Our Research

Data are not simply a means to monitor change, but an objective method to prepare for not only different storms, but as sea levels rise, a different topography. With that in mind, communities and governments around the globe may increasingly need to plan for relocation rather than assume rebuilding in place is viable. But Alaska’s threatened communities demonstrate the challenges of relocation.

NSIDC has observed and documented many changes in Earth’s frozen regions. Here is a selection of some of the more eye-catching observations.

Arctic sea ice likely reached its minimum extent for the year, at 4.60 million square kilometers (1.78 million square miles) on September 12, 2026. In the Antarctic, sea ice extent has been tracking near record low levels for most of the growth season, most likely reaching its maximum extent on September 14 at 17.59 million square kilometers (6.79 million square miles). If this maximum date holds, this will be the third lowest Antarctic sea ice maximum on record.

On September 12, Arctic sea ice likely reached its annual minimum extent of 4.60 million square kilometers (1.78 million square miles). The 2026 minimum shares the tenth lowest spot in the nearly 48-year satellite record with 2008, 2010, and 2025. The last 20 years, from 2007 to 2026, are the lowest 20 sea ice extents in the satellite record. In the Antarctic, sea ice extent most likely reached its maximum extent on September 14 at 17.59 million square kilometers (6.79 million square miles). If this maximum date holds, this will be the third lowest Antarctic sea ice maximum on record.

NSIDC celebrates 50 years in operation as of September 2026. In 1976, the United States celebrated its bicentennial, disco topped the charts, and no one had yet seen a Star Wars movie. That same year, the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) opened its doors.

As NSIDC reflects on 50 years in operation, past and present NSIDC researchers round up their favorite and most impactful publications. Also included are NSIDC contributions to annual reports: the Arctic Report Card and the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society’s State of the Climate.