瞰前沿·大国重器丨在海底捡“特产” 给地球做CT

Core Insights - The "Marine Geological No. 6" research vessel successfully returned from a 95-day expedition in the Pacific, uncovering significant scientific findings, including polymetallic nodules that have been dormant for 30 million years [1][3]. Group 1: Research Achievements - The expedition utilized a combination of self-developed deep-sea remotely operated vehicles and autonomous underwater robots for high-precision sampling and data collection, marking a significant advancement in deep-sea exploration technology [3][4]. - The polymetallic nodules discovered are rich in metals such as cobalt, nickel, copper, and manganese, which are crucial for enhancing mineral resource security. These nodules grow extremely slowly, taking millions of years to form, and provide insights into historical oceanic environmental changes [4][5]. - The research team conducted a deep-sea electromagnetic profile measurement, achieving a record depth of 7,663 meters, which allowed for a detailed understanding of the Earth's internal structure and dynamics [5][7]. Group 2: Implications for Future Research - The findings from the expedition will support future ocean drilling projects, with plans for the advanced "Dream" drilling vessel to conduct exploratory drilling in the South China Sea [8][9]. - The research also highlights the potential of deep-sea biological resources, such as unique enzymes and compounds from deep-sea organisms, which could have applications in medicine and biotechnology [8]. - The ongoing exploration aims to address fundamental questions about life origins, climate evolution, and the role of the ocean in global material cycles, indicating a continuous commitment to deep-sea research [9].