The Arctic is warming twice as fast as the rest of the world, and sea ice loss plays a large role in this. While warmer conditions lead to more melting of sea ice, the loss of sea ice also makes it warmer - a vicious feedback cycle.

NSIDC has updated two key data sets from NASA's Airborne Topographic Mapper (ATM) sensor, expanding the range of these data sets from 1993 to 2018.

CIRES and NSIDC scientists Ted Scambos and Bruce Wallin are traveling to Antarctica. You can follow the research team's progress, read about previous research, and learn about the team members at the expedition blog: On Thin Ice.

September 2018 also ties with September 2008 for the sixth lowest September in the satellite record.