China’s 1st overseas atmospheric background station in Antarctica starts operations, supporting global climate efforts

China’s first overseas atmospheric background station, the Zhongshan National Atmospheric Background Station in Antarctica, officially began operations on Sunday, enhancing global response to climate change.

The station will conduct continuous and long-term operational observations of changes in atmospheric composition and concentration in Antarctica, providing an accurate representation of the average state of atmospheric composition and related characteristics in the region, while contributing to worldwide efforts to address climate change.

Atmospheric background, also known as atmospheric baseline, refers to the natural composition of the atmosphere that is unaffected by human activities.

According to Ding Minghu, director of the Institute of Global Change and Polar Meteorology of the Chinese Academy of Meteorological Sciences, polar regions are regarded as “amplifiers” of global climate change, and the observation data from the station offer unique geographical advantages and significant scientific value.

The station, China’s ninth to officially enter operation, features a comprehensive observing system comprising seven categories of meteorological elements, including ozone and aerosols.