We use cookies to imporve your experience. By using our site, you consent to our cookie policy Learn more
arrow arrow_up breadcrumb-chevron-right breadcrumb-home dropdown-arrow-down loader GALogoWUNEP GALogo2018 GALogo2019 menu read-more-plus rrss-email rrss-facebook rrss-flickr rrss-instagram rrss-linkedin rrss-twitter rrss-vimeo rrss-youtube rrss_google_plus rrss_skype rrss_web pdf search share Completed In Process Ideas In Develpment Toogle Toogle Thumbnail View List View play close filter-collapse filter edit media_photo_library media_video_library graphics pictures videos collections next

Monthly average sea ice extent globally and in both hemispheres (radial)

In the Arctic, winter sea ice extends over an area of approximately 15 million km2 at its peak in March and up to 7 million km2 in September, at the end of the summer melt season. Corresponding numbers for the Southern Ocean around the Antarctic continent are approximately 3 million km2 in February during the Antarctic summer and 18 million km2 at the height of winter in September. In regions with seasonal sea ice, the ice cover achieves a thickness varying from less than 1 metre to more than 2 metres, depending on air and water temperatures and other conditions. In regions where ice survives the summer, thicker, multi-year ice is formed. But these conditions are changing. Sea ice has decreased in the Arctic and is projected to decline much more in both polar regions, with consequences to climate, ecosystems and human livelihoods.

Year: 2016

From collection: Global Outlook for Ice and Snow

Cartographer: Hugo Ahlenius, UNEP/GRID-Arendal

Tags: Antarctica Arctic arctic tundra Climate climate change indigenous peoples polar Polar and Mountain Environments

Graphics included in same album

View all media

Publications it appears in

View all publications

Related news

View all news