Arctic ice minimum extent, 2012 C014 / 2330
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Arctic ice minimum extent, 2012 C014 / 2330
Arctic ice minimum extent. Diagram showing the Arctic polar ice cap at its annual minimum extent on 16th September 2012. The Arctic sea ice (white) reaches a minimum in September, at the end of the Arctic summer. This minimal ice area is called the perennial ice cover. The perennial ice has been steadily decreasing since satellites began observing it in 1979, at a rate of about 10 percent per decade. The orange line shows the 1979 to 2000 median ice extent for this date. This was the lowest ever recorded minimum, at 3.41 million square kilometres, and was 760, 000 square kilometres smaller than the previous record minimum. This decrease is attributed to global warming. The black cross marks the geographic North Pole
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Media ID 9227757
© NATIONAL SNOW AND ICE DATA CENTER/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
Annual Arctic Arctic Circle Arctic Ocean Climate Change Climatological Climatology Declining Diagram Disappearing Earth Observation Environmental Global Warming Losing Melting Passage Province Recede Receding Region Retreat Retreating Sea Ice Shrinking Strait Decline Declined Lowest Polar Ice Cap Receded Retreated Vanishing
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures the Arctic ice minimum extent in 2012, providing a visual representation of the alarming effects of global warming. Taken on September 16th, it reveals the annual minimum extent of the Arctic polar ice cap. The white area represents the perennial ice cover, which reaches its lowest point after the Arctic summer. Satellite observations since 1979 have shown a steady decline in this perennial ice cover, diminishing at a rate of approximately 10 percent per decade. The orange line depicts the median ice extent from 1979 to 2000 for this date, highlighting how drastically it has decreased over time. The recorded minimum in 2012 was particularly concerning as it marked an all-time low at only 3.41 million square kilometers, surpassing previous records by a staggering margin of 760,000 square kilometers. This significant decrease is directly attributed to global warming and its adverse impact on our climate. Notably, this diagram also features a black cross marking the geographic North Pole – symbolizing how even this iconic location is not immune to these changes. As we observe this image and reflect upon its implications, we are reminded of our responsibility to address climate change urgently. It serves as a stark reminder that if we do not take immediate action to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and protect our environment, we risk losing one of Earth's most vital ecosystems forever.
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