The shrinking ice cap may make it possible for China's Arctic icebreaker Xuelong to go further north this year, Wang Jianzhong, captain of the Chinese research vessel, said Friday.
According to a satellite image sent to Xuelong by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the ice on Chukchi Sea has retreated to around latitude 73 degrees north, Wang told Xinhua.
Compared to the figures registered in 1999 by scientists on China's first Arctic expedition team, the edge of the ice is some 200 km further north, which means Xuelong could travel to an even higher latitude and turn a new page in the Chinese navigation history, Wang said with excitement.
However, the shrinking of the ice cap may also bring new challenges for Xuelong, which is now on the Bering Sea.
The captain said more melted ice means more sea water, which inthe Arctic area means more rough weather.
The Xuelong, which left Shanghai on July 11 with 122 scientists and logistics staff, reached the Bering Sea last Saturday.
The exploration will last until July 29, and then the ship will travel to the Arctic Ocean after a short break.
In the Arctic, the team will study the polar region's distinctive maritime resources and air quality, and conduct comprehensive research on geological and meteorological conditions during the 75-day expedition.
Source:Xinhua
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