China and Indonesia have successfully completed their inaugural joint scientific expedition in the Java Trench, located in the Indian Ocean. The research vessel Tansuo-1 (Discovery One), equipped with the deep-sea manned submersible Fendouzhe (Striver), returned to Sanya City in south China's Hainan Province on Thursday, marking the end of a groundbreaking 50-day mission.
Orchestrated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) and Indonesia's National Research and Innovation Agency, the expedition brought together experts from 11 universities and institutions from both nations. Beginning on February 8, the team embarked on a series of deep-sea dives, exploring the Java Trench's mysterious depths.
During the mission, the submersible Fendouzhe executed 22 dives, with 14 reaching depths of over 6,000 meters. Notably, the team achieved a new milestone by diving to the deepest point in the trench at 7,180.4 meters, setting Indonesia's deepest dive record.
The scientists collected invaluable samples of macrobenthos, rocks, and sediments, and captured high-definition videos and photographs, providing rich data for further analysis. This expedition represents the first large-scale and systematic manned deep-sea exploration in the Java Trench conducted at an international level.
\"We discovered two active low-temperature hydrothermal vent sites in the Java Trench, where hydrothermal fluids create unique ecosystems for benthic organisms,\" explained Du Mengran, a research fellow at the CAS Institute of Deep-sea Science and Engineering. \"These findings significantly enhance our understanding of the geological processes and biodiversity in this region.\"
The successful collaboration between China and Indonesia in this expedition not only advances scientific knowledge but also strengthens maritime cooperation between the two nations. The insights gained will deepen our understanding of the Earth's geological evolution and the complex interactions within the abyssal zones.
Reference(s):
China, Indonesia conclude first scientific expedition in Java Trench
cgtn.com
