China's self-developed AUV probes into waters on plateau

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China's self-developed autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) was used for the first time to probe into waters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, the Harbin Engineering University said on Tuesday.

The scientific investigation, conducted by the Harbin Engineering University, the Qinghai University and the Tsinghua University, aims to detect water quality and collect data in Sanjiangyuan, home of the headwaters of the Yangtze River, the Yellow River and the Lancang (Mekong) River.

The autonomous underwater vehicle was used to probe into waters on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. / Photo Courtesy: Harbin Engineering University

The investigation was completed in September. Scientists are currently studying the data to analyze the impacts that rising temperatures on the plateau have had on atmospheric circulation, to promote the protection and restoration of water ecology and to safeguard the water ecological environment on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

The AUV, co-developed by the Harbin Engineering University and the Tsinghua University, is capable of conducting highly-automated underwater investigations for long periods of time.

Expedition team poses with China's self developed autonomous underwater vehicle. /Photo Courtesy: Harbin Engineering University

Sun Yushan, a professor at the Harbin Engineering University, said the AUV can collect real-time water quality data within its navigation range and can work well in most weather conditions, making up for the deficiency of manual data collection.

The AUV has collected important hydrographic and water quality information in specified waters including topography, water flow rates, temperature, salinity, turbidity and pH levels, according to Sun.

(Top image via VCG)

Source(s): Xinhua News Agency