South China Sea seamount named after Jiaolong

The headquarters of the manned submersible Jiaolong, as well as scientists aboard its support ship, on Wednesday named a seamount that will be explored by the sub after the sub.

The sub arrived at the seamount in the South China Sea at 5 p.m. Wednesday, according to the headquarters.

The headquarters said the sub will start a deep-sea dive at the seamount on Thursday and carry out observation.

The tasks for the dive include checking the submersible's operating condition at a depth of 4,000 meters, testing its positioning system, surveying underwater terrain and taking samples from the bottom of the sea.

The Jiaolong completed four deep-sea dives from June 17 to 20, collecting rare animal specimens and mineral samples.

After being loaded onto its support ship, the Xiangyanghong 09, the Jiaolong began its first experimental voyage on June 10.

During its 113-day mission, the sub will engage in scientific research efforts in the South China Sea, the northeast Pacific Ocean and the west Pacific.

The mission marks the start of a five-year trial period for the Jiaolong before it starts regular operation.