Some scientists believe that by 2050 the pH of the world’s oceans could reach levels not seen on Earth for 20 million years with potentially serious consequences for all marine life. "We understand from models projecting future ocean chemistry that the Arctic Ocean is particularly vulnerable to ocean acidification because cold water absorbs CO2 more effectively than warm oceans, so much so that it may become corrosive to some shelled organisms within a few decades,” said Dr. Carol Turley of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory. “This will be one of the first chances for scientists to investigate ocean acidification under natural field conditions under the Arctic sea ice, and will help us to test out models and refine our projections."

The Catlin Arctic Survey 2010 will also see leading Arctic explorers Ann Daniels, Martin Hartley and Charlie Paton extending the reach of the research far across the floating sea ice on a 500-kilometer trek northwards to capture additional scientific data. The survey program will include taking ice thickness measurements for sea ice modelers and water samples from beneath the ice for the CO2 and acidification program.

"We know that disappearing ice cover and potential impacts of acidity are parts of some big ocean changes.  Since it is widely viewed as a bellwether for wider global change, it is important we understand better what is happening," said Pen Hadow.

Results from the two-month expedition will be made available to scientists in Europe, Canada and the US.

Related posts:

1. Rain: Arctic explorers caught by surprise
2. Arctic: Samples collected on North Pole
3. NASA: Arctic mission to study ocean chemistry

Boasting miles of white sand beaches, the town of Troncones, Mexico, is a peaceful and secluded haven nestled between the jungle foothills of the Sierra Madre del Sur Mountains and the warm tropical waters of the Pacific Ocean.

Nairn, Scotland is located on the Moray Forth coast. The small seaside town enjoys one of the sunniest climates in Scotland, and is a perfect base from which to explore the Highlands.

Your cell phone won't work in El Chalten, Patagonia, and the town's limited capacity means you've got to book in advance, but you'll be richly rewarded with incredible hiking in Parque Nacional Los Glaciares, a Unesco World Heritage site.

With a 12-mile long beach (also a national park) and an abundance of Lycian and Roman ruins peeking out of the sand dunes, Patara, Turkey, is steeped in both natural beauty and history.

Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Germany, is a picturesque Bavarian town celebrated not only for its well-preserved medieval buildings and walls, but also for its unspoiled setting.

Seward, Alaska, is situated at the head of Resurrection Bay on the Kenai Peninsula. This historic and picturesque town is the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park, rich with wildlife, spectacular fjords and tidewater glaciers.

John F. Kennedy's former Presidential retreat can be found in Hyannis, Massachusetts, the largest and most central village in Cape Cod's Town of Barnstable, and its picturesque sandy stretches make it a fantastic retreat.

True to its name, nature's geological wonders are a key feature of Hot Springs, Arkansas. The picture-perfect town boasts natural hot and cold mineral springs in which to relax, restore and renew.

Drive around the Canyon de Chelly's rim roads for a bird's eye view of the spectacular scenery at Chinle, Arizona, or take a tour of the canyon floor for a closer look at its breath-taking rock formations, cave art and cliff dwellings.

Situated on the Southwest side of the beautiful island of Kauai, Waimea, Hawaii, is an unassuming beach-side town that is the gateway to Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific, which oozes natural beauty.

Twenty-two percent of travelers expect to be more environmentally conscious in their travel decisions in 2010 than they were in 2009. Thirty-two percent consider their carbon footprint when traveling, and as a result, 44 percent of these travelers choose to stay at "green" or environmentally-conscious hotels, while 26 percent choose to drive rather than fly and 20 percent travel shorter distances. A hotel having "green" policies also factors into 33 percent of travelers' booking decisions.

Related posts:

1. Travel 2010: A thirst for exploration
2. London Top 2010 Destination
3. UK: Travel Managers are More Optimistic

In July 2007, the RPM Nautical Foundation, a U.S. and Malta-based not-for-profit organization, began a comprehensive, ongoing archaeological survey of the coast of Albania in cooperation with the Albanian Institute of Archaeology (AIA) and the Institute of Nautical Archaeology (INA).

The area surveyed was from the border with Greece, through the Corfu Channel and to the Bay of Saranda. A total of 125 anomalies were encountered, and 67 were assessed with the ROV during the 2007 season. The majority of anomalies were found to be geological formations created as silt from the mouth of the Butrint River. Fifteen shipwrecks were identified, fourteen of which were classified as “modern” and one of which was an ancient wreck dating back to 300-275 BCE. One of the fourteen other wrecks was determined to be the bow of HMS Volage.

The Volage was heavily damaged while assisting another British destroyer, HMS Saumarez, which was heavily damaged by another mine. While neither ship sank, 44 lives were lost and another 42 British seamen were injured. This tragic episode was one of the first naval incidents of the Cold War.

A lengthy legal argument before the International Court of Justice at The Hague ultimately led to a ruling in favor of Britain. Albania disputed the findings, and the two nations severed diplomatic relations for nearly 50 years. The “Corfu Channel Incident” remains a case famous in legal circles, but it has largely been forgotten by most of the world.

“The wreckage is that of a section of an explosion-damaged steel vessel,” says INA president Dr. James Delgado. While largely obscured by mud, the remains show steel frames (ribs), electrical wiring, ammunition, stacks of ceramic plates, a British canteen and the remains of boots or shoes. Because of the possibility that the wreckage is from Volage, and would therefore be considered a war grave, nothing was disturbed or removed.

Albania and Great Britain have been officially notified of the find, and a report of the investigation, including ROV footage, was provided by the RPM Nautical Foundation to both governments.

Related posts:

1. Wreck of the HMS Investigator discovered
2. HMHS Britannic: War Grave in 400 Feet
3. HMS Perseus: The Great Escape

The first day will be spent on lecture; a practice survey will be done in a local dry cave. The second day will offer some great cave diving and participants can put their new skills to work.

Attendees will need a compass with a rotating bezel marked in two degree increments or better and a slate or wet-notes. Hardhats for the dry cave potion will be provided. Everybody will get muddy and wet on Saturday (in the dry cave). Jeans or other sturdy pants and heavy boots are recommended.

Lunch is on the NACD on Saturday, October 3. All interested parties need to show proof of full cave diving certification and DAN insurance or equivalent to participate in the in-water activities.

More information is available at the NACD website. The site provides a link to register for the event.

Peacock Springs State Park

Related posts:

1. Underwater photography: Workshop for cave divers in France
2. NSS-CDS: Rebreathers, Bahamas, DOM
3. A "Rollercoaster" Cave Dive