ICE CHASER expedition to the Arctic 2010

The planet's climate is changing rapidly. The Arctic is warming faster than anywhere else on Earth and we know almost nothing about the life that flourishes there. With some forecasts predicting an ice-free Arctic summer within the next ten years, the ICE CHASER expeditions are investigating how carbon - a major player in the control of global climate - is recycled and stored in the Arctic.

We are sending Richard Hollingham, science writer and broadcaster, to join this year's Icechaser Arctic II cruise and report back on the work of the scientists onboard the RRS James Clark Ross.

Richard Hollingham reporting from the Arctic

"The polar regions have fascinated me since childhood. It’s not only the isolated beauty of these places that attracts me, or the challenge of getting there, but the scientific mysteries that remain to be explored. By understanding the Earth’s polar regions and the changes that are taking place there, we can learn more about the entire planet. What happens in the Arctic ultimately has an impact on all our lives.

I feel privileged to have been invited on this scientific cruise and hope you enjoy following our progress as we head into the ice."

Hear more from Richard in his podcast and daily blogs and learn about the science he will be witnessing on the journey using the links below.