Global sea ice extent update
Current sea ice extent across both the Arctic and Antarctic regions is running very close to record lows as of late July, according to data from the National Snow and Ice Data Center.
The Arctic
The above image from the NSIDC shows the latest Arctic sea ice extent (white area) compared to the 1981-2010 median ice edge.
As you can see from the second image, the most recent sea ice extent in the Arctic is running very close to the record low year of 2012. It is still too early to predict whether or not a new record low minimum extent will be set this year as there are many factors that can influence where the extent will be by the end of the melt season, which usually occurs later in September.
Arctic sea ice volume is actually a better measure of the health of sea ice since it takes into account the thickness. In recent years, the Arctic sea ice volume anomaly has leveled off, but the long-term trend is still in steady decline.
The Antarctic
Sea ice extent in the Antarctic continues to run slightly above 2023 and well below the 1981-2010 mean. Last year was the lowest extent in the satellite record going back to 1979.
Compared to a majority of years between 1979 and 2022, last year and this year clearly stand out, averaging well below the 1981-2010 extent mean. What is the reason for this? Change in prevailing winds? Warmer waters? Did we reach a tipping point?
Global sea ice extent and volume
The latest total global sea ice extent anomaly is currently running very close to 2023, which was the lowest in the satellite record. Image credit Zachary Labe.
Total global sea ice volume continues to run well below the 1981-2010 mean, but it has leveled off over the past seven years. The long-term trend is still clearly downward. Image credit Zachary Labe.
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