China's Deep Sea Ambition, Technology, Expeditions: News & Updates

[JSCh]

China Realizes Real-time Transmission of Deep-Sea Data in 3000-meter Depth
Jan 10, 2018

The research vessel "Kexue" has embarked its expedition in the Western Pacific since 26 November, 2017.

Chinese scientists recently announced that they had upgraded 8 sets of subsurface moorings to achieve "live transmission" of deep-sea data over the upper 1000-meter depth, and had realized real-time transmission of temperature, salinity, and three-dimensional velocity in 3000-meter depth, which was a new record.

Last year, they set out to overcome difficulties in the long-term transmission of real-time data from subsurface moorings, and succeeded in achieving real-time transmission of deep-sea data from one mooring for more than 280 days in a row, according to WANG Fan, senior scientist of Aoshan Talents Program of Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology (QDLM) and director of the Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IOCAS).

"Based on the previous work, real-time transmission of deep water data is being expanded towards the majority of the subsurface moorings in the CAS scientific observing network, and the depth range of real-time deep-sea data has been extended from 1000 to 3000 meters depth in this year." WANG said.

He added that the data could enhance capacity for exploring the deep ocean mysteries and for accelerating the establishment of marine climate forecast and disaster prevention and reduction system for China.

The CAS Scientific Observing Network in the Western Pacific is a key component of the "Two Oceans One Sea" observation system of QNLM. The construction of the real-time Scientific Observing Network in the Western Pacific has been supported by the Strategic Priority Research Program and Equipment Development Project of CAS, the Aoshan Science and Technology Innovation Plan and Wenhai Plan of QNLM.

"Kexue" will return to Qingdao in February 2018 after completing the scientific tasks for the maintenance and upgrade of observation network.

Figure: Time series of real-time deep water (approximately 3147-meter depth) temperature, salinity, and current speed in the Western Pacific. (Image by IOCAS)

 

[JSCh]

China's first 10-km-deep expedition in the ocean succeeds
By Wu Feiyun | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2018-01-11 10:19

China's first 10-km-deep water-column-spanning array, a kind of most advanced scientific equipment for deep-sea exploration, was successfully deployed in the Challenger Deep, Mariana Trench Experiment in December 2017.

The task was led by Professor Yang Yixin of Northwestern Polytechnical University and supported by the Ocean University of China, the Institute of Acoustics, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the First Institute of Oceanography State Oceanic Administration.

After one year of preparation in achieving the design, development, detection and demonstration of Mariana Trench acoustic observation technology to a depth of 10 km, the Challenger expedition offered the first glimpse of deep ocean basins and other characteristics of the ocean floor.

The trial also gathered important data for further study of deep-sea acoustic propagation characteristics.

The Mariana Trench or Marianas Trench is the deepest part of the world's oceans. It is located in the Western Pacific. For comparison, if Mount Everest were dropped into the deepest point of the trench, its peak would still be over 1.6 km underwater.

 

[JSCh]

Exploring China's National Deep Sea Center, home port of deep sea submersibles
New China TV Published on Jan 15, 2018

China is making breakthroughs in the frontier fields of deep-sea exploration. Find out about China's National Deep Sea Center, the world's fifth deep sea technology support base.

 

[JSCh]

China launches latest marine research vessel
By Gao Yun
2018-01-16 15:42 GMT+8

China launched its latest comprehensive marine research vessel, the Dong Fang Hong 3, at the Jiangnan Shipyard in Shanghai on Tuesday.

With an overall length of 103.8 meters and width of 18m, the vessel can navigate a continuous sailing distance of 15,000 nautical miles (27,780 kilometers).

The Dong Fang Hong 3, a cooperative project between No. 708 Research Institute of China State Shipbuilding Co. (CSSC) and Ocean University of China, is equipped with the most comprehensive scientific expedition functions.

Dong Fang Hong 3, China's latest marine research vessel. /CGTN Photo

“For a comprehensive research vessel, its major task focuses on scientific expedition, and for China, observation is now the main target of scientific expedition,” said No. 708 Research Institute's Wu Gang, the chief designer of the vessel.

It carries advanced systems of detection and experiment analysis and can conduct large-scope, multidisciplinary and multiple-marine-element observation, as well as atmospheric, water body and undersea sampling and detection.

