Scientists from China and the US have launched a joint five-year
program to study typhoons and other meteorological movements over
the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea.
The South China Sea Institute of Oceanology of the Chinese
Academy of Sciences (CAS) and the University of Hawaii are to
conduct the meteorological research, according to the CAS.
Both organizations will set up their own oceanic meteorology
laboratories to study important meteorological movements, such as
typhoons and other weather patterns.
The two sides will regularly exchange visits and ideas.
Since early 1990s, scientists of the two countries have
cooperated on studies of oceanic biology and the monsoon in the
South China Sea.
Chinese scientists say such programs are valuable to the
prevention of maritime disasters in both countries and also help
China enhance its weather forecasting accuracy, cutting
weather-related losses.
Climate change in the South China Sea has a great influence on
coastal areas in southern and eastern China. Each year around 10
typhoons and strong tropical storms form on this sea area, experts
say.
The latest typhoon, Saomai, the worst storm on the Chinese
mainland in 50 years, has left 441 dead and caused huge economic
losses to China.
(Xinhua News Agency August 24, 2006)
