Chinese Antarctic research team arrives in Antarctica

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-18-2008 09:17

The Chinese Antarctic Research Team has arrived in Antarctica and is moving steadily towards Zhongshan station. The team is on its 25th expedition to the polar continent.

The Chinese Antarctic Research Team has arrived in Antarctica  and is moving steadily towards Zhongshan station.

The Chinese ship Xuelong, or "snow dragon", has carried members of the 25th Chinese Antarctic Research Team through ice to reach the southernmost continent. After one month, the icebreaker has finally arrived in the icy region... with about four hundred and fifty kilometers to go until it reaches China's Zhongshan Station.

Almost the entire ocean surface is covered by ice. The ship has to move slowly, at only 22 kilometers per hour. But the journey isn't lonely with animals such as seals and penguins frequently seen moving across the ice.

Xuelong crew member Zhao Qiang said, "We chose the route in light of satellite images, where the icy regions can be seen clearly. We chose the route where the ice coverage is comparatively sparse. We also consider ice conditions. New ice is thin and grey, but solid multiyear ice is white and shiny."

According to plans, the Xuelong will arrive at a point about 30 to 40 kilometers from Zhongshan station on November 18th. The team will unload research equipment and supplies there.

The main mission of the expedition is to build China's third Antarctic station at Dome A, the highest point on the polar icecap. It will be China's first station in the interior of Antarctica.

Editor:Zhang Ning