The research vessel is also a base for cultivating high-level marine talents and a platform that integrates science, education and innovation, said Zhao Jun, the chief engineer of the vessel from Ocean University of China.

Once put into service, Dong Fang Hong 3, together with three other existing vessels of Ocean University of China, will form the only university expedition fleet in the country that is capable of conducting comprehensive scientific research in near-shore, off-shore and deep sea areas.

https://twitter.com/x/status/953733691292893184

 

[JSCh]

China, Myanmar launch joint oceanographic research
Source: Xinhua| 2018-01-17 23:54:44|Editor: yan



YANGON, Jan. 17 (Xinhua) -- Chinese research vessel Xiang Yang Hong 03, carrying a team of scientists, arrived at Myanmar's Thilawa Port Wednesday morning to jointly conduct oceanographic research in Myanmar's waters.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Qiu Yun, chief scientist of the vessel, expressed his belief that the research could contribute to better understanding on regional variations in response to climate change and support the marine ecological protection in Myanmar's waters.

A multi-disciplinary observation including physical oceanography, marine chemistry and marine biology will be carried out during the three-day winter cruise using the research vessel, he added.

Five local experts will take part in the research activities.

"We believe that relations with the Chinese government in terms of oceanographic research will be strengthened, which is an expanding area beyond politics, economics and socio-cultural relations," Dr. Zaw Minn Aung, an official from the Myanmar Foreign Ministry said.

The first visit to Myanmar by the Chinese research vessel is aimed at conducting comprehensive ocean observation in the Indian Ocean to promote prevention and reduction of natural disasters. The Indian Ocean plays a vital role in seasonal and inter-annual climate variations over South and East Asia.

 

[JSCh]

China's real-time global ocean observation network established
Source: Xinhua| 2018-02-06 19:46:57|Editor: pengying


BEIJING, Feb. 6 (Xinhua) -- Chinese research vessel Kexue, or Science, recently placed the 400th profiling float in the northwest Pacific Ocean since the country joined the forefront ocean monitoring plan Argo in 2002.

It signals the establishment of the first global real-time ocean observation network in China, according to China Science Daily.

So far the network covers regions in the northwest Pacific Ocean, the mid and north Indian Ocean, and the South China Sea along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, a co-operational initiative proposed by China.

Argo is an international maritime plan committed to continuously monitoring the temperature, salinity, and velocity of the upper ocean via float array, in order to tackle climate change and enhance ocean-atmosphere forecasting.

China was the ninth country to join the revolutionary plan in ocean observation, following countries like the United States, France, and Japan.

During the past 16 years, China has become a crucial member of Argo, has built and maintained the 100-float-unit Argo ocean observing network, with 204 active floats at its peak, and collected more than 1.8 million pieces of observational data.

The China Argo Real-time Data Center is the hub of data transmission and management. As well as data sharing with other Argo partners across the world, it is also able to exchange its data with the World Meteorological Organization members within 24 hours.

China is building an ocean monitoring network consisting of 100 to 150 floats in the Pacific and the Indian ocean regions to advance its ocean research, development, and management.

In the future, China will deploy more floats equipped with the self-developed BeiDou Navigation Satellite System, China Science Daily said.

This will alter the dominance in satellite float technology by several Western countries, and allow China to build a more independent ocean observation network along the Maritime Silk Road as well as provide more maritime public goods.

 

[TaiShang]

China's unmanned submersible "Hailong III" completes deep sea test


Unmanned submersible "Hailong III" is put into the water for a deep sea testing from the Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1) on March 24, 2018. The submersible completed a 1690-meter-deep sea testing in west Pacific Ocean on Sunday. (Xinhua/Chen Hao)
The unmanned submersible "Hailong III" completed its first deep sea test in the western Pacific Ocean on Sunday.

The submersible entered the 1,690-meter-deep sea area from the Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1) at 5:20 a.m.

Chu Fengyou, chief scientist of Dayang Yihao, said the submersible, equipped with rock cutting tools and sampling manipulators, took pictures of seamount crusts and completed its tasks for the test.

"Hailong III," which is able to dive to a depth of 6,000 meters, completed a 400-meter-deep shallow sea test in the western Pacific on Saturday.

Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1) left Qingdao, Shandong Province, on Tuesday, taking scientists on a 45-day scientific ocean expedition. The ship is carrying advanced scientific equipment and unmanned submersibles "Hailong" and "Qianlong."



Unmanned submersible "Hailong III" is fixed on the deck of its carrier, the Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1), after a dive in West Pacific Ocean, March 25, 2018. The submersible completed a 1,690-meter-deep sea testing on Sunday. (Xinhua/Chen Hao)



Unmanned submersible "Hailong III", on board the Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1), is examined by staff members of the scientific ocean expedition before being put into the sea for a deep sea testing on March 24, 2018. The submersible completed a 1,690-meter-deep sea testing in West Pacific Ocean, March 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Chen Hao)



Unmanned submersible "Hailong III" is lifted out of water after a dive in West Pacific Ocean, March 25, 2018. The submersible completed a 1,690-meter-deep sea testing on Sunday. (Xinhua/Chen Hao)



Photo taken on March 24, 2018 shows unmanned submersible "Hailong III" to be put into the sea for a deep sea testing from the Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1). The submersible completed a 1,690-meter-deep sea testing in West Pacific Ocean, March 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Chen Hao)

http://www.china.org.cn/photos/2018-03/26/content_50748187_5.htm

 

[JSCh]

China developing new manned submersible capable of reaching a depth of 10,000 meters
CGTN
Published on Mar 26, 2018

China is developing a new manned deep-sea submersible capable of diving to depths of over 10, 000 meters. Using homegrown high-strength materials and new welding technology, the crew's cabin of the highly-anticipated submersible was recently welded in Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute in central China's Henan Province.

 

[JSCh]

China's unmanned submersible 'Hailong 11000' completes first sea test
By Gao Yun
2018-03-31 10:24 GMT+8

China’s unmanned submersible "Hailong 11000" completed its first sea test in the western Pacific Ocean on Friday.

The submersible reached a diving depth of 410 meters from the Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1) at 4:45 p.m. local time.

China’s unmanned submersible "Hailong 11000" descending into the water. /Xinhua Photo

It underwent a comprehensive inspection by the expedition team on its monitoring, dynamical, propelling, and positioning systems, and went back to the dock at 6:25 p.m. local time.

The submersible conducted a sound performance underwater with all parameters within a normal range, said Chu Fengyou, chief scientist of Dayang Yihao.

The vehicle is able to dive to a depth of 11,000 meters, added Chu. It will complete an 11,000-meter-deep sea test in three years, according to the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association.

Dayang Yihao, China’s 5,600-ton research vessel, departed Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, on March 20, taking scientists on a 45-day scientific expedition.

China’s 5,600-ton research vessel, Dayang Yihao /VCG Photo

The ship is carrying advanced scientific equipment and unmanned submersibles "Hailong" and "Qianlong." The “Hailong III”, which is able to dive to a depth of 6,000 meters, completed two sea tests of 400 meters and 2,000 meters from the research vessel before "Hailong 11000."

(With input from Xinhua News Agency)

 

[Galactic Penguin SST]

China developing new manned submersible capable of reaching a depth of 10,000 meters
CGTN
Published on Mar 26, 2018

China is developing a new manned deep-sea submersible capable of diving to depths of over 10, 000 meters. Using homegrown high-strength materials and new welding technology, the crew's cabin of the highly-anticipated submersible was recently welded in Luoyang Ship Material Research Institute in central China's Henan Province.

Kim Jong Un Pays Unofficial Visit to China


March 28, Juche107(2018)

Pyongyang, March 28 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, paid an unofficial visit to China from March 25 to 28 at the invitation of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, president of the People's Republic of China and chairman of the Central Military Commission.

He was accompanied by his wife Ri Sol Ju. Among his suite members were Choe Ryong Hae, member of the Presidium of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee, vice-chairman of the SAC of the DPRK and vice-chairman of the C.C., WPK, Pak Kwang Ho, Ri Su Yong and Kim Yong Chol, members of the Political Bureau of the C.C., WPK and vice-chairmen of the C.C., WPK, Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho, member of the Political Bureau of the WPK Central Committee, Jo Yong Won, Kim Song Nam and Kim Pyong Ho, vice department directors of the WPK Central Committee, and members of the SAC of the DPRK.

