Constructors are racing against the clock and took advantage of favorable weather conditions to advance the construction tasks at China's Qinling Station in Antarctica, the country's fifth research station on the continent.
Chinese research icebreaker Xuelong 2, or Snow Dragon 2, and cargo vessel Yong Sheng, which are on China's 41st Antarctic expedition, arrived at the Qinling Station on Dec. 25. Upon arrival, the team members carried out unloading operations and construction tasks.
Nearly 100 people will spend the summertime at the Qinling Station, including a large number of construction workers for welding, plumbing, electricity, and decorations.
The station, which started operation in February last year, will welcome its first overwintering team in 2025.
"The cable tray is a key task, as it is designed to serve during the wintering period. Only after the cable tray is in place can there be a guarantee of electricity supply, water supply, and wastewater disposal during the winter. The operation of photovoltaic system, wind turbines, and hydrogen energy system also rely on it," said Zheng Di, a member of China's 41st Antarctic Expedition team and the Antarctic project manager of China Railway Construction Group.
The highest temperature in summer at the Qinling Station is only around three degrees Celsius, which is five to six degrees Celsius lower than that of the Zhongshan Station, another Chinese research base in Antarctica. The strong and prevailing katabatic winds also have a direct impact on the construction progress of the station.
As a result, the construction team at the Qinling Station has to seize the opportunity of favorable weather during the summer, making every second count.
"We are significantly constrained by local environmental factors, including wind, snow, low temperatures, and ultraviolet radiation. Additionally, the conditions for on-site operations are also challenging. Our tasks are numerous and complex, covering an area of over ten thousand square meters across the entire station. It is a rigorous test for each one of us," said Wang Zhechao, chief of the Qinling Station of China's 41st Antarctic Expedition team.
The 41st Antarctic Expedition mission started on Nov 1 and will last nearly seven months and is being carried out by three ships, including Xuelong, Xuelong 2, and Yong Sheng.
During the expedition, researchers will build the supporting infrastructure for the Qinling Station, investigate the impact of climate change on the Antarctic ecosystem, and conduct international research and logistics cooperation.
Construction of China's Qinling Station in Antarctica underway despite challenges
