Arctic expedition reaches North Pole

China's 13th scientific expedition to the Arctic Ocean reached the North Pole Region earlier this month, with research work involving observation of key environmental elements, geological and geophysical surveys now underway.

Since arriving in the region on Sept. 5, researchers have carried out comprehensive surveys on the atmosphere, hydrology, biology and sea ice. The research will help fill the gap in China's database on the North Pole region. The expedition team set sail from Shanghai on July 12. They are expected to travel nearly 15,500 nautical miles before returning to Shanghai in late September.