system. This equipment is a device that strings together a settling particle collector, various types of sensors, buoys, and weights through ropes and puts them into the sea, which can observe ocean data and collect samples over a long period of time.

"The most difficult part is to retrieve the buoys that our colleagues placed on the deep seabed last year." Hu Ji said that this work cannot be done by large ships alone, and often has to be done alone in a small boat.

Hu Ji and his teammates collect the underwater buoys in a small boat

That day, Hu Ji and several team members boarded the small boat, braving the cold wind, and followed the command of the "Xuelong" little by little, constantly adjusting the position of the cable. After two or three hours of hard work, they finally brought the buoy out of the water. He still remembers the scene when he returned to the big ship from the small boat after collecting the buoy: above his head was a 10-meter-high soft rope ladder; under his feet were the constantly rising and falling wind and waves. "If you are not careful, you can easily fall into the sea."

"Fortunately, we are very familiar with every process, and every operation has reliable safety guarantees, so we are not afraid at all," said Hu Ji.

The scientific expedition team members used a crane to recover the submersible buoy system on the Xuelong.

During the 40th Antarctic scientific expedition, China's fifth Antarctic research station, Qinling Station, was officially completed and put into use. This is China's first research station facing the Pacific sector and has important scientific research value.

At the opening ceremony, when the five-star red flag was raised, his eyes moistened unconsciously. "This is the most modern base in our country, and it is also a powerful manifestation of the country's economic and technological strength. Because of this, I am full of confidence in the future of China's polar cause." Hu Ji said.

“Gale Moments” on the Research Vessel

Hu Ji’s “Antarctic experience” began in 2014, when my country carried out its 30th scientific expedition to Antarctica. This was also his first time to participate in Antarctic scientific expedition.

A world of ice and snow, endless glaciers, deep blue and silent sea, swaying penguins... "That is the beauty and fantasy at the end of the world. I was fascinated by it the moment I saw it," said Hu Ji.

Antarctica, this beautiful world not only has beautiful scenery, but also challenges.

When the ship entered the Southern Ocean and passed through Prydz Bay, Hu Ji was on the deck sampling seawater. This is the third largest bay in Antarctica, close to Zhongshan Station, and there are strong winds all year round. He was inexperienced at the time and remembered that he was standing on the deck, and the strong winds blew so hard that he could hardly stand. "In that scene, I felt very small, as if I was squeezed by the world and couldn't breathe."

Thrills are not the norm for Antarctic scientific research. There are more long and silent moments in Antarctica, but Hu Ji can endure it.

"When working with the ship, we work day and night, according to the designed station, and we have to get up and work when we arrive at the station." For each scientific expedition mission, the scientific expedition team members stay for at least half a year. During this period, the ship will stop at the set sampling station, and Hu Ji and the team will collect data and samples intensively, and then carefully store these precious samples in a special sample library. Usually, each station will carry out 1-2 sampling work, day after day, and repeat it continuously. For a single chemical element alone, a scientific expedition can bring back 3,000-5,000 bottles of seawater samples.

Hu Ji and his teammates are loading seawater samples

During the scientific expedition, every day is precious. "If the stations are very densely distributed, you have to rush to the next station right after completing the task at one station. The number of scientific researchers on board is limited, which means everyone needs to take on more work, and sometimes they can only rest for 2 to 3 hours in 48 hours," said Hu Ji.

Ten years ago, Hu Ji was a "newbie" following his predecessors. Now, Hu Ji has become an "expert" with many Antarctic scientific expedition experiences. Every time he goes to Antarctica, he dares not relax at all, but every time he has new experiences and gains. The experience of Antarctica has become an indispensable part of Hu Ji's life.

Always ready for the next departure

Why do scientific researchers travel thousands of miles to Antarctica to collect seawater in person?

Faced with this question, Hu Ji's tone became more serious. "Scientific research is a job that requires extreme rigor and excellence. As a researcher, it is crucial to go to the scene in person and obtain first-hand data and information."

Hu Ji pre-processes seawater samples in the Xuelong laboratory

Today, Hu Ji is still preparing for the next trip. He said: "Marine science is a discipline based on observational data. If you want to develop such a discipline, you must conduct a large number of observations and obtain basic data to promote scientific research to move forward."

The significance of Antarctic scientific research is not limited to the exploration of the Antarctic region itself, but also helps humans better understand the earth and protect the natural environment. Hu Ji explained that the bottom water formed in the Antarctic region is an important driving force for global ocean circulation, and its influence affects every corner of the world. "Scientific research work is not only about the things in front of us, but its more profound significance is to provide solid support for the future development of mankind."

Hu Ji and his team members prepare to lower the falling particle capture device

Today, China has established five research stations in Antarctica, and the living conditions of scientific researchers are also improving. At the latest Qinling station, there is 24-hour hot water, and you can keep in touch with your family through the Internet. The accommodation environment is also good... "Our Antarctic research is becoming more and more scientific. Whether it is scientific research support or life logistics support, it can be said that everything is constantly improving." A series of changes made Hu Ji very emotional.

During the 40th scientific expedition, Hu Ji and his team also deployed a buoy system for collecting data, and they look forward to the next year's expedition team to collect it. On the buoy, some people drew a QR code with a pen, some wrote their children's names, and Hu Ji wrote "See you next year".