Science
China’s Futuristic Ocean Lab Dubbed ‘Underwater Space Station’ Could Be Ready By 2030
A long-discussed and extremely ambitious project to construct what is referred to as a “deep-sea space station” located around 6,500 feet underwater has been approved by the Chinese government.
Comparing the deep sea on Earth to the enormous expanses of uncharted space is not particularly far-fetched, given that more than 80% of the world’s oceans remain uncharted.
Access is one of the largest problems facing marine biologists because so many areas of the ocean are very hard to reach and are very difficult to research for any length of time without spending a lot of time there.
Because it would be confined more than 6,500 feet below sea level, allowing up to six researchers to stay for up to a month at a time in a capacity similar to that of the International Space Station, China’s announcement of a so-called “deep-sea space station” has the potential to completely change our understanding and study of the ocean.
This project is expected to be operational by 2030 and is regarded as one of the most technologically demanding projects of its kind, according to the South China Morning Post.
‘Cold seeps’ are regions of the ocean floor where fluids rich in hydrocarbons or methane seep out from beneath the sea floor. This is the focus of its research.
Many of the nearby deep-sea species depend on these cold seeps for their habitat, and because of their gaseous characteristics, they may also offer additional opportunities for study into renewable energy sources. The decomposition of hazardous oil spills may also be greatly aided by microorganisms discovered in certain cold seeps.
Since permanent monitoring networks offer study on several levels, including tectonic activity and ecological changes, scientists can now continue long-term, consistent examination of these cold seeps, opening up previously unheard-of research opportunities.
According to Oceanographic, this specific deep-sea station is part of a “four-dimensional” monitoring system that also includes unscrewed submersibles, ships, and seabed observatories to guarantee the finest outcomes.
But, given that several nations are fighting for control of the South China Sea, where this station is to be situated, there are political issues to take into account.
Geological disputes have the potential to impede development and building because Taiwan, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, and the Philippines all dispute their own claims to portions of the sea and reject China’s sovereign authority.
The hydrocarbon and methane deposits mentioned above would yield valuable gas reserves estimated at 70 billion tonnes, which are regarded as a ‘untapped’ resource with’significant potential’. This is why the resources this station will be studying are the subject of much debate.
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