The first topographical map of Mt. Grove in the Antarctic region, drawn by experts from Wuhan University, was recently published and issued.
Located approximately 400 to 500 km south of China's Zhongshan Antarctic Research Station, Mt. Grove covers an area of roughly 3,200 square km. Mt. Grove, which has a complex topography, is one of the few unexplored places in the Antarctic region. Its uncharted territory is the reason many nations are drawn to Mt. Grove, and are interested in building research stations there.
Between 1999 and 2000, China's 15th and 16th expedition groups to the Antarctic region explored Mt. Grove on foot for the first time in human history.
Surveying and mapping experts from Wuhan University conducted thorough field measurements in the region, and created a topographical map of approximately 120 square km at a scale of 1:25,000. During their expedition, the team set up two Global Positioning System (GPS)stations and placed three permanent survey plaques.
The experts consider the creation of the topographical map a great achievement, both for the tectonic research of the South Pole and the entire planet. Many people would now have a clearer mental picture of Mt. Grove.
(People's Daily 08/06/2001)