In the summer of 2006, Snowline travelled to the Indian Himalaya to shoot the short film, ‘Special Delivery’, a dramatisation based on a true story.

Special Delivery is the account of a box belonging to a Zanskari that is taken on a journey past some of the highest mountains on Earth.

The film follows the owner as he drives the box to his home, where its secret is finally revealed.

The film will be premiered on Regent Street in the Apple Store on the 11th October and will be introduced by Al Boardman, Paul Deegan and Seb Mankelow.

If you’d like to know more and would like to see a sneak peak Click Here

A new NASA-supported study reports that 2007 marked an overall rise in the melting trend over the entire Greenland ice sheet and, remarkably, melting in high-altitude areas was greater than ever at 150 percent more than average. In fact, the amount of snow that has melted this year over Greenland could cover the surface size of the U.S. more than twice.

To see the full report Click Here

Wish to learn more about Expeditions and their planning? Then the Royal Geographical Society will be holding their yearly Seminar - Explore! Explore is the place to find inspiration, contacts and practical advice for planning a successful expedition or research project, through a weekend of workshops and talks.

Explore will be held at the RGS in London on the weekend of the 24-25th November.

If you’d like to learn more please Click Here

On the 14^th of September Antony Jinman went across to Ottawa to meet with Dr Christian Zdanowicz of Geological Survey of Canada. The meeting was to discuss how Polarventure could benefit the work and research of Christians team. Logistics of the expedition was discussed and a plan of action but together for March next year.

It was agreed that the team will collect surface snow samples which will be later tested for pollutants. These pollutants include acids (sulphates, nitrates) as well as several toxic metals such as lead, cadmium and - last but not least, mercury. In recent years, mercury has emerged as the dominant inorganic pollutant of concern for circumpolar Arctic communities because of (1) its strongly harmful effect on neurological systems in animals and humans, (2) its tendency to be “bio-magnified” as it moves up the food chain, and (3) because of its volatility which make it susceptible to be transported over long distances in the atmosphere. As a result of these combined properties, mercury is now accumulating an alarming rate in the Arctic food chain, with detrimental effects on human populations in the North. And as certain regions of the World (e.g., East Asia) are increasing their emissions of atmospheric mercury, and climate warming tends to promote mechanisms (e.g., polar storms) that enhance the northward transport of mercury, there is an urgent need to obtain reliable data on the rate of mercury accumulation in the northern environment.

“Mr. Jinman’s expedition will provide us with an opportunity to obtain highly valuable data on:

1. The levels of Hg and MeHg present in surface snow on southern Baffin Island shortly after polar sunrise. By comparing these results with those of samples collected later in the year (April or May), we can assess to what extent mercury compounds are effectively preserved in the snow, or whether they re-volatilize to the atmosphere over time (as some suspect)

2. The range and variability of mercury deposition in snow over a large surface area (10s of km). This is something we critically need to know in order to determine how meaningful are measurements done at a single location (e.g., an air sampling station).

In conclusion, we consider that Mr. Jinman’s enterprise can bring us a highly valuable scientific benefit at little cost and with minimal logistical complications. We are therefore fully supportive of it, and feel it is well worthy of support. This is a perfect example of a situation where the interests and needs of geographical exploration, adventure and scientific research converge and can be mutually beneficial to all involved.”

Christian Zdanowicz

Geoscientist and glaciologist

National Glaciology Program

Geological Survey of Canada - Northern Canada Division

July 2007 took me to the isolated region of Disko Island in Arctic Greenland. The expedition was conducted by British Schools Exploring Society, who we are raising money for. The expedition was fairly large consisting of 5 teams of about ten young explorers and the support staff. The aim of the expedition was to conduct scientific research within the Arctic environment as well as ambitious self supportive mountain and ice phases. Each team was to operate completely independently from one another. Some of the Young Explorers have written about there experiences below.

“During the science phase of the expedition we plotted a transect across a section of the valley to see how typical the vegetation was. We tested the NDVI (normalised difference vegetation index) of the quadrat areas selected and also looked at the vegetation types and their % cover. Height gain and soil moisture were also among the things tested, to give us the clearest idea of how the flora has changed in the valley.

For me, some of this stuff was difficult to understand to begin with, but I found that I picked up an awful lot as we went along and by the end, was able to give the latin names for certain plants on cue! This unforgettable experience has been a great help for me gaining experience and field knowledge for my forth coming university course” Rachel Clutterbuck – Young Explorer.

“From traversing glaciers to swimming with icebergs there was always something to explore or climb on Disko Island. We were trained in how to live and travel safely in the wilderness and carried all our food and equipment as well as planning our own expedition phases.

Climbing peaks was a big feature of the expedition; we summited eleven in total, two of which were capped with thick snow. We ascended these wearing crampons and took turns to break path. Reaching the peaks often involved rock climbing, scrambling and ridge walking as well as trekking across snow, however the spectacular views from the summits always made it worthwhile.

River crossings were particularly ‘exhilarating’ as the current was often so strong that we had to take off our trousers and cross the frosty water in arrow formation. We also had the opportunity to take a dip with the icebergs and shower under icy cold waterfalls.

Camping on the ice was an experience I will never forget. The glacier was extremely wet and we had to hold the tent down using ice axes and ice screws. We learnt how to rope up and travel safely on glaciers which was again a fantastic experience.

Although the long days and less than perfect conditions were often challenging, the sense of achievement when we were stood at the top of a peak or cooking dinner together always outweighed the struggle to get there.” Emily Franke - Young Explorer.

“The BSES Expedition to Disko Island was amazing, and has driven my want for exploration to new heights.” Peter Blackwood – Young Explorer.

In conclusion, Disko Island was an amazing expedition and very rewarding. The young explorers who come on these expeditions often have no or very little expedition skills. Its the mountain leaders job not only to make sure that they are save but to teach them the skills required and to see them develop within themselves. These expeditions are extremely rewarding for the young explorers and I’m sure will help them achieve whatever they wish from life.

Polarventure can now offer a continued update of our Blog through your email. You can follow our progress through the course of the expedition. See how its all been put together, follow the build up and read how the expedition is going once we are on the ice. Simply enter your email address below.

“Adventurous expeditions often fall into the trap of tagging on overly-ambitious scientific programmes shortly before departure, with the inevitable consequence that neither the science nor the adventure reach a satisfactory conclusion. So it’s great to see that from the outset you have chosen to integrate a realistic (and useful) research project with an exciting physical challenge. And you have opted to do it in a stunning part of the world.”

Paul Deegan

To view Paul’s website Click Here

Baffin Island is an Arctic wilderness of jagged mountain peaks, deep valleys, steep walled fjords and eternal glacial ice. Located above the Arctic Circle, this powerful landscape reflects the Inuit belief that time is infinite and unending. Walking and skiing through the Auyuittuup Park, we will explore this remarkable environment and experience the majesty of the Arctic.

A team of 12 will attempt a ski traverse of the Akshauk Pass which involves travelling over 140 miles through remote and challenging terrain in temperatures as low as -20 C.

The expedition will be self supporting whilst on route and all members of the team will play their part in the success of the venture. Individuals will need to be committed to their training and preparation.

Each individual will be asked to cover their own direct costs and raise £3,000 for the Mitchemp Trust’s work with vulnerable young children. You will be given comprehensive fund raising support which will enable you to reach your target.

If your interested please click here

In the past week its been confirmed that we will be collecting snow samples along our transit of the Penny Ice Cap for the National Glaciology Group, which is part of the Geological Survey of Canada. Through their website you can find loads of articles and interesting information on the climate and the work that is being done.

To View Click Here!