China launches first marine glacier aerial research in Xizang

China

China launches first marine glacier aerial research in Xizang

2025-05-06 15:48 Last Updated At：20:57

China launched its first airborne survey of marine glaciers in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region on Tuesday, aiming to investigate their development patterns and melting changes, and provide data support for natural resource management.

Marine glaciers refer to natural ice bodies that have existed for many years on the surface of polar or high mountain regions and can move along the ground. The first survey point for this airborne investigation is the Renlongba Glacier in Qamdo City in Xizang.

"Marine glaciers, also known as temperate or warm glaciers, have a higher ice temperature and certain characteristics. They freeze and melt rapidly, and their movement patterns are quite evident," said Wang Shanshan, a senior engineer from the Natural Resources Airborne Geophysical and Remote Sensing Center of China (AGRS).

Marine glaciers are subject to variable climates and complex topography, making data collection extremely difficult. The airborne survey of marine glaciers, for the first time, addresses the challenges of high altitudes, low temperatures, and vast areas with a comprehensive survey and monitoring system integrating satellite, aerial, and ground-based methods.

"This is actually a national geological survey mission. By conducting a multi-dimensional observation and monitoring system using satellite, aerial, and ground-based technologies, we aim to map the distribution range, thickness, and changes of marine glaciers, and thus calculate the amount of ice reserves," said Xiong Shengqing, chief scientist from AGRS.

Marine glaciers are a precious source of solid freshwater, a highly sensitive indicator of global climate change, and a crucial participant in global water cycles and climate regulation. By exploring marine glaciers, scientists can better understand the processes of global climate change, providing a scientific foundation for addressing climate change.

"The melting of glaciers may lead to changes in biodiversity, climate, and even sea level. By conducting on-site surveys, we can obtain more accurate data. With this data, scientists can analyze the glaciers and predict their impacts on water resources, the environment, and ecosystems," said Xiong.

Voting for 2nd phase of Myanmar's general election concludes

Voting for the second phase of Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election concluded on Sunday afternoon.

Voting began at 06:00 local time on Sunday. At 16:00, an election official at a polling station in Yangon's Latha township announced the closure of the polling station.

Following the closure, election staff at the polling station, in the presence of domestic and international media, candidates, and observers, counted the votes, including advance votes, for seats in the Pyithu Hluttaw (Lower House), Amyotha Hluttaw (Upper House), and State and Region Hluttaws (State and Region Parliaments).

The second phase of the election was held in 100 townships across 12 of the 14 regions and states. In the Yangon region, it was held in 16 townships, including the townships of Latha, Bahan, Kyimyindaing and Kawhmu.

"We welcome the election, which is expected to bring new changes to the country," said a Yangon resident.

"I hope the parties can lead us and make it a better country, which is why I support the election," said another voter.

Myanmar's multi-party democratic general election is being held in three phases, with the first phase held in 102 townships on Dec 28 last year, and the third phase scheduled for Jan 25 this year in 63 townships.

"The parliament is scheduled to convene in March. Following the conclusion of the session, the new government will officially take office in April. We hope that more foreign investment will flow into Myanmar, enabling the public to enjoy the opportunities generated by the country's economic development more fully," said Zaw Min Tun, leader of the Information Team of Myanmar's National Defense and Security Council.

The Union Election Commission (UEC) said that about 5,000 candidates from 57 political parties are competing in the three phases of the election, adding that it plans to set up over 21,000 polling stations across the country for all three phases of the general election.

The election will produce the elected members of the Union Parliament (Pyithu Hluttaw and Amyotha Hluttaw) and State and Region Parliaments; the new Union Parliament will then elect a new president, who will form a new Union Government.