Ice extent on February 25th in north pole area. The orange line shows the 1981 to 2010 median extent for that day. (Photo Credit: National Snow and Ice Data Center)
This year’s ice conditions are so far the lowest on satellite records.
The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) says that the sea ice seemed to meet its maximum growth for the year on February 12th, which was 14.54 million square kilometres. This maximum ice extent is the lowest on satellite record.
Below-average Arctic sea ice conditions were seen everywhere except in the Labrador Sea and Davis Strait. Apparently a late season surge could still be seen to break this record low, which breaks the previous lowest maximum in 2011.
The final analysis by NSIDC scientists will be released at the beginning of April.
