Infographic of the Day: A Decade at China's Taishan Station in Antarctica

Today celebrates a significant milestone: the 10th anniversary of China's Antarctic Taishan Station, the country's second inland summer research facility. The establishment of the Taishan Station further increased China's presence in Antarctica, taking the total to five research stations - two operating in summers and three round-the-clock.

The construction of the Antarctic Taishan Station was accomplished on February 8, 2014, spanning an area of 710 square meters. It can house up to 20 people during the summer months. The temperature fluctuates from a summer high of -9.2 degrees Celsius to a chilling winter low of -60 degrees Celsius, with an average annual temperature of -35.3 degrees Celsius.

The station primarily features polar glacier and meteorological observation systems, along with a space physics observation system. These systems play pivotal roles in supporting research at Kunlun Station, fixed-wing aircraft, and Grove Mountain in Antarctica.

China unveiled its latest addition, the Qinling Station in Antarctica, this Wednesday. It is the third research base in Antarctica to operate all year round, with capacity for 80 people in summer and 30 in winter. Its main focus lies in conducting atmospheric, oceanic, biological, and ecological research.

Max Fischer