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Chinese Delegation Visits USGS to Discuss Gas-Hydrate Studies
A delegation of eight scientists from the People's Republic of China, representing five Chinese government organizations, visited the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) Woods Hole Science Center in Woods Hole, MA, on September 13, 2005, to discuss collaboration in gas-hydrate research. Huang Yong Yang, chief geologist of the Guangzhou Marine Geological Survey, was the leader of the delegation. The other institutions represented were the China Geological Survey, the Guangzhou Institute of Energy Conversion, the Qingdao Institute of Marine Geology, and China Geological University. Activities during the day included a welcome by acting USGS Woods Hole Coastal and Marine Geology Team chief scientist Jeff Williams, presentations by Debbie Hutchinson and Jean Whelan about USGS and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) gas-hydrate studies, tours of the GHASTLI (Gas Hydrate and Sediment Testing Laboratory Instrument) laboratory with Bill Winters and Bill Waite, an overview of the Chinese gas-hydrate research program by Dr. Huang, and a tour of the WHOI Deep Submergence Facility in Woods Hole. The Chinese delegation's visit in Woods Hole followed a visit with Tim Collett in Denver, also to discuss gas-hydrate collaboration, particularly in regard to drilling needs. Much of the Chinese research program for gas hydrates is focused on three areas of the South China Sea where bottom-simulating reflections (BSRs) and surficial mounds indicate active fluid venting. A discussion period at the end of the day provided a mechanism to discuss mutual interests, needs, and timelines for undertaking collaborative gas-hydrate studies. The meeting ended with a commitment to continue discussions, with Debbie Hutchinson and Zhang Haiqi acting as the primary points of contact.
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in this issue:
Sonar Survey of Sea-Floor Habitats Drilling for Submarine Ground Water Educational Geopark in Florida USGS and Elementary School Receive Mayor's Top Apple Award Workshop on DART Network for Tsunami Forecasting Chinese Delegation Visits USGS to Discuss Gas-Hydrate Studies |