CHINA GEOTRACES GP08 Section Cruise in the South China Sea

The CHINA GEOTRACES GP08 section cruise is currently at sea aboard the research vessel R/V TAN KAH KEE (Jia-Geng). It departed from Xiamen, China on June 1, 2026, and is scheduled to return to Xiamen on June 30, 2026. The cruise track spans the region 14–22°N and 111–127°E (see figure below). The expedition is led by Yihua Cai of Xiamen University.

The main objectives of the GP08 cruise are to determine the distribution of key trace elements and their isotopes, as well as macro- and micro-nutrients, in the South China Sea. The expedition also aims to reveal the sources and sinks, cycling mechanisms of micro-nutrients in the South China Sea, and to understand the coupling mechanisms and dominant regulatory processes between micro- and macro-nutrient biogeochemical cycles.

In addition, the cruise seeks to clarify the structure and efficiency of carbon fixation via the biological pump in the South China Sea and its potential linkages with the cycling of key biogenic elements.

Cruise chief scientist: Yihua Cai, University of Xiamen, China.