Snow Extent and Sea Ice Concentration

The following samples show snow extent and sea ice concentration for the Northern and Southern Hemispheres on 13 February 2005. These images are derived from Special Sensor Microwave/Imager (SSM/I) data produced every one to two days. Data source: Near-Real-Time SSM/I EASE-Grid Daily Global Ice Concentration and Snow Extent.

Arctic Ice Concentration

The following image from the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–Earth Observing System (AMSR-E) sensor aboard NASA's Aqua satellite shows ice concentration over the Arctic on 05 February 2003. Image courtesy of Matt Smith, Information Technology&Systems Center, University of Alabama at Huntsville. Data source: AMSR-E/Aqua Daily L3 12.5 km Tb, Sea Ice Conc.,&Snow Depth Polar Grids.

Average Ice Concentration

This animation shows monthly average ice concentration in the Northern Hemisphere from September 2003 through September 2004. Data source: Sea Ice Index.

Northern Hemisphere Snow and Ice Maps

The following sample image is from NOAA's Interactive Multisensor Snow and Ice Mapping System (IMS), which has been producing Northern Hemisphere snow and ice maps since 1997. Data source: IMS Daily Northern Hemisphere Snow and Ice Analysis at 4 km and 24 km Resolution.

Ice Surface Temperature

The following image from the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) sensor aboard NASA's Aqua satellite shows ice surface temperature over the Bering Sea on 06 February 2004. Temperature is shown as a gradual change from dark (coldest) to white (warmest). The image reveals many leads and polynyas. When the sea ice temperature reaches 271.5 Kelvins, the data are flagged as"ocean."In this image, however, clouds (light blue) cover the ocean. Image courtesy of Jason Wolfe, National Snow and Ice Data Center, Boulder, Colorado. Data source: MODIS/Aqua Sea Ice Extent Daily L3 Global 1km EASE-Grid Day.