The Catlin Arctic Survey was not only using cutting-edge technology to collect much-needed scientific data but it did so in one of the harshest and most remote environments on earth. Preparation was absolutely key to the success of this project. The extensive specialist support team ensured that all aspects of the project were meticulously planned and executed.
The Pre-Expedition Training was held in early January in the Canadian High Arctic. The Ice Team plus three members of the Operations Team were based on Broughton Island for two weeks.
The objective of the trip was to conduct extensive training with the scientific and communications equipment, in an environment that mirrors that of the expedition itself.
Mimicking the daily routine of ‘life on the ice’ was the primary objective of the trip. This included travelling across the surface of the ice, crossing leads of open water, camping, cooking, erecting the tent, communicating with both the base and PR teams and, of course, capturing scientific data using SPRITE, the SeaCat probe and the Mora ice drill.
The team travelled on foot, hauling sledges from 81°N 130°W, across 1000-km of disintegrating and shifting sea ice, for around 100 days, in temperatures from 0ºC down to -50°C.