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2-up showing sea ice concentration and extent of the same region

What is the difference between sea ice area and extent?

Scientists may report different numbers for how much Arctic or Antarctic sea ice exists at a particular time. Different satellite sensors “see” sea ice differently, but another factor is whether scientists measure sea ice area or sea ice extent.

Read more...

Is the Arctic Ocean a carbon sink?

We’ve all heard it: Arctic sea ice is melting. Sea ice is thinner year to year and there is less of it. In 2007, scientists observed a nearly 50 percent loss of summer ice as compared to 1980. With such a dramatic shift, what else is taking place in the Arctic Ocean?

Read more...

What is under Greenland’s ice?

We have been watching surface melting of the Greenland Ice Sheet (see Greenland Ice Sheet Today) as one sign of climate change.

Read more...

Can liquid water persist within an ice sheet?

Scientists have discovered a large aquifer, the size of Ireland, near the surface of the Greenland Ice Sheet.

Read more...

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