China to build two Antarctic research stations

Antarctic-research-stationsBeijing, March 29 : China plans to build two new research stations in Antarctica by 2015 and site inspections are already being conducted by an expedition team, authorities said.

A summer station that can be used from December to March will be set up between the existing Zhongshan and Kunlun stations to provide replenishment and other logistical support, the State Oceanic Administration (SOA) said Thursday.

The station will be used to study geology, glaciers, geomagnetism and atmospheric science in Antarctica, reported Xinhua.

A perennial station will also be built in Victoria Land in Antarctica by 2015. The station will allow researchers to carry out multi-disciplinary research on bio-ecology and satellite remote sensing, according to the SOA.

China's three existing Antarctic research stations are the Great Wall, Zhongshan and Kunlun stations.(IANS)