Arctic Sea Ice News & Analysis

Arctic sea ice is one of the most visible indicators of our changing climate. Read year-round scientific analysis of Arctic sea ice conditions. We provide an update during the first week of each month, or more frequently as conditions warrant. Get images of Arctic sea ice, updated daily.

Sea Ice Index

Long-term changes in Arctic sea ice are an index of climate change. Browse, compare and animate satellite-derived images that depict current sea ice conditions and trends. Antarctic sea ice data are also available.

Icelights: Your Burning Questions About Ice and Climate

Icelights digs into what’s hot in the news around climate and sea ice, provides a behind-the-scenes view of what scientists are talking about, and answers the questions you and your fellow readers send us.

The Cryosphere at a Glance

View near-real-time images depicting ice concentration and snow extent. Images for both hemispheres are derived from data and algorithms made available by NASA.

The State of the Cryosphere

What are snow, ice, and permafrost telling us about climate change?

State of the Cryosphere also includes up-to-date assessments of Northern Hemisphere snow cover, mountain glacier fluctuations, sea ice extent and concentration, changes in ice shelves, and global sea level. It also provides a snapshot of current permafrost conditions.

Repeat Photography of Glaciers

View photographs of the same glacier, taken from the same vantage point and at the same time of year, but many years apart. These photographs can show evidence of glacier and climate change over time.