Data from satellite observations indicate that the total area of the Arctic Ocean covered in sea ice reached 6 million square miles (15.65 million square kilometers) on March 14, 2024. This represents a reduction of 247,000 square miles (640,000 square kilometers) compared to the average maximum extent between 1981 and 2010. Moreover, the maximum winter ice coverage in the Arctic has decreased by an area roughly equivalent to the size of Alaska since 1979.
Sea Ice Trends in Specific Regions
These trends are particularly evident in the Sea of Okhotsk, the Bering Sea, and the Barents Sea, where ice growth has been occurring predominantly in recent months. However, overall ice cover in the Barents, Bering, and Labrador Seas remains below average for this time of year, while conditions elsewhere are near average.
Sea ice plays a crucial role in shaping Earth’s polar ecosystems and influencing global climate patterns. Its reflective properties help regulate the planet’s temperature by reflecting sunlight back into space during summer months, thereby keeping the Arctic cooler. Conversely, shrinking sea ice exposes darker ocean surfaces, which readily absorb solar radiation, contributing to warming in both oceans and atmosphere.