Group 1 - The article discusses China's initiative to build the world's first 2000-meter deep-sea manned laboratory, aimed at exploring the unique cold seep ecosystems in the deep sea [3][8] - Cold seeps are described as vibrant ecosystems that thrive without sunlight, relying on chemosynthesis, with over 600 species of organisms living in these extreme conditions [6][10] - The cold seep ecosystem is crucial for understanding climate change, energy resources, and the origins of life, as it acts as a natural carbon sink by consuming methane [16][18] Group 2 - The cold seep research facility, with a total investment of 2.66 billion yuan, is set to be completed by 2030 and will allow for in-situ experiments at depths of up to 2000 meters [8][10] - The facility will consist of a surface support ship, an underwater laboratory, and a land-based simulation chamber, enabling scientists to conduct long-term studies in the cold seep environment [12][15] - The underwater laboratory will support six researchers for 30 days, equipped with advanced life support systems and emergency escape protocols [15][19] Group 3 - Cold seeps are rich in methane, a potent greenhouse gas, and the research aims to monitor methane release patterns to address climate change challenges [16][22] - The South China Sea is identified as one of the four major hydrate-rich regions globally, with an estimated resource potential of 74.4 billion tons of oil equivalent [18][22] - The unique microbial communities in cold seeps may provide new resources for pharmaceuticals, with 20%-30% of strains showing potential antibacterial and antiviral properties [18][22]
新知|不靠阳光也能活!我国打造“冷泉宫”探秘“冷泉居民”
Qi Lu Wan Bao·2025-05-24 13:40