Translated from www.xinhuanet.com    13^th, October, 2004

In the oncoming 21st Chinese expedition to the South Pole, Chinese scientists give a try at Dome A—the highest point in Antarctica. If succeed, this will be the first time for scientists to step into this region, which used to be called “an inapproachable place.”

Among the four highlights in polar research and experiment, USA established Amunsden-Scott Station at the south pole, France built its Dumont d’Urville station on the magnet point and the coldest spot of Antarctica was taken by former Soviet Union, who measured the lowest temperature of the earth there—minus 89 ℃.Now there is only Dome A left, the highest and most difficult goal for scientific research, calling international scientists to take a stab at it (it is the farthest icy cave from the coastal line, with an elevation of 4039m).

So far, many other nations as Germany also jump to be the first to visit this spot. If Chinese scientists make their successful landing at Dome A, they will not only bring honor for the nation, but also prepare a good beginning for the reestablishment of Chinese Antarctica station in the eleventh five year plan.

“Our expedition team will spend about seventy days in the Antarctica ice cap, 1300km inland and set up temporal monitoring spots on Dome A.” said Prof. Li Yuansheng, team leader to the expedition to the ice cap and researcher of Chinese Research Center of Polar Regions. As planned, the exploration group, consisting of 12 team-members and 1 doctor, will set off at the beginning of December and will withdraw to an area less than 3000km above sea level by the end of next January to ensure the safety of men and vehicles.

In preparation for the severe challenge, expedition crew will face their first test in No. 51 glaciers in Xinjiang Ugur Autonomous Region, which is similar with Dome A in environmental conditions.