Scientists are trying to track climate change using ice
China's new Antarctic expedition, which recently celebrated its 40th anniversary, has paved the way for vigorous atmospheric research in the frigid region. These efforts included the establishment and maintenance of a meteorological observation station, as well as extensive atmospheric chemical observations and sampling at the famous Zhongshan Station.
Researchers from the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences are currently conducting a thorough analysis of the valuable samples obtained during the expedition. During this painstaking process, specialized equipment is used to study the concentrations of various gases in collected atmospheric samples. In addition, one of the main events of this expedition was the construction of Qinling Station, China's fifth scientific outpost in Antarctica.
The results of this in-depth study will not only shed light on the composition of gases such as carbon dioxide, methane and sulfur hexafluoride, but will also provide valuable data for a comprehensive understanding of Antarctic climate dynamics. The team observed and modeled the interactions of ice and gas at the pole.
The scientists used a ground-based object spectrometer to measure the spectral reflectance of various snow surfaces and the hardness of the surface layer of snow, and to study the snow characteristics of the interior ice sheet.
It is reported that the data obtained will be compared with previous records, which will provide a new look at the situation and expand knowledge about the atmospheric conditions of the region.
Thanks to real-time online monitoring, on-site sampling for further analysis and laboratory research in Beijing, China is pushing the boundaries of Antarctic atmospheric research.
Since 2008, Zhongshan Station has operated a state-of-the-art atmospheric background monitoring system, and China continues to strive to fill critical gaps in polar atmospheric research.
According to the Xinhua news agency, during the 40th Antarctic expedition, specialists for the first time visited the area of the previously discovered subglacial lake and conducted research on the selection of drilling sites. The fact is that such bodies of water, long covered by ice, are characterized by unique environmental conditions with high pressure, low temperature and nutrient content, and darkness, which provide unique information about biological evolution, climate change, and the evolution of the Antarctic ice cover.
Prior to the publication of the research, the first icebreaker made in China, Xuelong-2, spent a five-day stop in Hong Kong. After the vessel docked at the terminal, immigration officials boarded the vessel to conduct border inspections of more than 50 members of the expedition team and crew. The expedition covered more than 81 thousand nautical miles in five months.
The organizing committee expressed the hope that the icebreaker's visit will help Hong Kong residents better understand the polar expedition in the country, especially interest young people and generate enthusiasm for polar scientific research.
The icebreaker will be open to the public from Tuesday to Friday. While in Hong Kong, the Antarctic Expedition team held a two-day international conference on climate change at the Chinese University of Hong Kong.
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