When the special train carrying Supreme Leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Dandong, Song Tao, head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, Chen Qiufa, secretary of the Liaoning Provincial Committee of the CPC, Lu Dongfu, general manager of the China Railway Corporation, Li Jinjun, Chinese ambassador to the DPRK, Liu Huanxin, member of the Standing Committee and secretary-general of the Liaoning Provincial Committee of the CPC, and Ge Haiying, secretary of the Dandong City Committee of the CPC, greeted him.

Kim Jong Un expressed thanks to Song Tao and his party for greeting him at the border city far away from Beijing.

Song Tao warmly welcomed Kim Jong Un and his wife Ri Sol Ju's visit to China, noting he came from Beijing upon authorization of Xi Jinping.

Kim Jong Un arrived in Beijing on March 26.

He was greeted by Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and member of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat, Ding Xuexiang, member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, member of the CPC Central Committee Secretariat and director of the CPC Central Committee General Office, Song Tao, head of the International Liaison Department of the CPC Central Committee, Lu Dongfu, general manager of the China Railway Corporation, and Li Jinjun, Chinese ambassador to the DPRK.

He exchanged greetings with the leading party and government officials of China who greeted him.

The motorcade carrying him and his wife headed for the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse, escorted by 21 motorcycles.

A ceremony for welcoming Kim Jong Un's visit to China took place with splendor at the Great Hall of the People.

There were talks between Kim Jong Un and Xi Jinping.

At the end of the talks Xi Jinping and his wife Peng Liyuan presented to Kim Jong Un gifts they prepared with sincerity.

Kim Jong Un expressed thanks to them.

Xi Jinping hosted a grand banquet at the Great Hall of the People, warmly welcoming Kim Jong Un's visit to China.

On March 27 Kim Jong Un visited an exhibition house showing the signal successes made by the Chinese Academy of Sciences after the 18th CPC Congress.

He was accompanied by Choe Ryong Hae, Pak Kwang Ho, Ri Su Yong, Kim Yong Chol, Ri Yong Ho and other suite members.

He was also accompanied by Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, Cai Qi and Song Tao.

He looked round the exhibits, being briefed on the successes made in the field of natural science and technology such as nuclear physics, outer space, agriculture and energy.

He made the following entry in the visitors' book:
We can grasp the mightiness of China, a great neighboring country. More excellent scientific successes will be achieved under the wise leadership of the Communist Party of China.
Kim Jong Un on March 27, 2018.

That day the Supreme Leader and his wife were invited to a luncheon hosted by Xi Jinping and Peng Liyuan at Yangyuanzhai of the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse.

After the luncheon, Kim Jong Un exchanged good-byes with Xi Jinping.

He left Beijing in the afternoon of March 27 after winding up his unofficial visit to China.

He was warmly seen off by Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang and Song Tao at Beijing Railway Station.

Song Tao, Lu Dongfu and Li Jinjun traveled together with Kim Jong Un to Dandong Railway Station to see him off.

Leaving Dandong Railway Station, the Supreme Leader sent a message of thanks to Xi Jinping for having accorded cordial hospitality with utmost sincerity to him in token of warm comradely friendship and friendly feelings during his China visit.


http://www.dprktoday.com/index.php?type=70&no=252&for=e



Highlights

Spoiler: Links

https://defence.pk/pdf/attachments/...6/?temp_hash=95517eb3d460b759ea6f326d410f991c
http://www.dprktoday.com/content/great/4/sajin/image/2018-03-28-1/img/16.jpg
http://www.dprktoday.com/index.php?type=95&s=1&page=1&&no=11673#pos
Kim Jong Un, chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea (WPK) and chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), visits an exhibition showcasing the innovation achievements of the Chinese Academy of Sciences since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC). At the invitation of Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the CPC and Chinese president, Kim paid an unofficial visit to China from March 25 to 28. During the visit, Xi held talks with Kim at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.

▲ Immersion into 10 km deep undersea manned station via Virtual Reality headset experimented during Kim Jong Un visit of an exhibition showcasing the innovation achievements of the Chinese Academy of Sciences on 27 March 2018.

Full video (41 minutes)

百闻不如一见 or Seeing once is better than hearing a hundred times, here the full official video.

