from U of Washington, by Wipneus, using PIOMAS model - area plus thickness soundings by submarines
Through 2020, sea ice loss was much more in the Arctic than the Antarctic. That reversed in 2021, as Arctic sea ice volume increased.
This makes it harder to project a year when sea ice loss may be near-total in late summer.
Vegetation Change (-25% to +25%), 2012 vs 1982
Sea Surface Change (-11° to +11°F), 2013 vs 1982-2006 Mean
1970-2012
Ice extent includes any areas (satellite photo pixel style) that are at least 15% ice covered on that date. In contrast, area translates 15% ice covered to 15% area. Area is less than extent.
Section Map: Ice