Images related to Swirls along an Ice Highway

Arctic Sea Ice Is Losing Its Bulwark
Image

Arctic Sea Ice Is Losing Its Bulwark

In 1984, there were 1.86 million square kilometers of old ice spread across the Arctic at its yearly minimum extent. In September 2016, there were only 110,000 square kilometers of old ice left.

Published Nov 4, 2016

Image of the Day Snow and Ice Remote Sensing

Arctic Sea Ice Maximum 2012
Image

Arctic Sea Ice Maximum 2012

The extent of Arctic sea ice peaked at 15.24 million square kilometers on March 18, 2012. It was the ninth consecutive year of maximum extents below the long-term average.

Published Mar 27, 2012

Image of the Day Water Snow and Ice

Arctic Sea Ice Minimum for 2010
Image

Arctic Sea Ice Minimum for 2010

These images show overall Arctic sea ice extent on September 19, 2010 (the date of the 2010 minimum), and sea ice growth in mid-September 2010.

Published Oct 6, 2010

Image of the Day Snow and Ice

Arctic Sea Ice Reaches 2018 Minimum
Image

Arctic Sea Ice Reaches 2018 Minimum

The ice cap tied for the sixth lowest extent on record, continuing a long-term decline.

Published Sep 28, 2018

Image of the Day Water Snow and Ice Remote Sensing Sea and Lake Ice

2019 Arctic Sea Ice Minimum Is Second Lowest
Image

2019 Arctic Sea Ice Minimum Is Second Lowest

The long-term trend for Arctic sea ice extent has been definitively downward.

Published Sep 23, 2019

Image of the Day Heat Water Snow and Ice Remote Sensing Sea and Lake Ice

A Regional Look at Arctic Sea Ice
Image

A Regional Look at Arctic Sea Ice

Arctic sea ice has been retreating the fastest in the Beaufort Sea.

Published Oct 18, 2017

Image of the Day Snow and Ice Remote Sensing

Sea Ice in Alaska’s Bristol Bay
Image

Sea Ice in Alaska’s Bristol Bay

Acquired April 11 and 24, 2012, these images show the movement of sea ice in the Bering Sea with the advance of spring.

Published May 6, 2012

Image of the Day Water Snow and Ice

Arctic Sea Ice Drops below 2007 Record
Image

Arctic Sea Ice Drops below 2007 Record

On August 26, 2012, Arctic sea ice broke all previous records weeks ahead of the end of melt season.

Published Aug 28, 2012

Image of the Day Snow and Ice Sea and Lake Ice

A Tale of Two Poles
Image

A Tale of Two Poles

The 2014 arctic sea ice minimum is the sixth lowest on record, while antarctic sea ice continues to exceed the record maximum extent.

Published Sep 24, 2014

Image of the Day Heat Water Snow and Ice

2011 Sea Ice Minimum
Image

2011 Sea Ice Minimum

In September 2011, the extent of sea ice covering the Arctic Ocean declined to the second-lowest extent on record.

Published Oct 5, 2011

Image of the Day Heat Water Snow and Ice

Ice Arch Crumbles Early
Image

Ice Arch Crumbles Early

The structure that prevents sea ice from exiting the Arctic Ocean through the Nares Strait crumbled months earlier than usual.

Published Jun 26, 2019

Image of the Day Snow and Ice Remote Sensing

Oldest Arctic Sea Ice is Disappearing
Image

Oldest Arctic Sea Ice is Disappearing

Thick ice that used to last through multiple summers has been in steep decline for three decades.

Published Mar 1, 2012

Image of the Day Water Snow and Ice

Early Breakup of the Beaufort Sea Ice
Image

Early Breakup of the Beaufort Sea Ice

In April 2016, unusually warm temperatures and heavy winds broke the sea ice pack to pieces.

Published May 20, 2016

Image of the Day Snow and Ice Remote Sensing

Amount of Old Ice in Arctic Hits Record Low in February 2009
Image

Amount of Old Ice in Arctic Hits Record Low in February 2009

This pair of maps shows how the sea ice covering the Arctic at winter maximum in 2009 is younger than it was in the past.

Published Apr 10, 2009

Image of the Day Water Snow and Ice Remote Sensing

Arctic Sea Ice, 2002-2003
Image

Arctic Sea Ice, 2002-2003

Compiled from passive microwave sensor data, these images show Arctic sea ice extent for September 2002 and March 2003.

Published May 16, 2009

Image of the Day Water Snow and Ice

Flying over Arctic Sea Ice
Image

Flying over Arctic Sea Ice

Taken from a low-flying airplane on March 26, 2011, these detailed photos of Arctic sea ice show the richly varied texture in the ice floe.

Published Apr 1, 2011

Image of the Day Water Snow and Ice