Chinese scientists will conduct an expedition to the Arctic region through the Northeast Passage that extends along the northern coast of Russia, an official said.

There are two routes available through the Arctic Ocean - the Northwest Passage and the Northeast Passage. The Northwest Passage goes through the waters north of Canada.

The expedition will be conducted between July and September, Xinhua reported.

The expeditionists will take China's icebreaker "Xuelong" (or Snow Dragon) to carry out scientific research on the ocean, atmosphere and marine organism in the region, said Liu Cigui, director of the State Oceanic Administration.

The Chinese scientists will also visit Iceland at the invitation of the Icelandic government for exchanges with its scientists.

China has previously carried out four expeditions to the Arctic - in 1999, 2003, 2008 and 2010.

Researchers will also visit the Yellow River Station in the Svalbard archipelago of Norway.

Source: Indo-Asia News Service