A recent trek across the Arctic

[science_spot]

I have been following the BBC news accounts of a recent trek across the arctic performed by a few British scientists.  Famous arctic explorer Pen Hadow and two others (Ann Daniels and Martin Hadley) began their journey across the arctic on February 28th.  Their goal was to measure the ice thickness as they travel about 400km to the North Pole during the late winter and early spring.  This is the important time of the year when the ice thickness is known to be at its maximum.  This data will help scientists determine how quickly the ice is melting (presumably due to global warming), record how much ice is left, and enable them to match up their findings with satellite observations.  One scientist, Weislaw Maslowski, has forecasted the first ice-free summer will occur between 2101 and 2016.  This new data will help him fine-tune his forcast.

The team had sledges to pull, carrying standard gear such as extreme weather suits, tents, first aid supplies, and nutritional rations.  One on sledge had a mobile radar unit that was designed to constantly measure the ice thickness below it.  Each team member had to drag a sledge with supplies weighing about 200 pounds, for up to 12 hours a day for the entire journey, sometimes through extreme weather conditions.  When there are gaps in the ice and they could no longer walk, they had to swim.  They were resupplied a few times during their expedition (by airdrop). 

 

The pictures below were taken from the BBC; they outline the team's journey.

 

The team completed their trek in 75 days. They were forced to end the expedition early due to the high number of fissures in the ice - indicating the summer melt had already begun.  You can read the diary of their expedition , it is quite interesting.  Their mobile radar unit (to measure the ice) had failed, so they were forced to take samples and measurements by drilling into the ice.  They withstood supply delays, temperatures near 40 below zero (Celcius), and 20 hour nights.

What an amazing journey for three scientists.  And what an amazing gift of data they provided to the scientific community, and the Earth as a whole.

 

Tonya

AKA sunmoonstars

The Science Spot