News & Stories
Across the globe, snow and ice play a vital role in regulating Earth’s climate and providing freshwater resources to people, plants, and animals.
As Earth’s frozen regions change rapidly, NSIDC is committed to growing its research and open access data to better understand these changes. Read about NSIDC research and its contribution to science and policy making. Check out spotlights on how to use NSIDC data, tools, and resources. Learn about how we steward data and collaborate with scientists and organizations across the world to understand how the frozen parts of Earth affect the rest of the planet and impact society.
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News Release
Antarctic sea ice has likely reached its maximum extent for the year, at 17.81 million square kilometers (6.88 million square miles) on September 17, according to scientists at the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) at the University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder). The 2025 maximum is the third lowest in the 47-year satellite record. The record low maximum occurred in 2023.
Analysis - Sea Ice Today
On September 17, Antarctic sea ice likely reached its annual maximum extent of 17.81 million square kilometers (6.88 million square miles). The 2025 maximum is the third lowest in the 47-year satellite record above 2023 and 2024.
Analysis - Sea Ice Today
On September 10, Arctic sea ice likely reached its annual minimum extent of 4.60 million square kilometers (1.78 million square miles). The 2025 minimum shares the tenth lowest spot in the nearly 47-year satellite record with 2008 and 2010.
News Release
Arctic sea ice has likely reached its minimum extent for the year, at 4.60 million square kilometers (1.78 million square miles) on September 10, 2025, according to scientis
Analysis - Sea Ice Today
In August, sea ice rapidly melted and compacted north of Alaska in the Beaufort Sea, initiated by a warm pulse of air from east Siberia that was sustained by persistent winds from the southwest. However, the overall pace of decline for the month was near average. Antarctic sea ice climbed in August but remained well below average, ending at third lowest extent.
Spotlight
In Boulder, scientists and first-time gamers explore an immersive new way to see climate data.