Chinese research vessel embarks on groundbreaking expedition to explore seamounts in western pacific

A Chinese research vessel has set off on a deep-sea expedition to the western Pacific, carrying an international team on a mission to explore the ocean’s depths using one of China’s most advanced submersibles. The 45-day journey will focus on investigating seamounts—underwater mountains that remain some of the most unexplored regions on Earth.

Seamounts are of great interest; their isolated environments can lead to the evolution of unique species, offering insights into biological diversity and evolution. Studying the volcanic origins of seamounts can provide clues about the Earth’s geological history and the processes that shape our planet.

Seamounts are biodiversity hotspots, providing habitats for a wide range of marine life. The steep slopes of these underwater mountains disrupt ocean currents, causing upwellings that bring nutrient-rich waters to the surface. This attracts plankton, which in turn supports a variety of fish, corals, and other marine organisms. Many species that inhabit seamounts are unique to these environments, and some are even found nowhere else on Earth.

The Shenhai Yihao, the mother ship of the Jiaolong submersible, is a diverse crew of 60 researchers. The team includes scientists from mainland China, Hong Kong, and eight other countries: Australia, Spain, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, Bangladesh, Nigeria, and Colombia. Leading the non-mainland group is Qiu Jianwen, a professor and associate head of the biology department at Hong Kong Baptist University.

As part of the mission, Shenhai Yihao and the Jiaolong will make a port call in Hong Kong from September 23 to 25, marking the first time the crewed submersible visits the city. The international team will closely examine the vast Magellan Seamounts using the Jiaolong submersible, capable of diving to depths of up to 7,000 meters (22,966 feet). According to state news agency Xinhua, the mission will include 18 dives. The Magellan Seamounts, stretching eastward from the Mariana Trench—the deepest part of the world’s oceans—were selected for their unique geological characteristics.

The area, located between Japan and the island of New Guinea, offers scientists a rare opportunity to study biodiversity, topography, oceanic volcanoes, mineral resources, and the effects of climate change and human activities. Xu Xuewei, the mission’s lead scientist and deputy director of the Ministry of Natural Resources’ National Deep Sea Centre, stated that in addition to the Jiaolong, the team will deploy deep-sea samplers, landers, and other equipment to investigate seamount biology and habitats. China’s ambition to lead global oceanic research and exploration is evident, as it continues to enhance its maritime capabilities.

The country has launched advanced vessels and submersibles in regions ranging from the South China Sea to more distant waters. In 2020, China’s Striver submersible reached the deepest known point in the Mariana Trench, diving over 10,900 meters. Much of the world’s seamounts remain unexplored due to the challenges of deep-sea exploration. Advances in technology, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater drones, are beginning to shed light on these mysterious underwater landscapes.

However, the vast majority of seamounts are still shrouded in mystery, waiting to reveal their secrets to future explorers. China’s maritime efforts have not been without controversy. In 2010, the Jiaolong’s robotic arm unfurled a Chinese flag at the bottom of the South China Sea, sparking tensions with neighboring countries that have competing territorial claims in the area.

This seamount expedition is part of the scientific initiatives under the United Nations Ocean Decade study and preservation program. According to Xinhua, the Jiaolong submersible excels at sampling while minimizing environmental impact. It will be used to collect deep-sea organisms, seawater, sediment, corals, and microorganisms during the mission.

In April 2018, China conducted a similar expedition to the Magellan Seamounts, where they collected samples of rocks and marine life using a deep-sea robot. More recently, in May, the Jiaolong and its mother ship completed a 164-day, 57,000km (35,418-mile) voyage across the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, during which they carried out 46 dives. This marked Jiaolong’s first deployment in the western Atlantic Ocean.

Much of the world’s seamounts remain unexplored due to the challenges of deep-sea exploration. Advances in technology, such as remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) and autonomous underwater drones, are beginning to shed light on these mysterious underwater landscapes. However, the vast majority of seamounts are still shrouded in mystery, waiting to reveal their secrets to future explorers. Underwater mountains or seamounts are not just geological curiosities; they are vital components of the marine ecosystem, offering rich biodiversity and valuable scientific insights.

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