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Devon based polar explorer Pen Hadow is to lead a major scientific survey to determine the thickness of the Arctic ice cap.

He's predicted the results of the expedition will provide a wake up call for world leaders on the real speed of global climate change.

Mr Hadow, who lives on Dartmoor, will be joined by Ann Daniels from Whimple in east Devon and photographer Martin Hartley.

The Vanco Arctic Survey will capture the most detailed and accurate data ever recorded of the ice thickness.

"The only way to accurately gauge the current thickness of the polar ice cap is to physically go out there and measure it on the surface, to supply crucial data that can't be recorded by submarine or satellite," said Mr Hadow.

"Our endeavour is a partnership between explorers and scientists and will be a major contribution to really understanding what is happening to the North Pole ice cap."

The team will travel on foot, pulling a sledge boat containing a ground penetrating radar unit. Their route will take them from Point Barrow in Alaska to the North Pole.

During the 120-day, 2000km (1,200 mile) trek they will take 10 million depth readings, some in areas little explored.

Both Pen Hadow and Ann Daniels are veteran polar explorers. Mr Hadow has completed 14 expeditions to the ice cap and Ms Daniels has completed five.听

Conditions are expected to be tough, with temperatures dropping as low as -50C for the three-strong team.

In parts of the expedition, which is due to start in February 2008, the explorers will have to swim in dry suits.

Mr Hadow, 44, said: "We'll do whatever it takes.

"It's a route that's been selected by scientists to give a really good variety of estimated thicknesses.

"So it's a really good test of the models of climate change and how long the ice cap will be with us."

It's receding by over 300,000 square kilometres every year because of global warming and is also thought to be thinning rapidly.

This year saw record melting of the Arctic ice cap to 39% below the average minimum, causing experts to predict the Arctic ocean would be ice free in summer within 25 years.

Hadow is working in collaboration with some of the world's leading oceanographers and climatologists at the University of Cambridge, the US Navy's Naval Postgraduate School.

NASA, the UK Met Office, and University College London are also linked to the project.