"Every half-metre, it takes a measurement of the temperature and the salinity, " said Mr Hadow.

BBC: Arctic team targets key ice data

Of keen interest then will be any data Pen Hadow can gather on ocean conditions.

BBC: Arctic team targets key ice data

Mr Hadow, 46, became the first explorer to trek solo and unsupported from Canada to the North Pole.

BBC: Polar survey team start journey

Pen Hadow, the first man to trek solo from Canada to the north pole without resupply in 2003, agrees with the distinction.

BBC: What adventures are actually left?

Mr Hadow, from Hexworthy, Devon, became the first person to trek solo and without support from Canada to the North Pole in 2003.

BBC: Polar explorers

Ann Daniels from Whimple and Pen Hadow from Dartmoor will be studying the Arctic sea ice to help scientists understand more about climate change.

BBC: Polar survey team start journey

Pen Hadow, leading the Catlin Arctic Survey, describes losing the use of the equipment as frustrating but concedes that the hostile conditions have overwhelmed the technology.

BBC: Arctic team gives up on ice radar

Mr Hadow, 46, Mrs Daniels, 44, and Mr Hartley, 40, will attempt to get base figures from which to measure changes in the thickness of the ice.

BBC: Polar explorers