Xuelong 2 embarks on ice station survey in central Arctic Ocean

China's icebreaker Xuelong 2 commenced its first ice station survey operations near 84 degrees north latitude in the central Arctic Ocean on Sunday, marking a significant phase of the country's 16th Arctic expedition, as reported by Xinhua News Agency.

The expedition team is set to conduct more than 20 research projects across seven ice stations. These projects include deploying disposable ice-based buoys, collecting ice core samples, and performing sea ice remote sensing observations. The aim is to comprehensively monitor dynamic changes in the atmosphere, sea ice, upper ocean, and sub-ice ecological processes during sea ice melt.

This research will provide scientific data crucial for studying rapid Arctic sea ice changes, their underlying mechanisms, and ecosystem evolution.

To address risks posed by polar bears during ice station operations, the expedition team has developed bear deterrence and emergency response plans to ensure the safety of personnel.