Exploring the Ocean’s Depths: The Mysteries of Marine Observation

As a major maritime nation, China has approximately 3 million square kilometers of maritime space under its jurisdiction and a 32,000 km coastline. Since ancient times, coastal communities have thrived owing to the sea’s bounty and opportunities, with coastal cities becoming key hubs for marine economy and technological advancement. With the rise of comprehensive national strength, China has stepped up efforts in safeguarding maritime rights and interests, developing marine resources, early warning and forecasting marine disasters, early warning of and forecasting for marine disasters, and protecting the marine environment. Located in Guangzhou—the “Southern Gateway” of China—the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology (SCSIO), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), has undertaken national missions since its establishment in January 1959, gradually expanding its scientific exploration from nearshore waters to the deep sea and open oceans. After over 60 years of arduous efforts, SCSIO has evolved into a comprehensive marine research institution comprising 1 State Key Laboratory, 6 CAS Key Laboratories (Centers), 4 Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratories, 6 field observation and experimental stations, 4 large marine research vessels, and a freshwater dock capable of berthing 4 ships long-term. Marine observation and surveying serve asthe cornerstone of marine scientific research. Disciplines such as physical oceanography, marine biology, marine geology, and marine environment rely on extensive in-situ observations and sampling at sea. Observed data undergo reanalysis and assimilation for numerical ocean modeling, enabling the modeling and early warning of oceanic and climatic conditions. With long-term national support, SCSIO began scientific expeditions to the Zhongsha and Xisha Islands and the northeastern South China Sea in the 1970s; initiated continuous Nansha expeditions since 1984; conducted six Western Pacific scientific expeditions from 1985–1993 (with the 6th voyage participating in the global TOGA-COARE program, marking China’s first international marine observation collaboration); independently funded and pioneered the Open Cruise Program in the northern South China Sea in September 2004 (a regional observation study that continues today); and launched Indian Ocean expedition research in 2010. To date, SCSIO has established a relatively complete real-time observation and transmission network for the South China Sea–Indian Ocean marine environment and founded the South China Sea Marine Data Center. Meanwhile, SCSIO has prioritized the independent R&D of observation instruments, actively undertaking national missions such as the “863 Program” (High-Tech Research and Development Program), major scientific instrument and equipment R&D projects, and key R&D programs, contributing to China’s high-tech development and national security. Rooted in the South China Sea and facing the adjacent tropical oceans, the State Key Laboratory of Tropical Oceanography (LTO), under the support system of the South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, , has carried out extensive marine observation and survey work. It has made outstanding contributions to regional oceanographic theory, solved key scientific problems, enhancing marine observation technologies, and developed and applied marine instruments. In the future, the Laboratory will continue to focus on national strategic needs, deepen basic theoretical research and key technological development, and serve China’s maritime power strategy, the “Belt and Road” initiative, and the construction of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area. This year marks the Centenary of the Communist Party of China and the 10th year of LTO’s official operation. We dedicate this book to the Party’s birthday and pay tribute to generations of Chinese marine scientists. We hope to introduce our work to readers in a simple and vivid manner, inspiring and guiding young people in the new era to love the ocean and engage in marine careers. Brave souls stand at the forefront of tides; the future belongs to the youth!