Core Points - The 42nd Antarctic Expedition organized by the Ministry of Natural Resources of China has set out to conduct three main tasks in Antarctica [1] Group 1: Infrastructure Development - The expedition will focus on enhancing the supporting facilities and system optimization at the Qinling Station, including improvements to the research building, oil supply system, and communication network [4] - The team will also validate the adaptability and breakthroughs of domestically produced facilities such as seawater desalination, wind power generation, and photovoltaic power generation in extreme Antarctic conditions [4] Group 2: Comprehensive Investigations - The expedition will carry out multi-disciplinary investigations in key areas such as the Antarctic Peninsula, Amundsen Sea, Ross Sea, and Prydz Bay, focusing on the impact of climate change on the Southern Ocean ecosystem [5] - Long-term observational data will be collected to enhance understanding of Antarctica's role in global climate change [5] Group 3: Research and Technology Application - The expedition will conduct scientific drilling experiments in deep subglacial lakes using domestically developed hot water and thermal melting drilling systems, aiming to explore the unique subglacial lake environments and geological features [7] - The team will also test domestically manufactured equipment such as the "Snow Leopard" 6x6 wheeled vehicle and THT550 hydraulic traction equipment, along with advanced technologies for automatic observation and satellite remote sensing [9] Group 4: Collaboration and Participation - The expedition is supported by the "Xuelong" and "Xuelong 2" vessels, involving over 500 team members from more than 80 domestic units, along with international researchers from countries including Thailand, Chile, Portugal, and regions like Hong Kong and Macau [10]