(CCTV 07-16-2008)--China's State Oceanic Administration has announced the country will soon set up its first scientific research station in Antarctic's inner land. The move signifies a shift of focus from the Antarctic's coastal regions.

The new station will be established in the Dome-A area, the highest point of the South Pole's icecap. With an altitude of more than 4000 meters, the area's oxygen density is only 60 percent of the sea-level average. Its annual average temperature is minus 50 degrees centigrade.

Chinese scientists first arrived in this uncharted terrain in January 2005 and have conducted much research there since then. China's 25th South Pole Scientific Investigation team will be responsible for the construction of the new station. The team will set out in October this year and complete the project by the end of January 2009.

The new station will cover a land area of 556 square meters. It will include a power generator and water-processing, transport and telecommunication facilities for 24 people living and working there. The station will be able to carry out deep sea sampling, astronomical observation, geological surveys beneath icebergs and other important scientific projects.

The design of the station has been approved by environmental appraisals of relevant international organizations. The State Oceanic Administration is encouraging the public to help find a name for the station.
关键字:英语国际新闻
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