A team of three polar explorers started a 500-kilometer skiing expedition across the floating sea ice of the Arctic Ocean to study the potential impact of ocean acidification that is threatening aquatic life.

Ann Daniels is leading the team which is collecting data for an international scientific mission called the Catlin Arctic Survey. The data will be used to determine how increased carbon emissions could be affecting the marine life in the ocean.

Speaking on the topic, Ann Daniels said, “The expedition focus is on ocean acidification which some scientists describe as the Earth's 'other carbon dioxide problem.”

According to some scientists, by 2050 oceans' pH levels could reach heights not seen in the past 20 million years.

The Arctic Ocean is more at risk because cold water can absorb CO2 more easily than warmer seas.

The results of the study will be made available to scientists in Canada, Europe and the US.