Group 1 - The joint scientific expedition to the Atacama Trench, led by China and Chile, aims to explore the trench's biodiversity, chemical ecosystems, deep fluid activities, and subduction mechanisms, with a maximum depth exceeding 8000 meters [1][2] - The Atacama Trench, also known as the Peru-Chile Trench, is the longest trench in the world, stretching approximately 5900 kilometers, characterized by high surface water productivity, active bottom structure, and dense benthic life, yet remains underexplored scientifically [1] - The expedition is part of China's international scientific initiative, the "Global Abyss Exploration Program," highlighting the growing depth of Sino-Chilean relations and the spirit of global cooperation in marine science [2] Group 2 - The "Exploration No. 1" research vessel is equipped with China's independently developed "Fendouzhe" manned submersible, which is currently the only submersible in the world capable of deep-sea operations at depths of 10,000 meters [2] - An open day event was held on the "Exploration No. 1" vessel, allowing local Chilean citizens, researchers, and media to learn about China's advanced marine research equipment and technology [2]

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].

Core Insights - The "Jiaolong" manned submersible has undergone significant upgrades over the past decade, enhancing its capabilities and operational efficiency in deep-sea exploration [2][3][4] Group 1: Technological Advancements - The "Jiaolong" submersible has improved its propulsion system, now utilizing domestically produced thrusters, which have increased its maximum speed from 2.5 knots to 3 knots [2] - The submersible's observation system has been upgraded to a 10-channel 4K HD video system, allowing for better underwater visibility and observation capabilities [3] - The operational support team for "Jiaolong" has been reduced from around 17 personnel to approximately 10, significantly enhancing operational efficiency [3] Group 2: Achievements and Milestones - "Jiaolong" has set a record with a maximum diving depth of 7062 meters, marking a significant milestone in China's manned deep-sea exploration [4] - The submersible has been part of collaborative underwater operations with other submersibles, such as the "Fendouzhe," expanding China's deep-sea exploration capabilities [3][4] - During the "Fendouzhe" mission, China has established a strong presence in deep-sea exploration, with annual deep-sea missions accounting for over half of the global total [4] Group 3: Cultural Impact - The "Jiaolong" submersible has transcended its technological role to become a cultural symbol, inspiring stories and recognition within families and communities [5] - The emotional connection to "Jiaolong" is highlighted by personal stories, such as a child's drawing of the submersible, showcasing its significance beyond just a scientific instrument [5]

Core Viewpoint - The "Jiaolong" submersible has undergone significant upgrades over the past decade, enhancing its capabilities and contributing to China's deep-sea exploration efforts, including recent missions in the Indian Ocean and the Arctic [1][12][15]. Group 1: Technological Advancements - The "Jiaolong" submersible has completed 91 dives in 2025, showcasing its reliability and advanced technology [1][20]. - The submersible's propulsion system has been upgraded to fully domestic components, increasing its speed from 2.5 knots to a maximum of 3 knots, with zero maintenance required over 91 dives [7][20]. - The visual and observation systems have been enhanced, featuring 10 channels of 4K high-definition video, improving underwater visibility significantly [9][11]. Group 2: Mission Achievements - In August 2025, the upgraded "Jiaolong" achieved its first dive in the Arctic ice zone, collaborating with the "Fendou" submersible for coordinated underwater operations [12][14]. - The recent missions have expanded China's deep-sea exploration footprint from the full depth of the ocean to all oceanic regions, collecting valuable samples and data for climate change research [15][21]. Group 3: Operational Efficiency - The support team for the "Jiaolong" has reduced from approximately 17 personnel in 2017 to around 10, indicating improved operational efficiency [17][20]. - The number of dives has increased significantly, with 68 dives in 2024 and 94 dives in 2025, compared to nearly 100 dives over five years from 2013 to 2017 [19][20]. Group 4: Cultural Impact - The "Jiaolong" has become a symbol of national pride, inspiring personal stories and cultural expressions, such as children's drawings and family discussions [24][30]. - The emotional connection to the "Jiaolong" reflects a broader cultural appreciation for technological advancements in China, marking a transition from mere functionality to cultural significance [30].

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].