“We know more about the dark side of the moon than we know about lots of parts of the Arctic.”  This recent quote from Jacob Verhof,  lead scientist for the Department of Natural Resources’ Arctic seabed mapping exercise is in reference to continued efforts to map portions of the Arctic Ocean for Canada’s submission for continental shelf claims — part of the United Nation’s Law of the Sea Treaty. 

In a nut shell, this comment provides clear indication as to the concept of the Arctic region still being considered the Earth’s last frontier. 

To highlight this point, a joint-effort by Canadian and Danish officials will be gathering data this weekend to discern who holds the territorial rights to the North Pole.  The study administered in part via a specially configured DC-3 airplane equipped with skis to land on sea ice will measure changes in the Earth’s gravitational field to help conclude their findings.  The study might ultimately trump Russia’s 2007 political proclamation when it placed a Russian flag on the Arctic Ocean seabed at the North Pole.

For further information on the joint Canadian/Danish study, please visit the following link:

Santa Claus a Dane? Canada begins Arctic flights for data on who owns North Pole – Canadian Press