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Apr 29, 2024 · The sea ice cover is one of the key components of the polar climate system. It has been a focus of attention in recent years, largely because of a strong decrease in the Arctic sea ice cover and modeling results that indicate that global warming is amplified in the Arctic on account of ice-albedo feedback.
Arctic sea ice extent was similar to 2021 values, higher than many recent years, but much lower than the long-term average. Open water areas developed near the North Pole through much of the summer, making the area easier to access for polar class tourist and research vessels; both the Northern Sea Route and Northwest Passage largely opened.
Arctic sea ice is the frozen interface between the ocean and the atmosphere. It reduces the absorption of solar energy because of its high albedo relative to the darker open ocean surface. In addition, as a physical barrier, it modifies the heat and moisture transfer between the atmosphere and ocean.
Arctic sea ice is the frozen interface between the ocean and atmosphere in the north, limiting ocean-atmosphere exchanges of energy and moisture and playing a critical role in the earth’s climate and the regional ecosystem.
Sea ice in the Arctic region has declined in recent decades in area and volume due to climate change. It has been melting more in summer than it refreezes in winter. Global warming, caused by greenhouse gas forcing is responsible for the decline in Arctic sea ice.
Sep 29, 2021 · 29 September 2021. Arctic sea ice hits 2021 minimum. This summer’s minimum ice cover was twelfth-lowest ever — and scientists warn that the long-term trend towards shrinking continues. By....
The sea ice area for the Arctic shows near-record minimums since 2002. The maps below show the areas for September (shaded) relative to the median extent (purple line). The median extent is based on the period 1981-2010. The recent years represent a unique event because they show a year-to-year persistence of minimum ice extents (graph below).
