U.S., Canada explore Arctic boundaries

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WASHINGTON, July 27 (UPI) -- A joint mission conducted by the United States and Canada will help delineate the continental shelf of the Arctic, the U.S. State Department announced.

The United States and Canada began joint exploration of the continental shelf and the Arctic seafloor in 2008. The U.S. State Department said plans for this summer will help determine the territorial boundaries of the United States and Canada in the Arctic Ocean where the two countries haven't settled maritime boundaries.

The five countries bordering the Arctic Circle lay claim to a 200-mile economic zone. Natural resources locked under the ice could become more accessible as global weather patterns reduce the level of sea ice in the Arctic.

A Russian voyage to the Arctic kicked off in mid July. Border countries can extend their claims to the Arctic if they can prove their continental shelf extends beyond the 200-mile limit, Russia's state-run news agency RIA Novosti report.

The U.S. State Department said the maritime expedition starts Aug. 7.