Spoiler: Link

http://
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kP8o-cIoFEw
http://218.61.233.162/content/movie/flv_mv/vod/dprktoday/kor_tv/2018/20180329-kor1212.mp4
http://www.dprktoday.com/index.php?type=22&no=14376

▲ 경애하는 최고령도자 김정은동지께서 중화인민공화국을 비공식방문하시였다. Published on Mar 29, 2018

 

[cirr]

Deep sea mining ship launched in east China

2018-04-01 11:00 Xinhua Editor: Li Yan

A Chinese shipbuilder launched a deep sea mining vessel in east China's Fujian Province on Thursday.

The manufacturer, Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding Ltd., said that it is the world's first deep sea mining vessel capable of working at a depth of 2,500 meters.

The 227-meter-long, 40-meter-wide vessel will provide living and working space for 200 people and can store up to 39,000 tonnes of ore.

The vessel will undergo testing before it is delivered to Canadian mining company, Nautilus Minerals Inc., at the end of this year.

It will be used to mine polymetallic sulphide deposits in the waters around Papua New Guinea, according to the mining firm.

 

[cirr]

China's unmanned submersible 'Hailong 11000' completes first sea test
By Gao Yun
2018-03-31 10:24 GMT+8

China’s unmanned submersible "Hailong 11000" completed its first sea test in the western Pacific Ocean on Friday.

The submersible reached a diving depth of 410 meters from the Chinese research vessel Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1) at 4:45 p.m. local time.

China’s unmanned submersible "Hailong 11000" descending into the water. /Xinhua Photo

It underwent a comprehensive inspection by the expedition team on its monitoring, dynamical, propelling, and positioning systems, and went back to the dock at 6:25 p.m. local time.

The submersible conducted a sound performance underwater with all parameters within a normal range, said Chu Fengyou, chief scientist of Dayang Yihao.

The vehicle is able to dive to a depth of 11,000 meters, added Chu. It will complete an 11,000-meter-deep sea test in three years, according to the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association.

Dayang Yihao, China’s 5,600-ton research vessel, departed Qingdao, east China’s Shandong Province, on March 20, taking scientists on a 45-day scientific expedition.

China’s 5,600-ton research vessel, Dayang Yihao /VCG Photo

The ship is carrying advanced scientific equipment and unmanned submersibles "Hailong" and "Qianlong." The “Hailong III”, which is able to dive to a depth of 6,000 meters, completed two sea tests of 400 meters and 2,000 meters from the research vessel before "Hailong 11000."

(With input from Xinhua News Agency)

China's new unmanned submersible dives to 2,605 meters under sea

2018-04-02 08:36 Xinhua Editor: Wang Fan

China's unmanned submersible "Hailong 11000" dived 2,605 meters below the sea surface in the western Pacific Ocean on Sunday, succeeding in passing the 2,000 meters grade deep water test.

The submersible entered the water from its mothership Dayang Yihao (Ocean No. 1), a Chinese scientific reasearch ship, at 10:30 a.m. Beijing time (0230 GMT) and reached the depth of 2,000 meters some 105 minutes later.

Operators conducted a system check and function test before allowing the vessel to dive deeper. It went down another 605 meters and successfully returned to the sea surface.

The unmanned, remotely-controled submersible is designed to work at a maximum depth of 11,000 meters below the sea level. It will complete an 11,000-meter-deep sea test in three years, according to the China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association.

Supervisor of the operation team Cui Yunlu said that the vessel showed stable performance during Sunday's sea test, adding that the Chinese research team will choose an appropriate time to challenge the depth of 6,000 meters.

Dayang Yihao departed China's eastern port city of Qingdao on March 20, taking scientists on a 45-day scientific expedition.

Hailong literally means the Sea Dragon in Chinese.

 

[cirr]

Chinese scientists discover large area of REE-rich sediment in SE Pacific Ocean



A Chinese research team has discovered a large area of rich sediment of rare earth elements (REE) in the southeast Pacific Ocean.

The scientists have preliminarily zoned a 1.5-million-square-kilometer area of REE-rich sediment in deep sea basins of southeast Pacific Ocean.

The discovery will assist the study of rare earth resources and deep sea environmental research.

