Arctic Ice Melt

2007 and 2008 NASA satellite data indicate that the volume of Arctic sea ice has been dropping drastically. Researchers speculate that within a decade, it is possible the sea could be completely free of ice during the summer months.BBC News: Arctic Sea Ice Melt 'Even Faster' (June 18, 2008)

On February 28, 2009, Pen Hadow and two other Arctic explorers were dropped on ice 670 miles from Canada to begin a journey to the North Pole to discover how fast the sea ice is melting.BBC: Explorers begin epic Arctic trek (March 1, 2009)

The Arctic Ocean is located in the northern hemisphere and is the smallest of the earth's five oceans. It shares coasts with Russia, Alaska, Norway and Canada. The Arctic is rich in natural resources, including gas and petroleum. This has caused minor territorial disputes between bordering nations which are expected to become more contentious as the global consumption of fuel grows.The Boston Globe: "Russia seeks to claim Arctic Seabed " (July 27, 2007) BBC News: Arctic Sea Ice Melt 'Even Faster' (June 18, 2008)

"An already relentless melting of the Arctic greatly accelerated this summer, a warning sign that some scientists worry could mean global warming has passed an ominous tipping point. One even speculated that summer sea ice would be gone in five years."CNN.com: Scientist: 'Arctic is Screaming' (December 11, 2007)