China's domestically developed floating airship Jimu-1 Photo: Xinhua

China's domestically developed floating airship Jimu-1 set a world record of atmospheric science observation at an altitude of 9,032 meters on Sunday. Airship observations will provide key scientific data for studying the chain of changes from water, ecology to human activities on the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau against the backdrop of climate change. 

The airship rose from an altitude of 4,270 meters and reached 4,762 meters above the ground, according to the China Central Television. 

The scientific data collected by the airship will be used to study the regional water cycle, and monitor changes in atmospheric water vapor and components, said the report. 

The surface of the airship is made of advanced composite fabric that can withstand temperatures as low as -70 C. It has a volume of 9,060 cubic meters and weights around 2.6 metric ton, according to the Institute of Tibetan Plateau Research of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xinhua News Agency reported.

The aircraft can carry numerous scientific instruments that allow scientists to collect atmospheric data and study the moisture transport process, and track changes in black carbon, dust, methane, carbon dioxide and other substances at extreme altitude, Xinhua said.

Dubbed the "third pole" and "water tower of Asia," the Qinghai-Xizang plateau provides water supply for many Asian rivers including the Yangtze, Yellow, Indus and Mekong.

China commenced the expedition in June 2017, 40 years after the first research trip to the plateau by Chinese scientists. Slated to last from five to 10 years, studies will focus on glaciers, biodiversity, ecological changes and climate change.

Global Times