China Maritime Report No. 3: China’s Distant-Ocean Survey Activities
These missions collect "bathymetric" data (sea depth and contours) and meteorological info. This is critical for undersea warfare , as temperature and salinity data help submarine commanders elude detection and improve sonar performance.
Recent discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have highlighted planets that may be entirely covered by water. Distant Ocean
Reports from the U.S. Naval War College note that the PLAN's distant-ocean survey fleet has more than tripled since 2015. 3. Other Interpretations
A planet 100 light-years away that is 70% larger than Earth and may be a complete ocean world with no landmasses. China Maritime Report No
In a terrestrial context, "distant-ocean" refers to deep-sea maritime operations, particularly those by the People's Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) and civilian researchers.
A "Super-Earth" 48 light-years away that sits in its star’s habitable zone, potentially holding liquid water. 2. China's "Distant-Ocean" Survey Activities Recent discoveries by the James Webb Space Telescope
Astronomers may have found traces of dimethyl sulfide (DMS) on K2-18b. On Earth, this molecule is only produced by life, specifically marine phytoplankton. However, researchers remain cautious as unknown chemical processes could also explain it. Other Candidates: