{"id":569702,"date":"2026-10-07T14:00:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-07T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/"},"modified":"2026-10-07T14:00:00","modified_gmt":"2026-10-07T04:00:00","slug":"arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.vibewire.com.au\/?p=569702","title":{"rendered":"Arctic Sea Ice Shrinks to Its 2026 Minimum"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-secondary-navigation\">\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-wrapper z-top width-100 padding-0\">\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-secondary-navigation width-full border-bottom-1px text-center hds-color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-hdsnav\"><button type=\"button\" class=\"hds-secondary-nav-mobile-button display-flex tablet:display-flex desktop:display-none width-full flex-align-center 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Us<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li class=\"usa-nav__primary-item \"><a class=\"usa-nav__link\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/search\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Search<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-secondary-navigation-menu-spacer\">\u00a0<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"A map of the shows sea ice in September 2026 covering a smaller area than the 1981\u20132010 median, which is outlined in yellow.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"eager\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912.jpg?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912.jpg?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912.jpg?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\">Arctic sea ice reaches its annual minimum extent on September 12, 2026, tying several past years for the 10th-lowest minimum in the satellite record.<br \/>NASA Earth Observatory\/Michala Garrison<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\"> <\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>This story is an update to the Arctic sea ice feature in our <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/world-of-change\/arctic-sea-ice\/\" rel=\"noopener\">World of Change<\/a><\/em> <em>series, which tracks long-term change on Earth\u2019s surface through satellite imagery.<\/em><\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A layer of frozen seawater caps the Arctic Ocean. This sea ice grows through the long polar winter, usually peaking in March, then melts through the summer to its annual low in September. It is a natural fluctuation that has persisted for millennia. But\u00a0satellite records show the ice now covers less of the Arctic Ocean at its annual maximum and minimum than it did a few decades ago.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sea ice in 2026 reached its <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/science-research\/earth-science\/climate-science\/sea-ice\/arctic-sea-ice-2026-min\/\" rel=\"noopener\">annual minimum extent on September 12<\/a> (above), when it covered an estimated 4.6 million square kilometers (1.78 million square miles), according to NASA and the National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC). That ties 2008, 2010, and 2025 for the 10th-lowest minimum in the satellite record. <\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The maps below pair each September since 1990 (left), around the ice\u2019s annual minimum, with the following March (right), near its annual maximum, through March 2026.  <\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-image-carousel grid-container grid-container-block padding-top-4 padding-bottom-4 hds-module align wp-block-nasa-blocks-image-carousel\">\n<div id=\"carousel-wrapper-carousel-6ac5cd1697d67\" class=\"hds-carousel-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"image-carousel-slider margin-0\" id=\"image-carousel-slider-carousel-6ac5cd1697d67\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-client-id=\"carousel-6ac5cd1697d67\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-variation=\"timeline\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-autoplay=\"\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-autoplay-speed=\"1000\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-play-pause=\"1\" \n\t\t\t\tdata-transition-type=\"none\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-progress=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-progress-labels=\"1\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-start-label=\"1990\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-end-label=\"2026\"\n\t\t\t\tdata-labels-initialized=\"true\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1990-1991\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1991.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1990-1991\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1991.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1991.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1991.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1991.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1990-1991<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1991-1992\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1992.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1991-1992\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1992.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1992.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1992.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1992.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1991-1992<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1992-1993\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1993.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1992-1993\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1993.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1993.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1993.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1993.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1992-1993<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1993-1994\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1994.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1993-1994\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1994.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1994.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1994.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1994.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1993-1994<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1994-1995\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1995.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1994-1995\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1995.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1995.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1995.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1995.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1994-1995<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1995-1996\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1996.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1995-1996\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1996.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1996.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1996.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1996.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1995-1996<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1996-1997\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1997.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1996-1997\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1997.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1997.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1997.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1997.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1996-1997<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1997-1998\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1998.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1997-1998\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1998.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1998.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1998.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1998.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1997-1998<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1998-1999\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1999.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1998-1999\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1999.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1999.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1999.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_1999.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1998-1999<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"1999-2000\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2000.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"1999-2000\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2000.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2000.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2000.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2000.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">1999-2000<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2000-2001\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2001.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2000-2001\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2001.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2001.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2001.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2001.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2000-2001<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2001-2002\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2002.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2001-2002\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2002.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2002.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2002.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2002.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2001-2002<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2002-2003\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2003.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2002-2003\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2003.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2003.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2003.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2003.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2002-2003<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2003-2004\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2004.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2003-2004\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2004.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2004.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2004.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2004.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2003-2004<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2004-2005\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2005.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2004-2005\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2005.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2005.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2005.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2005.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2004-2005<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2005-2006\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2006.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2005-2006\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2006.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2006.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2006.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2006.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2005-2006<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2006-2007\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2007.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2006-2007\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2007.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2007.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2007.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2007.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2006-2007<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2007-2008\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2008.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2007-2008\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2008.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2008.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2008.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2008.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2007-2008<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2008-2009\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2009.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Arctic Sea Ice image pair showing 2008-2009\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2009.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2009.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2009.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2009.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2008-2009<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2009-2010\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2010.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2009-2010\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2010.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2010.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2010.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2010.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2009-2010<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2010-2011\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2011.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2010-2011\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2011.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2011.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2011.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2011.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2010-2011<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2011-2012\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2012.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2011-2012\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2012.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2012.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2012.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2012.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2011-2012<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2012-2013\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2013.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2012-2013\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2013.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2013.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2013.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2013.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2012-2013<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2013-2014\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2014.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2013-2014\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2014.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2014.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2014.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2014.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2013-2014<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2014-2015\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2015.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2014-2015\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2015.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2015.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2015.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2015.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2014-2015<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2015-2016\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2016.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2015-2016\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 32% 42%; object-position: 32% 42%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2016.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2016.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2016.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2016.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2015-2016<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2016-2017\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2017.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2016-2017\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 81% 27%; object-position: 81% 27%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2017.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2017.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2017.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2017.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2016-2017<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2017-2018\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2018.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2017-2018\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2018.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2018.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2018.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2018.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2017-2018<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2018-2019\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2019.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2018-2019\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2019.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2019.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2019.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2019.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2018-2019<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2019-2020\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2020.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2019-2020\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2020.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2020.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2020.