Sea Ice Index: Most Recent Daily Images

These images, derived from satellite passive microwave data, depict the most recent daily sea ice conditions. Graphs show the trends in sea ice extent over the last four months, with comparisons to previous periods. See Note on Graphs for more infomation on the comparison lines.

Monthly averages are considered more accurate indicators of overall sea ice trends. Please read Image Derivation and Interpretation Resources to understand the uses and limitations of these figures.

Trends in Extent
Northern Hemisphere (Arctic)		Southern Hemisphere (Antarctic)
	Extent	Concentration

Click an image thumbnail for a higher-resolution image and legend.

Note on Graphs

The graphs show the trend in sea ice extent for each hemisphere for the last four months. Both graphs also include a comparison line for the 1979 to 2000 average. Each graph also includes comparisons for previous periods:

Northern Hemisphere
The daily extent graph now shows the winter of 2006 to 2007 (dashed green line). The graph will continue to show 2007, which went on to reach the lowest summer minimum in the satellite record. This comparison shows the substantial recent change observed in Northern Hemisphere sea ice. For more data on trends in extent, see the monthly page.

Southern Hemisphere
The daily extent graph for the Southern Hemisphere shows the previous year as a comparison (dashed blue line). This comparison shows the lack of a substantial change in Southern Hemisphere sea ice. For more data on trends in extent, see the monthly page.

Sea Ice Index References

Meier, W., J. Stroeve, F. Fetterer, K. Knowles. 2005. Reductions in arctic sea ice cover no longer limited to summer. Eos: Transactions of the American Geophysical Society 86, 326.

Fetterer, F., and K. Knowles. 2004. Sea ice index monitors polar ice extent. Eos: Transactions of the American Geophysical Society 85, 163.

User Services

NSIDC strongly encourages you to register as a user of this data product. As a registered user, you will be notified of updates and corrections. When registering, please include the title of this data set, Sea Ice Index.

Acknowledgements

F. Fetterer, K. Knowles, and NSIDC staff developed the Sea Ice Index with financial support from NOAA NESDIS and in cooperation with NOAA NGDC. This site is maintained with assistance from the NSIDC NASA DAAC.

Citations and Credits

You may download and use any images from the Sea Ice Index. Please credit "NSIDC."

Please use this citation when referencing the Sea Ice Index:

Fetterer, F., K. Knowles, W. Meier, and M. Savoie. 2002, updated 2008. Sea ice index. Boulder, CO: National Snow and Ice Data Center. Digital media.

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