Chinese scientists sail on Antarctic expedition

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 ◆ Chinese scientists sail on Antarctic expedition

A 140-strong Chinese Antarctic scientific expedition team left Shanghai recently on the expedition ship Xuelong (Snow Dragon) bound for the South Pole.

They were seen off at the Minsheng Dock in the Pudong New District of Shanghai by over 300 people including officials of the State Oceanic Administration.

Over the next four months, the scientists will make summer and winter observations at the Great Wall and Zhongshan Stations, where they will conduct research in 23 fields including lake subsidence, bio-resources and aerolites.

This is China's 19th expedition to the South Pole, during which the scientists will make their first observations on the Amery ice shelf, one of three ice shelves at the Pole.

The 167-meter-long Xuelong is the only ice-breaking ship used by Chinese expeditions. It is equipped with an up-to-date navigational system and Global Positioning System.