Get ready to dive deep! 🌊 China's Jiaolong, the manned deep-sea submersible, just marked its 300th dive since it first plunged into the ocean back in August 2009. Talk about making a splash!
This isn't just any dive. A stellar crew consisting of one scientist and two submariners took Jiaolong on the first of 18 exciting planned dives in a groundbreaking scientific expedition across the Western Pacific Ocean. It's like the ocean's very own blockbuster sequel! 🎬🐠
The adventure set sail when the Deep Sea No. 1 research vessel left Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province on August 10. Onboard are brilliant scientists from China, Canada, Spain, and Colombia—talk about an international dream team! 🌍🤝
Over the next 45 days, Jiaolong will be exploring the mysterious depths of the Western Pacific, collecting deep-sea organisms, seawater, and sediment. Their mission? To unlock the secrets of unique ecosystems and the environments of seamounts. Think of it as journeying to the Earth's final frontier! 🚀🔎
Organized by the China Ocean Mineral Resources Research and Development Association and implemented by the National Deep Sea Center, this expedition is set to deepen our understanding of the ocean's hidden treasures. 🐳🌟
Fun fact: Jiaolong is China's first independently designed and integrated 7,000-meter-class manned submersible. Since 2009, it's explored the depths of the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, with an impressive 900 trips beneath the waves. That's some serious underwater mileage! 🏊♂️🌊
Back in June 2012, Jiaolong set a diving record by reaching 7,062 meters in the Mariana Trench—the deepest part of the world's oceans. Imagine diving deeper than Mount Everest is tall! 🏔️⬇️
As Jiaolong embarks on this epic voyage, we're on the edge of our seats to see what wonders it will discover beneath the sea. Stay tuned for more deep-sea adventures! 🌊❤️
Reference(s):
China's Jiaolong manned deep-sea submersible completes 300th dive
cgtn.com
