Beijing: A team of Chinese scientists claimed to have discovered five hot liquid sulphides areas known as "black chimneys" that could provide clues to study the origins of life after an expedition to the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans.
Chief scientist for maritime exploration, Tao Chunhui,
told the state-run CCTV that his team has discovered five new
hot liquid sulphides areas -- two in the Atlantic Ocean, two
in the Pacific Ocean and one in the Indian Ocean.
Scientists call hot liquid sulphides "black chimneys"
which are important oceanic mineral resources. They could
provide clues for the study of the origins of life, he said.
However, no further details were given about the
discovery.
The team travelled by research ship the Dayang Yihao,
or Ocean One, and has returned to port at Qingdao after
completing its 21st expedition to explore mineral resources.
The team used a new remote-controlled underwater
vehicle to collect samples.
The expedition was divided into eight work trips, and
involved over 200 scientists and staff, he said.
The hydrothermal sulfide samples which were obtained
contained a variety of metals, Tao added.
Meanwhile, over 40 scientists began an international
research project on the northwest Pacific Ocean and its
climate in the eastern China coastal city of Qingdao.
The Northwest Pacific Ocean Circulation and Climate
Experiment (NPOCE) will observe, simulate and understand the
structure, variability and dynamics of the ocean and its role
in modulating climate systems, said Hu Dunxin from the Chinese
Academy of Sciences.
Initiated by Chinese scientists, experts from 19
institutes in eight countries, including the US, Japan and
Australia, are participating in the project, Xinhua
reported.
The research will play an important role in
understanding global climate change and improve China`s
ability to forecast weather, Hu said.
PTI
