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To the south, to the future
Author:Wang Yupin  Date:2017-10-17  Clicks:

Wanlin Art Museum has been decorated for a special exhibition. Starting from September 17, this 42-day exhibition focuses on WHUers’ contribution to the explorations in the South Pole. For the first time, the life of the Chinese Antarctic Research Expedition (CHINARE) team is displayed from different angles, showing both the tears and joys during explorations.

Flags of CHINARE’ s expeditions

Wuhan University fell in love with the South Pole in 1984 when Professor E. Dongchen participated in the first CHINARE. And seven years later, the Chinese Antarctic Center of Surveying and Mapping was established in Wuhan University. Being advanced in mapping, cartography and remote sensing, WHUers have made notable contributions to Antarctic researches over the past 33 years, such as the first Antarctic aerial photogrammetry in 1990, the first accurate topographic map of the Antarctic surface in 1999 and the XUELONG online network information platform in 2009, which have won WHU six Science and Technology Progress Awards collectively.

The South Pole used to be like a lonely planet before people first stepped on the frozen land. Having to overcome extreme coldness and strong radiation, CHINARE succeeded in establishing four stations in the Antarctic. However, behind the glory lay unignorable difficulties. Despite of the improved equipment at the present, the inclement condition still brings about inevitable dangers and loneliness. Sitting below the starry sky, they only have those twinkling stars to keep them company.

Fabulous scenes of the Antarctica

Annals of the expeditions unfold a vivid picture of the Antarctica in front of us. Creatures live peacefully on this pure land. A snow petrel rests on the snow, with its white feathers almost melting into the landscape, and under the sunshine lies a baby seal in deep relaxation. Icebergs in various configurations, vivid sunglow, a peaceful sea surface, colorful auroras and bright starry nights, the combination of which is sheer spectacle. Nature endows the South Pole with countless momentary masterpieces.

No one wants this wonderland to be damaged. So actions must be taken to protect the Antarctic. In this respect, CHINARE has set an example by properly dealing with garbage and domestic sewage. Thanks to their efforts, South Pole preservation is now doing welland this pure natural habitat can continue to sustain all the creatures living there.

A flight of stairs with members’ names

Pioneers of CHINARE and their followers have devoted their passion to this desolate land, gradually presenting all their icy adventures to the public, awaking our awareness of environmental protection. 104 WHUers who left their footprints on the Antarctic will be recorded. Their footprints not only point to the South, but also to the future of human.

 

(Photo by Chen Ziyao, Edited by Li Minjia,Wang Wei, Edmund Wai Man Lai & Hu Sijia)

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