Durham University’s ‘Arctic Map’ defines the disputed areas of the polar region.

Researchers at Durham University have created the first ‘Arctic Map’, defining territories that states may lay claim to in the future.

The detailed map displays areas of the Arctic that could potentially become entangled in disputes about ownership, scientists have said. It could even provoke a ‘gold rush’ with countries clambering to stake their claim on the Arctic territories. The formation of the map follows a series of ongoing historical arguments about ownership and the race for resources in the Arctic region.

As the demand for oil, gas and minerals increases, the potential for conflict over the Arctic territories grows greater. It has only been a year since Russia caused outrage in the global community by planting a flag on the seabed underneath the North Pole, laying claim to a large portion of the Arctic.

The US Geological Survey estimates that a fifth of the world’s undiscovered, technically-recoverable resources lie within the Arctic Circle. The map shows where boundaries have been agreed, where the known claims are and the potential areas that states might yet lay claim to. The Durham team said it hopes that the map will help to inform politicians and policy-makers.

Martin Pratt, Director of the University’s International Boundaries Research Unit (IBRU), said: “The map is the most precise depiction yet of the limits and the future dividing lines that could be drawn across the Arctic region. The results have huge implications for policy-making as the rush to carve up the polar region continues.”

The new map also aims to help with the understanding of maritime jurisdiction and could prove vital in helping to resolve future sea territorial disputes.

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