Rain: Arctic explorers caught by surprise

Arctic (global-adventures.us): British scientists experienced another unexpected sign of potential global warming: rain in the high Arctic off Ellef Ringnes Island, Canada. "I had to look twice. Snow flurries we expect, not rain," said Catlin Arctic Survey team member Paul Ramsden. "I felt distinctly nervous for a while because the consequences of getting wet here can be serious - but eventually it stopped and we are all safe."

While rain is more common in regions to the south, it is very rare for precipitation to fall in form of rain, not snow, in the Arctic around 79 degrees North in April. "Rain that far north is not at all normal at this time of year," said expedition director Pen Hadow. "According to the Canadian met [meteorological] services there was also some rain at Borden Camp a hundred miles away. It is pretty unusual for such a strong southerly [winds] to push warm air over this area in April."

The Catlin Arctic Survey studies the effects the impact of increased carbon dioxide absorption by our seas. (Global Adventures reported here). From its ice base 750 miles from the Geographic North Pole, the team is currently studying the potential impact of rising levels of acidity in some of the coldest water on the planet. Within decades, an increase in ocean acidity could cause seawater to become corrosive to the shells, and skeletons of many marine life forms, and seriously undermine the growth of coral reefs.

"Expeditions don't expect to be confronted by rain and Arctic gear - clothing and tents - are certainly not made for rain. Polar clothing is made to be breathable not waterproof and if it gets wet it just freezes making it less effective in keeping body heat inside," Hadow added. "The Arctic is normally very dry, but of course very cold, so I'm really pleased for the team that it didn't rain for too long."