"Xuelong 2" sets off! China's 13th Arctic Ocean expedition team sets out

On July 12, the 13th Chinese Arctic Ocean scientific expedition team, organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources, set out from Shanghai on the polar research icebreaker Xuelong 2 to carry out scientific research in the Arctic Ocean. The total voyage of this expedition is expected to be about 15,500 nautical miles, and it is planned to return to Shanghai in late September this year.

On July 12, China's 13th Arctic Ocean scientific expedition boarded the Xuelong 2 to the Arctic Ocean. Photo by Xinhua News Agency reporter Zhang Jiansong (drone photo)

It is reported that this survey will focus on two major areas, the Pacific sector of the central Arctic Ocean and the García Ridge, and carry out four major tasks: long-term observation and monitoring of key environmental elements, geological and geophysical surveys of mid-ocean ridges, national science and technology plan projects and international cooperation; implement surveys of the atmosphere, sea ice, ocean and bottom environment, biological community and resource surveys, and pollutant monitoring, and conduct comprehensive sea ice surveys in ice areas when the opportunity arises.

It is reported that this expedition will effectively enhance my country's capabilities in Arctic Ocean environmental protection, response to rapid changes in the Arctic, and marine pollution assessment, and obtain key information and data required for related research such as mid-ocean ridge dynamics; at the same time, jointly carry out relevant research with scientists from Russia, Thailand and other countries, and effectively promote international cooperation in Arctic scientific expeditions.

Reporters: Wei Hongyi, Zhang Jiansong, Cen Zhilian

Editor: Nie Yan

Design: Jia Xiquan

Produced by Xinhua News Agency Domestic Department