A Chinese research vessel, carrying an underwater robot and an unmanned submersible, on Tuesday completed a month-long deep sea exploration in the western Pacific Ocean.
The vessel docked in Sannya city, Hainan province, reports Xinhua news agency.
It set off from Shenzhen on August 7, travelled the South China Sea, and sailed to the Yap Trench for ecological and marine organism surveys.
Xu Kuidong, chief scientist on board the ship, said the researchers sent the unmanned submersible 15 times to Caroline Seamount, where no exploration had been made before, to collect 400 marine samples from 170 species.
They also found coral gardens and sponge forests in the area.
On the expedition, a piece of coral found 1,246 metres deep might be older than 4,200 years, the age of the oldest coral ever found. Researchers will do lab research to check its age, Xu said.
The researchers believe that Caroline Seamount was once an island. It subsides by at least 1,500 metres during plate movements.
--IANS
ksk/vt
Disclaimer: No Business Standard Journalist was involved in creation of this content
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
