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.
News and stories
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Analysis - Sea Ice Today
The sun has set over the central Arctic Ocean and sea ice extent is now increasing.
Feature Story
The rapid retreat and thinning of the Arctic sea ice cover is one of the most striking manifestations of global climate change. As the ice continues its sharp downward trend scientists want to understand exactly what this means for the Arctic and for Earth’s climate as a whole.
Analysis - Sea Ice Today
On September 16, Arctic sea ice appeared to have reached its minimum extent for the year of 3.41 million square kilometers (1.32 million square miles).