Sea Ice Index: Most Recent Daily Images

These images, derived from satellite passive microwave data, depict the most recent daily sea ice conditions. Graphs show the trends in sea ice extent over the last four months. In the Northern Hemisphere, sea ice reaches an annual minimum extent in September, and maximum extent in February or (usually) March.

Monthly averages are considered more accurate indicators of overall sea ice trends. Please read Image Derivation and Interpretation Resources to understand the uses and limitations of these figures.

Trends in Extent
Northern Hemisphere (Arctic)		Southern Hemisphere (Antarctic)
	Extent	Concentration

Click an image thumbnail for a higher-resolution image and legend.

Sea Ice Index References

Meier, W., J. Stroeve, F. Fetterer, K. Knowles. 2005. Reductions in arctic sea ice cover no longer limited to summer. Eos: Transactions of the American Geophysical Society 86, 326.

Fetterer, F., and K. Knowles. 2004. Sea ice index monitors polar ice extent. Eos: Transactions of the American Geophysical Society 85, 163.

User Services

NSIDC strongly encourages you to register as a user of this data product. As a registered user, you will be notified of updates and corrections. When registering, please include the title of this data set, Sea Ice Index.

Acknowledgements

F. Fetterer, K. Knowles, and NSIDC staff developed the Sea Ice Index with financial support from NOAA NESDIS and in cooperation with NOAA NGDC. This site is maintained with assistance from the NSIDC NASA DAAC.

Citations and Credits

You may download and use any images from the Sea Ice Index. Please credit "NSIDC."

Please use this citation when referencing the Sea Ice Index:

Fetterer, F., K. Knowles, W. Meier, and M. Savoie. 2002, updated 2008. Sea ice index. Boulder, CO: National Snow and Ice Data Center. Digital media.

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