China has launched its 16th scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean, with the focus on global climate change and its impacts, according to the Ministry of Natural Resources.
Three research icebreakers — Xuelong, Xuelong 2 and Jidi — set sail from the northeastern coastal city of Dalian, Liaoning province, on Friday, beginning their northward voyage, the ministry said, adding that Tansuo 3, a multifunctional research vessel, will join the expedition later.
During the four-month mission, researchers will conduct comprehensive surveys and monitoring in key areas of the Arctic Ocean, with major investigations covering sea ice, hydrology, biology, ecology and the atmospheric environment.
The expedition will also study frontier scientific topics, including the accretion mechanisms of the Gakkel Ridge and the dynamic evolution of the oceanic crust.
In addition, the team will conduct joint research with scientists from Russia, Germany and other countries, providing scientific support for China and the international community to better understand and protect the Arctic region and improve Arctic governance, according to the ministry.
"Driven by global warming, the Arctic's natural environment is undergoing rapid and profound changes amid intensifying trends such as sea ice loss. These changes bear on the shared destiny of human survival and development, carrying global significance and far-reaching implications," the ministry said in a statement.
"Sustained comprehensive Arctic expeditions serve as a critical foundation for addressing global climate change and advancing the sustainable development of the Arctic region," it added.
Before departing for the Arctic expedition, Xuelong and Xuelong 2 were opened for public visits in Dalian on Wednesday and Thursday.
Event organizers said the openhouse activities were intended to showcase China's achievements in polar scientific research, while facilitating exchanges of marine talent and promoting the upgrade of ocean-related industries. They estimate that the two icebreakers received about 2,000 visitors during the two-day event.
Professor Li Wenhua of Dalian Maritime University, who participated in China's 15th Arctic expedition, said he led the development of an advanced winch system for deepsea exploration operations, which completed a successful trial during that mission.
"Today, domestically developed equipment is being increasingly deployed in polar expeditions. This is the greatest achievement for us deep-sea science and technology researchers," Li added.
China's 15th Arctic expedition was launched in July last year and it concluded in October. It involved four vessels — Xuelong 2, Jidi, Shenhai 1 and Tansuo 3 — and remains the country's largest-ever scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean.
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