On August 24, 2005, DAYNAG I, a scientific expedition vessel, completed its deep-sea geological and environmental surveys, in the first part of the global scientific expedition. Derived from the expedition are 6 major results: scientists sketched out a preliminary map for a cobalt rich crust on the seabed, taking advantage of intensive specimen collection and image based investigation over the marine mountains in the northern Pacific Ocean; enriched the background information for mining applications, using the results of geophysical survey over the marine mountains; retrieved 2 deep-sea anchors laid some two years ago, from which long term seabed environmental parameters are derived. The parameters will be used in the study of seabed dynamics and environmental variations; an investigation was made to map environmental baselines and metal nodules, a mission defined in the exploration contract signed between the China Ocean Mineral Resources R & D Association and the International Seabed Authority; the high technologies and facilities developed by Chinese scientists for the purpose in recent years found successful applications in the expedition, which encourages the technical part of China?痵 marine exploration activities; rich environmental data were collected during the expedition, which makes a contribution to China?痵 deep marine research activities. |