Core Viewpoint - The Chinese 41st Antarctic Expedition Team has successfully conducted its first autumn-winter voyage in the Ross Sea, focusing on ice research and yielding preliminary findings in marine biology and chemistry [1][7][17]. Group 1: Expedition Overview - The "Snow Dragon 2" icebreaker returned to China after completing its mission in the Ross Sea, where the team explored various forms of sea ice and their significance [1][2]. - The expedition provided a rare opportunity to observe the entire formation process of sea ice, which is typically difficult to encounter in previous Antarctic studies [4][6]. Group 2: Scientific Discoveries - The team conducted research across 24 selected stations, exceeding the initial plan of 18, covering shallow areas, ice-interstitial lakes, and rich krill resource zones [8][15]. - Significant findings include a decrease in the biomass of certain marine species, particularly the absence of brown algae and a decline in diatom populations, indicating potential ecological shifts [10][12]. - The discovery of a large number of zooplankton in deep water layers suggests changes in their distribution due to deep convection processes [12][13]. Group 3: Implications and Contributions - The expedition not only advanced scientific knowledge but also improved operational processes for Antarctic autumn oceanic work, enhancing the capabilities of the research team [15][17]. - The results contribute to a better understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem and fill gaps in field observations and experiments, aiding in the global understanding of climate change impacts [17].

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the first autumn-winter joint scientific expedition in the Ross Sea, Antarctica, focusing on the deployment of various types of buoys to study the interactions between sea ice, ocean currents, and waves. Group 1: Scientific Objectives - The buoys deployed are designed to measure the acceleration and movement of ice, as well as the relationship between ice and waves, with the aim of studying the atmospheric and oceanic processes affecting ice formation throughout the winter [3][5]. - The new type of lotus leaf ice buoy is being deployed for the first time, intended to collect data on the different stages of ice development throughout the season, particularly during the ice growth season [10]. Group 2: Types of Buoys Deployed - Five types of buoys are being deployed, including surface drift buoys, ice-drifting buoys, and wave-ice buoys, which will monitor surface water flow rates, ice movement, and interactions with waves [12][14]. - The lotus leaf ice buoy will provide positional information and will be tracked via satellite to understand the dynamics of ice development [10]. Group 3: Environmental Impact - Sea ice plays a crucial role in the Earth's energy balance by reflecting solar radiation back into space, which helps mitigate warming in polar regions [14]. - Sea ice acts as a natural barrier between the atmosphere and ocean, regulating heat exchange and influencing ocean circulation and the global climate system [14].