Chinese scientists leave for Antarctic expedition (2)

As part of the South Pole survey, 41 researchers will conduct six projects on the Antarctic Ocean, which will include ocean physics, ocean chemistry, marine organism and Antarctic krill resources.

"It shows China's Antarctic expedition has gradually expanded from inland and coastal investigations to the Antarctic Ocean," said Qu Tanzhou, the team leader of the expedition.

To date, China's maritime data of the Antarctic ocean region is low in space-time density, low in accuracy and has poor repeated measurements. Current data is limited in the Antarctic seas at Prydz Bay, he added.

The other major task of the expedition is the site selection survey of the new station in the Antarctic.

"We will consider layout distribution and resource sharing with other foreign stations, especially on cooperation with logistical support and emergency rescue," Qu added.

Xuelong is expected to cover 27,000 nautical miles before returning to Shanghai in April, 2013.

China launched its first expedition to the Antarctic in 1984 and has established three stations there, including Changcheng, Zhongshan and Kunlun.

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