Core Viewpoint - The major scientific expedition on abyssal carbon cycling has successfully completed its 43-day mission in the southeastern Indian Ocean, returning to Sanya, China, with significant findings and samples collected [7]. Group 1: Expedition Overview - The scientific expedition, part of the National Natural Science Foundation's shared voyage program, utilized the "Exploration No. 1" research vessel and the "Fendouzhe" manned submersible to conduct deep-sea research [7]. - The mission commenced on March 23 and involved collaboration among scientists, submersible operators, and crew members, effectively navigating challenging weather conditions to complete their tasks [7]. Group 2: Research Findings - The research covered depths ranging from 2,900 to 6,700 meters, with high-precision sampling and in-situ data collection, including sediment, seawater, rocks, polymetallic nodules, and macrobiological samples [7][8]. - The team achieved a 100% success rate in gravity core sampling, with the longest core measuring 6.83 meters, reaching the maximum capacity of the sampling device [8]. - The collected samples represent a diverse and heterogeneous range of abyssal and shallow marine environments, providing a solid foundation for future studies on deep-sea ecosystems and element cycling [8]. Group 3: Future Research Implications - The investigation focused on the relationships between seabed topography, water depth, and the distribution of polymetallic nodules, contributing valuable data for multidisciplinary research on geological structures and life processes from the deep sea to the abyss [8].