QINGDAO, Sept. 22 -- Chinese scientists have discovered two sites of gas hydrates, or combustible ice, which are exposed on the sea floor in the South China Sea.
The Chinese Academy of Sciences institute of oceanology said on Friday that the discoveries were made during a month-long expedition in the western Pacific Ocean undertaken by the research vessel Kexue.
The two sites are at about a depth of 1,100 meters. It is the first time exposed combustible ice has been discovered in sea areas under the jurisdiction of China, according to the institute.
Combustible ice usually exists in deep sea sediment or tundra areas which have high pressure and low temperature necessary for its stability. It is rare to see the substance exposed on sea floor.
China declared its first success in collecting samples of combustible ice in the South China Sea on May 18 after discovering the substance there in 2007.
Combustible ice can be ignited like solid ethanol. One cubic meter is equal to 164 cubic meters of regular natural gas.
娱乐英语资讯:Hudson, Robinson officially divorced
娱乐英语资讯:Kylie Minogue: Will I EVER get to walk down the aisle?
娱乐英语资讯:Quickie Vegas wedding for Pamela Anderson
娱乐英语资讯:Rome International Film Festival opens
娱乐英语资讯:Lily Cole is the new face of Marks & Spencer
娱乐英语资讯:Stars at the 18th annual Courage in Journalism awards
娱乐英语资讯:Julia Roberts designs a first in Armani bracelet
娱乐英语资讯:Xu Sanduo chosen as Baidu Logo Feature Person of the Month
娱乐英语资讯:Lindsay Lohan spends 84 minutes in jail
娱乐英语资讯:Leona Lewis too shy to go nude
娱乐英语资讯:Lily Allen to strip for lingerie line
娱乐英语资讯:Matt Damon named sexiest man alive
娱乐英语资讯:Pierce Brosnan accused of hitting LA photographer
娱乐英语资讯:Beach Bunny: At LA Fashion Week Spring 2008
娱乐英语资讯:Portman regrets nude scene
娱乐英语资讯:Gloves making a comeback as alternative accessory to brag bag
娱乐英语资讯:Lindsay Lohan says rehab was sobering
娱乐英语资讯:Halle Berry desperate to work in beaus restaurant
娱乐英语资讯:Scarlett Johansson donates money for Sri Lankan kids
娱乐英语资讯:Shakira: I dont need a wedding ring
娱乐英语资讯:Eva desperately takes hubbys name
娱乐英语资讯:Stars arrive for Roberto Cavalli and H & M fashion party
娱乐英语资讯:Im ba-ack, Aniston tells Harpers and the world
娱乐英语资讯:Cage confronts naked intruder in home
娱乐英语资讯:Jessica Simpson hawks her line of handbags and shoes
娱乐英语资讯:Britney Spears told to pay most of K-Feds fees
娱乐英语资讯:Accused Uma Thurman stalker indicted
娱乐英语资讯:Kate Hudsons son excited seeing mom on TV
娱乐英语资讯:Risqu business: Kylie as shes never been seen before
娱乐英语资讯:Jennifer Garner named Woman of the Year