University icebreaker embarks on Bohai Sea mission

A scientific research icebreaker departed from Nansha district in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, on Saturday, heading to the Bohai Sea's ice area for a major scientific investigation into the key processes and ecological environmental effects of the winter ice system in northern China.

The vessel, Zhongshan Daxue Jidi (Sun Yat-sen University Polar), is carrying scientists and researchers who will conduct research during the 44-day journey, covering the winter ice formation, peak ice and ice retreat periods in the Bohai Sea.

It is the first time China has conducted such a comprehensive investigation into the Bohai Sea's ice area during winter.

Cheng Xiao, dean of the School of Geospatial Engineering and Science at Sun Yat-sen University, said the team will establish two longitudinal sections and two observation cross-sections in Liaodong Bay and the central Bohai Sea. Their research will focus on studying the processes of sea ice formation and dissipation, the thermal and dynamic effects of the atmosphere and ocean on sea ice, and the impact of ice generation and dissipation on the water environment.

"We aim to construct an ecological dynamics model of Bohai Sea ice to reveal the potential impact of sea ice on seasonal ecosystem changes in the region," said Cheng, who is also leading the project.

He noted that the expedition is designed to both delve deep into the Bohai Sea and explore the broader implications of rapid Arctic changes on China's weather and climate.

"Through three-dimensional observations of the air, sky, ice and sea, we will study the Bohai Sea while also exploring how rapid Arctic changes affect China. Additionally, we will conduct sea trials of scientific equipment in a quasi-polar environment to contribute to the ecological construction of Liaodong Bay and global climate change research," Cheng added.

Chen Xianyao, a prominent marine physicist and professor at the Ocean University of China, highlighted the importance of the mission. He noted the scarcity of observational data in the Bohai Sea's winter ice area has resulted in limited understanding of the marine environment and biochemical changes beneath the ice.

"This voyage will effectively address the lack of observational data," said Chen, who is also the chief scientist on the mission.

A total of 45 scientists and researchers from 12 universities and research institutes are participating in the mission, organized and led by Sun Yat-sen University.

Zhongshan Daxue Jidi is China's first polar icebreaking scientific research vessel owned by a university, capable of conducting deep-sea polar research. The vessel completed the 2024 Arctic Ocean scientific expedition from July 26 to Oct 7, the first independently organized by a Chinese university. This achievement makes it China's third offshore scientific expedition platform capable of operating in the central Arctic Ocean's ice zone, following the Xuelong and Xuelong 2 icebreakers.