Arctic survey put on ice until 2009

The Vanco Arctic Survey expedition to measure the thickness of the ice cap at the North Pole and predict how quickly the ice is melting has been postponed until next year.

The expedition was originally due to take place this year but expedition leader Pen Hadow is hoping to expand its scope by getting 'a significant global environmental partner' on board before the team sets off for the North Pole from Point Barrow, Alaska, in February 2009.

Hadow said the rescheduling of the trip responds to ever-increasing scientific interest in the status of the Arctic Ocean's sea ice cover.

Predictions for ice-free summers at the North Pole have been wildly inaccurate, according to Hadow's lead scientific partner, professor Wieslaw Maslowski.

Maslowski's latest modelling study indicates the ice will vanish in just five to six years' time. Previous estimates had suggested it might have up to 100 years left.

Photos of the Vanco expedition team and some of the technology they will use to conduct the survey, can be seen here.