China to start 23rd scientific expedition toward Antarctica

Twenty-seven scientists will fly to China's Changcheng research station in the Antarctic on December 3 where they will draw detailed digital topography to help predict climate change, according to the State Oceanic Administration (SOA).

A database of three-dimensional information of the previously unmapped area around Changcheng Station will help researchers track climate change along with movements in the earth's crust, glaciers and oceans around the Antarctic.

The expedition, China's 23rd, will also continue working on developing the country's third research station on Antarctica. It's to be built at a place known as Doma A, which is 4,300 meters above sea level.

Currently, China has two research stations in the Antarctic. The Changcheng Station was founded in 1985 and the other station, Zhongshan was built in 1989. Both are near the continent's coastline. The third station, which has yet to be named, will be built much further inland.

Another group of 19 scientists will leave the Chinese capital for Zhongshan Station on Dec. 2.

Source: Xinhua