The Chinese research team has completed its first maritime research mission in the southeast Pacific Ocean. They collected samples of deep-sea sediment and seawater, and data on seabed topography, geophysics, hydrology, meteorology, and biochemistry.

According to Shi Xuefa, chief scientist of the research mission, they conducted marine geological surveys and comprehensive environmental investigations within a 2.6-million-square-kilometer area in the deep sea basins of the southeast Pacific Ocean.

The research team are on board Xiangyanghong 01, China's elite scientific research ship.

The southeast Pacific Ocean mission was the fifth stage of Xiangyanghong's journey around the world, China's first maritime research expedition that integrates oceanic and polar research.

Departing from east China's Qingdao last August, Xiangyanghong 01 will cover around 35,000 nautical miles on its 260-day expedition, and is scheduled to return to Qingdao on May 15.

 

[JSCh]

Ship being built to dig far into Earth's mantle
By ZHAO LEI | China Daily | Updated: 2018-04-04 07:24

China is developing an advanced scientific drilling ship capable of reaching about 10 kilometers below the seabed that will allow scientists to explore what truly happens in the Earth's mantle.

Professor Wu Lixin, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Sciences and head of the Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, said the design for the ship－named Dream－is expected to be finalized this year.

If all goes well, the vessel will be launched around 2021, with construction continuing for several years before it can be commissioned due to the outfitting work, he said. He said its service will allow people to fulfill the long-held dream of seeing the mantle and extensively boost the nation's research on geosciences.

Wu said that with a displacement of 35,000 metric tons, the Dream will become the world's third scientific drilling ship in active service after the JOIDES Resolution and Chikyu, both used by the International Ocean Discovery Program, a worldwide scientific endeavor.

The Chinese craft will be able to drill more than 10,000 meters into the ocean floor, and thus will be tasked with conducting seafloor drilling for geological research as well as surveying and recovering methane clathrate, also known as natural gas hydrate or fire ice, Wu said.

"We have learned a great deal about outer space but still know little about our own planet because scientists have never been able to pierce through the crust and reach the mantle layer," he said.

"If the Dream can help us do so, then we will be able to reveal the cause of earthquakes, learn more about the evolutionary history of Earth's structure and its environment, and find new sources of energy, which will consequently help forecast and prevent natural disasters and mitigate energy shortages."

Lying between the crust, Earth's outermost solid shell, and the outer core, the fluid mantle layer is composed mostly of iron and nickel and has a silicate rocky shell with an average thickness of about 2,900 km.

Methane clathrate is widely regarded as a new, promising source of natural gas. It is often trapped in icelike crystals under high pressure in the permafrost or under the seabed.

The deepest a drill has ever reached is 12,262 meters in the 1970s at the Kola Superdeep Borehole, the result of a scientific drilling project by the former Soviet Union on the Kola Peninsula.

The deepest hole drilled into the ocean floor is 2,111 meters below the seafloor off Japan's Shimokita Peninsula in the northwest Pacific Ocean, dug by the Chikyu in 2012.

Wu said that because the continental crust is about 35 km thick on average, whereas oceanic crust is 5 to 6 km thick, seafloor drilling is more likely to penetrate the crust and reach the mantle.

 

[JSCh]

China's unmanned submersible to be upgraded after 50th dive
2018-04-07 21:33 GMT+8

China's unmanned submersible Qianlong II has completed 50 dives since its commission, and will have a technology upgrade soon, scientists said.

The undersea vehicle, which is capable of diving to 4,500 meters, made its 50th dive on April 6 in the Indian Ocean, a part of China's 49th ocean expedition.

Of the 50 dives, 35 were in the Indian Ocean and 15 in the South China Sea, according to China Ocean Mineral Resources R&D Association.

In the southwest Indian Ocean alone, Qianlong II has traveled more than 2,000 kilometers, they said.

The submersible, which first went underwater in 2015, is used for exploring deep-sea mineral resources.

"Its operations have become more stable after 50 dives," said Xu Chunhui, a scientist tasked with equipping the submersible.

Xu said a part of the upgrade will allow the submersible to work without the presence of its mother vessel. A new unmanned monitoring device will track the submersible, freeing the mother vessel for other activities.

(Cover photo courtesy: VCG)