The research team based on the two research vessels will carry out comprehensive investigations and monitoring of biological ecology, water environment, sedimentary environment, atmospheric environment and pollutant distribution, said Long Wei, deputy head of the Chinese Arctic and Antarctic Administration.

"Relying on China's antarctic stations - Kunlun, Taishan, Zhongshan and Changcheng (Great Wall) - Chinese scientists will also carry out comprehensive surveys and monitoring of ecosystem, nearshore marine environment, soil environment, geological environment, atmospheric environment, snow and ice environment and space environment. The research will provide an in-depth study of Antarctica's role in global climate change," he said.