Chinese scientists set off for the 10th Arctic expedition on Saturday as the oceanographic research ship Xiangyanghong 01 departed from the coastal city of Qingdao in east China's Shandong Province.

A total of 78 scientists from 13 research institutions will participate in the 50-day expedition.

Their investigation will focus on comprehensive marine survey combining long-term in-situ observation with scientific research projects, according to Wei Zexun, leader and chief scientist of the research team.

The expedition plans to conduct comprehensive explorations that include marine meteorology, marine chemistry, marine biology and geology in the Bering Sea and the Bering Strait, as well as the Chukchi Sea and other open waters in the Arctic Ocean in summer.

It will provide technical support to improve China's scientific understanding of the Arctic and better respond to global climate change, Wei said.

Xiangyanghong 01 is scheduled to return to Qingdao on September 30.

(Top image: The oceanographic research ship Xiangyanghong 01 returns from an expedition to Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, May 18, 2018. /VCG Photo)