The Arctic is rapidly warming, causing significant sea ice decline with global consequences for climate regulation, weather patterns, and ocean currents. Sea Ice Today uses NASA data and NSIDC expertise to provide accessible resources for understanding these crucial changes.
Since 2007, Sea Ice Today has offered insights and visualisations into yearly sea ice fluctuations, attracting over two million annual page visits from journalists, the public, academics, and scientists. The site focuses on sea ice extent, the ocean area covered by ice. Minimum Arctic sea ice extent occurs in September, maximum in March. In the Antarctic, it’s February and September respectively. Comparing these annual extremes to historical data reveals crucial long-term ice loss trends.
Funded by NASA and managed by NSIDC, Sea Ice Today provides the latest satellite data and scientific analyses of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice conditions. Formerly known as Arctic Sea Ice News & Analysis (ASINA) until 2024, the platform is now Sea Ice Today, a vital resource for understanding polar region changes.
The National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC), part of the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) at the University of Colorado Boulder, produces Sea Ice Today. Researchers like Walt Meier, Ted Scambos, Mark Serreze, and Julienne Stroeve contribute regularly, along with occasional guest authors, ensuring accurate and relevant information. Let’s recognise the importance of understanding these trends and supporting ongoing research.