Explorers break free from harsh weather and 'volatile' ice
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Independent Minds
Martin Hartley, www.martinhartley.com
Catlin Arctic Survey group have developed a portable, ice-penetrating radar which is being used to take detailed measurements of both the snow and ice
In Pictures: the catlin arctic survey
23 days into their arduous journey across the frozen ice of the Arctic Ocean, the three polar explorers of the Catlin Arctic Survey are making the most of improved conditions to hasten their progress north.
Pen Hadow, Martin Hartley and Ann Daniels embarked on their scientific survey to measure the state of the ice in late February, in the Arctic winter, in order to capture direct physical surface readings that is of particular interest to scientists researching what is happening to the floating sea ice.
The unusually early start for a polar expedition meant they were initially confronted by brutal conditions, with temperatures of below -40 degrees C, (-70 degrees C with wind chill), near-24 hour darkness, storms and strong winds.
Following a resupply of essential equipment and food, together with improving temperatures and more hours of daylight, the team are now making faster progress and expect to increase the distance they cover each day above the six nautical miles they have averaged so far. But they must still haul sledges weighing 110 kilos across a precarious surface of ice that cracks without warning under their feet, negotiating peaks and pressure ridges sometimes as high as a double decker bus.
The Catlin Arctic Survey team are using modern radar technology and traditional drilling methods to collect ice thickness and density data that will help scientists to better understand the state of the remaining arctic sea ice. The survey is expected to conclude in late May.
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Comments
The satellite data and the data from bouys show that the Artic Sea Ice is now back at normal levels in extent and in thickness.
The Catlin Project website shows that the 3 are currently in "standby mode". They have only travelled 68 km in 24 days. With frostbite and 885 km left to go they are unlikely to make it.
It turns out that the Northern Icepack was not immune from the record cold and record snowpacks of the last 2 winters.
"Global warming" took a vacation and global cooling has set in.
My prediction is that this will end with a dramatic rescue from the not so warm icepack. Sadly - The whole thing was over-hyped from day 1.
Best wishes to all.