Final preparations are underway for Bradford explorer Ann Daniels’ 500km Arctic trek to discover the effect of carbon dioxide on the oceans.

She is among a team of scientists who will work from a purpose-built ice base 750 miles from the North Pole as part of the Catlin Arctic Survey 2010.

The survey is to gather information about what impact the amount of CO2 in the oceans will have on the climate.

Today Miss Daniels, who grew up in Allerton, Bradford, was preparing for the expedition – set to begin on Sunday.

Speaking to the Telegraph & Argus from her base in Resolute Bay in the Arctic circle, she said: “We are now doing the final tests. While everything might work in England, it doesn’t behave the same when it is -26!

“It has been discovered that seas are becoming more acidic. CO2 absorbs more in cold water, so what is happening here is an early warning.”