Scientists on literary journey

Arctic explorers have published a memoir of their adventure

Wei Menghua, a 78-year-old veteran polar scientist, still feels excited and proud when he recalls the Chinese national flag flying at the North Pole for the first time 23 years ago.

In 1995, he led a scientific investigation team to the central area of the Arctic Ocean, kicking off China's Arctic exploration.

His 25-member team included scientists from the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the Chinese Earthquake Administration, as well as journalists from Xinhua News Agency and China Central Television.

Now, more than 20 years later, Wei and his teammates have embarked on another Arctic journey－recounting that year's stories in a book.

The publication, titled 1995 Arctic Memory of China, was published in September by the China Ocean University Press. The publisher held an event for readers recently, at which Wei and four other members of the team talked about the expedition.

"Curiosity is the starting point of scientific inquiry and the unremitting spirit of exploration drives the development of science," Wei said.

In the 1990s, it was difficult to organize a scientific expedition to the Arctic due to a lack of financial support.

Realizing the strategic significance of Arctic study for China, Wei gave up a stable job with a research institution and put all his efforts into seeking that support.

"The Earth's two poles not only have a great impact on the environment, but are also rich in natural resources," Wei said.

"China had made great scientific achievements in the Antarctic but had made less progress in Arctic research at that time. A true investigative journey to the Arctic was necessary."

He was quickly joined by other people who shared his belief. As more programs on the Arctic were shown on TV and newspapers published reports, awareness of the appeal grew.

Finally, Wei and his team's endeavors paid off and they won sponsorship of 3 million yuan ($476,700) from a private enterprise.