More than 40 scientists began an international research project on the northwest Pacific Ocean and its climate in the eastern China coastal city of Qingdao Sunday.

The Northwest Pacific Ocean Circulation and Climate Experiment (NPOCE) will observe, simulate and understand the structure, variability and dynamics of the ocean and its role in modulating climate systems, said Hu Dunxin from the Chinese Academy of Sciences.

Initiated by Chinese scientists, experts from 19 institutes in eight countries, including the United States, Japan and Australia, are participating in the project.

The research will play an important role in understanding global climate change and improve China's ability to forecast weather, Hu said.