Arctic Sea Ice Hits Annual Minimum, Antarctic Sets New Record

Arctic sea ice likely reached its annual minimum extent on Sept. 19, 2023, making it the sixth-lowest year in the satellite record. Meanwhile, Antarctic sea ice reached its lowest maximum extent on record on Sept. 10 at a time when the ice cover should have been growing at a much faster pace.

Arctic Sea Ice Hits 2023 Maximum

On March 6, 2023, the Arctic sea ice pack appeared to reach its maximum extent for this winter, at 14.62 million square kilometers, or 5.64 million square miles, according to the National Snow and Ice Data Center.

Is Polar Ice Melting? We Asked a NASA Expert

Is polar ice melting? The sobering answer is yes, and it’s the number one contributor to sea level rise. NASA scientist Dr. Brooke Medley tells us how NASA studies the relationship between ice sheets and sea level to better understand our changing planet.

Two Scientists Have a Frank and Honest Discussion about Antarctica

NASA Glaciologists Kelly Brunt and Alex Gardner discuss the history, challenges, and evolution of mapping the Antarctic continent and what it means for science and society.

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