NASA | Sea Ice Max 2013: An Interesting Year for Arctic Sea Ice

The Arctic Ocean's ice has reached its maximum extent, marking the 5th smallest winter peak in 35 years. Seasonal changes show a trend of decreasing ice, with the lowest extent recorded in 2012. Factors like warm temperatures and cyclones contribute to ice melt, while thinner ice leads to fracturing events. Despite this year's smaller maximum, it doesn't guarantee a record low in summer, but the thinning ice cap increases vulnerability to future melting, potentially leading to ice-free Arctic summers in a few decades.

What is the significance of the Arctic Ocean reaching its maximum extent?

How has the summer minimum extent of Arctic sea ice changed over the years?

What role did the Arctic cyclone in August play in the melting of sea ice?

What factors contribute to the size of the sea ice cap each season?

What are the potential future implications of a thinning ice cap in the Arctic?