Arctic map flags up territorial disputes over oil

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2008

LONDON (AFP) — British researchers have drawn up the first detailed map of areas in the Arctic that could spark border disputes over extensive oil and gas deposits, they said Wednesday.

Experts from the International Boundaries Research Unit (IBRU) at Durham University in northeast England produced the map to illustrate current boundaries and possible future claims.

Russia last year staked its disputed claim to a huge chunk of the frozen land when a submarine planted a flag on the ocean floor underneath the North Pole.

Canada, the United States, Denmark, Iceland and Norway are also all embroiled in territorial disputes.

Martin Pratt, director of research at IBRU, said: "We have attempted to show all known claims -- agreed boundaries and one thing...