Arctic expedition to probe rising acidity

The Catlin Arctic Survey 2010, starting next month, will explore the effects of increasing carbon dioxide emissions as experts warn the issue could devastate marine life.

A team of leading international research scientists will face minus 45C (minus 49F) temperatures, with a wind chill factor of minus 75C (minus 103F), during the two-month trip.

They will also battle against the threat of frost bite, thin ice and polar bears.

Dr Carol Turley, of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory, said the expedition was thought to be one of the first of its kind.

"This will be one of the first chances for scientists to investigate ocean acidification under natural field conditions under the Arctic sea ice," she said.

Based on current carbon dioxide emissions, scientists predict 10 per cent of the Arctic surface could become more acidic by 2018 and 50 per cent by 2050 – levels not seen for millions of years. It is thought the entire Arctic surface could be affected by the end of the century.

Polar explorer Pen Hadow, director of the mission, said: "Hardly anyone goes to the Arctic Ocean – they don't see it, they don't experience it and, inevitably, the understanding is low on a global basis of what the Arctic Ocean is."

Professor Jean-Pierre Gattuso, of the Universit Pierre et Marie Curie, said more carbon dioxide is absorbed into cold water than warmer seas, making the Arctic Ocean particularly vulnerable.

The survey will include a 310-mile trek across floating sea ice as researchers take samples.

Rising acid levels in sea water reduces the availability of many marine organisms to form their shells.

This could result in slower growth and might impact on species

including lobsters, crabs, mussels, oysters and sea urchins.