Polar update! China's icebreaker Xuelong has reached the icy waters off Qinling Station to start unloading roughly 1,400 tonnes of supplies over the next five days 🚢❄️
Here's what's happening on site:
- Massive cargo drop: Everything from fuel and engineering gear to research materials is being moved ashore by barge.
- Simultaneous upgrades: On-site teams are working on engineering projects and boosting the station's infrastructure.
- Return trip: Some used supplies and waste will head back to China once operations progress.
If you're new to Qinling Station, it became operational on February 7, 2024. It's now China's largest single-structure Antarctic outpost, covering 5,244 m² and hosting up to 80 researchers. Located in the Ross Sea region, it's a key hub for polar science 🌏❄️
Beyond unloading, the expedition team will:
- Use helicopters for aerial photography around the station.
- Deploy Xuelong for marine surveys and other scientific missions.
Led by China's Ministry of Natural Resources, this 42nd Antarctic expedition is all about enhancing research facilities and the communication network, so Qinling Station stays at the cutting edge of polar science. Stay tuned for more icy insights! ✨
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
