In recent times, average winter Arctic thickness has been about 2.5m, down from 3.5-4.0m based on climatological data.

BBC: Arctic team targets key ice data

Rutherford, who has struggled recently with injury and illness, claimed a personal best 8.0m but had to settle for sixth, with German Sebastian Bayer leaping a European record of 8.71m to win gold.

BBC: GB end Euros with relay silvers

Croatia's Blanka Vlasic , world outdoor champion, successfully defended her high jump crown with a best of 2.0m, while American Lolo Jones retained her 60m hurdles title with the third fastest time ever run in the event clocking 7.72s.

BBC: Jessica Ennis & Dwain Chambers win at World Indoors