Arctic ‘will be an open sea within a decade’

THE Arctic Ocean will be an “open sea” almost entirely free from ice within a decade, the latest data released yesterday indicates.

Ice cover during the summer months will have entirely disappeared within 20 years, but most of the decrease will happen before 2020, leaving the Arctic Ocean clear for marine transport.

The Catlin Arctic Survey, completed earlier this year by a team led by explorer Pen Hadow, is the latest research into the condition of Arctic ice.