中国与智利载人深潜科考启航 联合探索阿塔卡马海沟

Core Viewpoint - The joint scientific expedition to explore the Atacama Trench, led by China and Chile, aims to investigate various aspects of the trench, including biodiversity and geological mechanisms, highlighting the growing collaboration between the two countries in scientific research [1][2]. Group 1: Expedition Details - The expedition officially set sail from Valparaíso, Chile, on January 19, with the Chinese research vessel "Exploration No. 1" [1]. - The main objectives of the expedition include exploring the biodiversity, chemosynthetic ecosystems, deep fluid activities, and subduction mechanisms of the Atacama Trench, which reaches depths of over 8,000 meters [1]. - The Atacama Trench, also known as the Peru-Chile Trench, is approximately 5,900 kilometers long and is characterized by high productivity in surface waters, active bottom structures, and dense benthic life, yet remains underexplored scientifically [1]. Group 2: International Collaboration - This expedition is part of the "Global Abyss Exploration Program," an international scientific initiative led by China [2]. - The Chinese Ambassador to Chile emphasized that this scientific endeavor exemplifies the deepening relationship between China and Chile and aligns with the United Nations' initiative for sustainable ocean science [2]. - The "Exploration No. 1" vessel is equipped with the "Fendouzhe" manned submersible, the only submersible in the world capable of deep-sea operations at depths of 10,000 meters [2].