Arctic ice melts to second lowest level
19th September 2011
This year, sea ice on the Arctic Ocean shrank to its second lowest level since records began
The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) says the minimum level of 4.33 million sq km was reached on 9 September, 36% lower than the average minimum for 1979-2000.
The researchers have said, "Changing winds could still push ice flows together reducing ice extend further.” A full analysis will be available in October, when September's data is fully available.
NSIDC director Mark Serreze said the problem will continue, "Every summer that we see a very low ice extent in September sets us up for a similar situation the following year.
"The Arctic sea ice cover is so thin now compared to 30 years ago that it just can't take a hit any more. This overall pattern of thinning ice in the Arctic in recent decades is really starting to catch up with us."
The University of Bremen in Germany has also published results of the Arctic ice levels, but have received different results than the NSIDC, saying that the ice reached a record low on 8 September.
However, the Bremen team's higher-resolution data can detect small patches of water where the NSIDC team would not, but the Bremen record goes back only to 2003.
Analysis of Arctic ice in recent years consistently indicates a change in the nature of the ice itself; the ice used to be a consolidated mass that melted from the edges, this year the ice is more dispersed and the area is dominated by seasonal ice cover, which is more prone to melting.
More like this
6 ultimate Arctic adventures | Inspire me...More
No sex or drugs, just jolly cold says Arctic Bruce Parry | Interviews...More
Walking with the Wounded: Simon Daglish | Interviews...More
Check out our visiting the Poles travel guide for advice, tips and info | Destinations...More