New Findings from the Catlin Arctic Survey

In the spring of 2008, the Catlin Arctic survey members began collecting data on arctic sea ice. Initial findings showed the sea ice to be much thinner than originally thought and at one point the team had to leave camp in the middle of the night in order not to be sucked in to cracks forming in the ice bed.

“There was a lot of loud popping, then the ground started shaking,” said one team member. Running from the camp in the dark they couldn’t see their way back to camp. “It was frightening,” the scientist added, “like there was something under the ice out there to get you”.

According to expedition leader Pen Hadow, modern science is missing direct observation. “It’s dangerous work, and chilling to hear the ice growling when you are trying to sleep, but it’s necessary work”.

Scientists now believe that the Arctic sea ice will be gone in ten to twenty years as a result of the survey. “They’ll be more shipping lanes,” Hadow said, “but they ought to know what they are getting into before they come up here”. Adding, “Things can stay frozen up here for a long, long time. Who knows what’s under the ice”.