China’s Arctic station nears completion

SIKU CIRCUMPOLAR NEWS SERVICE

Construction is nearing completion on China’s first Arctic research station, which will begin operation in March, according the State Oceanic Administration in Beijing.

The station is located at 78.55 degrees North and 11.56 degrees East on Norway’s Svalbard Islands.

A two-storey building with total area of 500 square meters, it includes a laboratory, office, reading room, lounge, dormitory and storeroom. The station is designed to accommodate 20 to 25 people.

The research by visiting Chinese scientists will focus on the Arctic climate and environment.