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China's Antarctica-bound research ships plow through prevailing westerlies
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Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2 and supply vessel Tianhui cross through the belt of prevailing westerlies, November 28, 2023. /China Media Group
Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, and its supply vessel Tianhui, successfully crossed through the belt of prevailing westerlies after nearly four days of voyage en route to the Antarctica on Tuesday.
The belts of prevailing westerlies are in the middle latitudes between 40 and 60 degrees latitude, featuring year-round strong westerly winds and high waves, making it one of the most challenging passages for sailors.
Crews aboard the expedition ships planned days in advance to sail through it safely and smoothly.
"We planned to spend five days crossing the westerlies, but it actually took three and a half days. The largest swell was 3.5 to 3.7 meters high," said Chen Donglin, the ship's chief mate.
"After multiple adjustments to the route and speed, we avoided rough waters and completed the passage ahead of schedule," Chen added.
The Xuelong 2, carrying out the country's 40th Antarctic expedition, rendezvoused with supply vessel Tianhui in waters off the South Island of New Zealand on Saturday.
After passing through the westerlies, the two ships are expected to enter the area of floating ice around the Antarctic on Wednesday. They will sail together towards the Ross Sea, where China's fifth Antarctic research station will be built.
China's 40th Antarctic scientific expedition team set sail from east China's Shanghai in early November.
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Copyright © 2023 CGTN. 京ICP备16065310号
Disinformation report hotline: 010-85061466