China-EU Collaboration in Arctic Research
14.08.2008 - Water & Oceans, Other, Arctic
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on Collaboration in Arctic Research between China and the EU in May 2008, a sea glider has been deployed for the first time in an ice-free area of the Arctic Ocean from Chinese icebreaker RV Xuelong. Departed from Shanghai on July 11, 2008, Xuelong will follow the cruise line Bering Sea-Nome Port-Bering Strait-Chukchi Sea-Canada Basin, before returning to Shanghai on September 25, 2008. The sea glider is operated by Developing Arctic Modeling and Observing Capabilities for Long-term Environmental Studies (DAMOCLES), the European Union's largest Arctic research project.
The under-water glider can be operated remotely and has an autonomy of 40 days. It will collect data on water conductivity, temperature and depth. Playing a key role in the Chinese IPY program, the Xuelong expedition will also conduct sea, ice and atmospheric scientific research throughout the Bering Sea, Chukchi Sea, and Canada Basin.
DAMOCLES involves 48 laboratories and institutions in 11 European countries. This colaboration should also help stimulate future EU-Chinese cooperation on Arctic science projects such as environmental monitoring, data collecting and analyzing, and modelling.
