"Sea ice is more extensive than in recent low years, but still far lower than historically — even as other markers, such as thickness and age show declines."
"After a relatively cool and cloudy summer that slowed melt in some areas, Arctic sea ice has likely begun its winter freeze, the National Snow and Ice Data Center said on Wednesday.
The probable minimum extent of 4.72 million square kilometers (1.82 million square miles) was reached on Sept. 16, the center said. It was the highest since 2014 and ranks as the 12th lowest in the 43-year satellite record, the center said.
Though significantly higher than the record-low extent of 2012 and the near-record-low extent last year, this year’s minimum is low compared to earlier years and part of a declining trend.
All 15 of the lowest-extent minimums have been in the last 15 years, the NSIDC said. This year’s minimum extent was 1.5 million square kilometers (579,000 square miles) below the 1981-2010 average."
Yereth Rosen reports for Arctic Today September 22, 2021.
SEE ALSO:
"Arctic Sea Ice Hits Annual Low, but It’s Not as Low as Recent Years" (New York Times)
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