A deep-sea research megaproject China has just launched is expected to help researchers further explore the origins of organisms and the green development of resources in extreme deep-sea environment.
The country officially launched the Cold Seep Ecosystem Research Facility on Friday, which is to be the first crewed and long-term deep-sea laboratory in the world at depths of 2,000 meters.
Cold seeps refers to the activity where gases such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide beneath the seabed escape into the seawater due to geological structures or pressure changes.
The organisms in the cold seep ecosystem, located 2,000 meters beneath the surface of the ocean, are characterized by their independence from photosynthesis.
Cold seeps are similar to underwater fountains, releasing various fluids such as methane, hydrogen sulfide, and carbon dioxide from the seabed. The temperature in these areas is relatively low, ranging from 2 to 5 degrees Celsius, which is why they are referred to as cold seeps.
These ecosystems form diverse biological communities by absorbing methane and hydrogen sulfide through chemosynthesis.
"The cold seep ecosystem has three notable characteristics in terms of its resources. First, it is a rich area for gas hydrates, which are recognized as a new generation of clean energy. Second, it harbors abundant biological resources, including microorganisms and invertebrates. Third, it serves as a significant carbon sink, converting methane into solid carbon sources through physical, chemical, and biological fixation," said Zhang Si, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, also chief scientist of the cold seep ecosystem research facility.
Over 600 different species, such as mussels, crabs, and sea urchins were found in the cold seep ecosystem.
Yet, once these organisms leave the cold seep ecosystem, it may collapse almost instantly, making in-situ long-term observations in underwater laboratories essential.
"Combustible ice samples will rapidly decompose once removed from their in-situ environment. Additionally, deep-sea microorganisms will quickly respond to environmental changes if displaced. Furthermore, microorganisms like ammonia-oxidizing archaea will undergo rapid genomic changes outside their in-situ environment. Organisms in the cold seep ecosystem will die quickly if removed from their original setting. Therefore, research on cold seeps must remain in-situ," said Zhang.
Deep-sea cold seep megaproject launched to explore clean sources
Many countries on Friday urged their citizens to leave or avoid travel to Iran and several other Middle East regions due to escalating U.S.-Iran tensions.
The U.S. Navy's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, arrived off Israel's coast on Friday, raising concerns that the U.S. and Iran may be moving closer to direct military confrontation.
Meanwhile, Abolfazl Shekarchi, a spokesman for Iran's armed forces, said the military is closely monitoring U.S. and Israeli movements, and warned that any provocation by U.S. forces or allied groups would draw a "decisive response," according to Iranian news agency on Friday.
On the same day, the U.S. State Department authorized the departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families from Israel. U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee urged staff wishing to leave to do so "today," according to U.S. media reports.
The U.S. embassy said it may further restrict travel by government personnel and their families to certain areas of Israel, as well as the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank, citing security concerns and warning that measures could be imposed without advance notice.
Concerns have spread beyond the region. The British government said it has temporarily withdrawn staff from Iran, with its embassy continuing to operate remotely, and advised against all travel to the country.
Canada and India also issued similar advisories, with Canada warning that hostilities could erupt with little or no warning.
The French Foreign Ministry issued a security advisory for French nationals against travel to Israel, Jerusalem and the West Bank, citing possible regional repercussions from the situation involving Iran. It warned of potential flight cancellations or delays and urged citizens in affected areas to remain vigilant and avoid gatherings.
Italy also urged its citizens to leave Iran and advised extreme caution across the Middle East. "Italians in (Iran) for tourism or whose presence is not strictly necessary are urged to depart," the foreign ministry said in a statement, strongly discouraging travel to Iraq and Lebanon as well.
Germany updated its travel guidance to discourage travel to all of Israel, expanding earlier advice that had applied only to certain parts of the country.
The Chinese Embassy in Tel Aviv issued a security alert on Friday, urging Chinese nationals in Israel to strengthen precautionary measures as risks in the Middle East further escalated.
The escalation follows a third round of indirect talks between the U.S. and Iran in Geneva.
Countries issue security advisory for nationals as U.S.-Iran tensions rise
