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.
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.