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2020.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2019-2020<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2020-2021\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2021.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2020-2021\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2021.png?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2021.png?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2021.png?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2021.png?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2020-2021<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2021-2022\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2022.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2021-2022\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2022.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2022.jpg?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2022.jpg?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2022.jpg?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2021-2022<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2022-2023\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2023.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2022-2023\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2023.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2023.jpg?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2023.jpg?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2023.jpg?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2022-2023<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2023-2024\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2024.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2023-2024\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2024.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2024.jpg?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2024.jpg?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2024.jpg?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2023-2024<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2024-2025\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2025.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"Arctic Sea Ice image pair showing 2024-2025\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2025.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2025.jpg?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2025.jpg?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2025.jpg?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2024-2025<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"display-block width-full\" data-label=\"2025-2026\">\n<figure class=\"margin-0\">\n<div class=\"hds-cover-wrapper hds-image-carousel-slide margin-bottom-2 hds-object-fit-contain\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-cover \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"545\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2026.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-large size-large\" alt=\"2025-2026\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2026.jpg?w=720&#038;h=545&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2026.jpg?w=300&#038;h=227&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2026.jpg?w=400&#038;h=303&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/woc\/images\/sea_ice\/arctic_nsidc_2026.jpg?w=600&#038;h=454&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-date-text p-sm margin-0\">2025-2026<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-carousel-nav display-flex margin-left-auto margin-right-0\" data-carousel-id=\"image-carousel-slider-carousel-6ac5cd1697d67\">\n\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-prev\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M3.5,4.5l3.7-3.6L6.3,0L1.8,4.5L6.3,9l0.9-0.9L3.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button><\/p>\n<div class=\"play-controls\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-action-button hds-carousel-play\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"72\" height=\"72\" viewBox=\"0 0 72 72\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<circle cx=\"36\" cy=\"36\" r=\"36\" fill=\"#1C67E3\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path d=\"M25.9995 50V22L49.9995 36L25.9995 50Z\" fill=\"white\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-action-button hds-carousel-pause\" style=\"display: none;\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg width=\"41\" height=\"41\" viewBox=\"0 0 41 41\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M15.2 15.4H18.4V26.6H15.2V15.4Z\" fill=\"black\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M21.5999 15.4H24.7999V26.6H21.5999V15.4Z\" fill=\"black\"\/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<button class=\"hds-carousel-nav-arrow hds-carousel-arrow-next margin-right-0\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<svg version=\"1.1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"9px\" height=\"9px\" viewBox=\"0 0 9 9\"><path class=\"st0\" d=\"M5.5,4.5L1.8,8.1L2.7,9l4.5-4.5L2.7,0L1.8,0.9L5.5,4.5z\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t<\/button>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lower Lows, Thinner Ice<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Scientists have used satellites to observe the annual growth and retreat of Arctic sea ice continuously since late 1978. While sea ice extent has declined overall during that time, the downward trend <a href=\"https:\/\/www.jpl.nasa.gov\/news\/nasa-examines-arctic-sea-ice-changes-leading-to-record-low-in-2007\/\" rel=\"noopener\">steepened in the 2000s<\/a> and set off a run of record and near-record lows. Each of the past 20 summers, from 2007 through 2026, ranks among the 20 lowest minimum extents in the satellite record. The lowest occurred in September 2012.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More recently, the September sea ice extent has been relatively steady. Weather can make a big difference in how much ice melts from one summer to the next. For example, over the past decade, increased cloud cover has prevented sunlight <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/science-research\/earth-science\/climate-science\/sea-ice\/arctic-sea-ice-2026-min\/#:~:text=from%20further%20accelerating%20the%20melt\" rel=\"noopener\">from accelerating the melt<\/a>, according to <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/arctic-melt-season-length-levels-off\/\" rel=\"noopener\">NASA scientists<\/a>. Despite this recent plateau, the summer minimum remains well below the long-term average.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across the Arctic, the ice that remains is <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/arctic-sea-ice-is-losing-its-bulwark-89038\/\" rel=\"noopener\">younger and thinner<\/a>. Observations show a decline in multiyear ice\u2014that which survives at least one melt season\u2014leaving an Arctic <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/the-long-decline-of-arctic-sea-ice-147746\/\" rel=\"noopener\">dominated by thinner first-year ice<\/a>. Winter ice is also shrinking. The March 2026 maximum statistically <a href=\"https:\/\/nsidc.org\/news-analyses\/news-stories\/arctic-sea-ice-record-low-maximum-strikes-again\" rel=\"noopener\">tied the 2025 maximum<\/a> for the lowest in the satellite record.<\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-media hds-module wp-block-image\">\n<div class=\"margin-left-auto margin-right-auto nasa-block-align-inline\">\n<div class=\"hds-media-wrapper margin-left-auto margin-right-auto\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-inner hds-cover-wrapper hds-media-ratio-none \"><a href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_plot.jpg?w=720&#038;h=499&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" rel=\"noopener\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"720\" height=\"499\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_plot.jpg?w=720&#038;h=499&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-2048x2048 size-2048x2048\" alt=\"A line chart of Arctic sea ice extent shows the 1981\u20132010 average as a blue dashed line, 2012 (the record-low minimum year) in orange, and 2026 in red. The 2026 line stays below the average and peaks in March at a level that tied 2025 for the lowest maximum on record.\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_plot.jpg?w=720&#038;h=499&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 720w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_plot.jpg?w=300&#038;h=208&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_plot.jpg?w=400&#038;h=277&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_plot.jpg?w=600&#038;h=416&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 720px) 100vw, 720px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><figcaption class=\"hds-caption padding-y-2\">\n<div class=\"hds-caption-text p-sm margin-0\"> <\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-credits\"> <\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Cycles of natural variability such as the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/earthobservatory.nasa.gov\/images\/48882\/arctic-oscillation-chills-north-america-warms-arctic\" rel=\"noopener\">Arctic Oscillation<\/a>\u00a0are known to play a role in Arctic sea ice extent, but the\u00a0decline observed throughout the satellite record cannot be explained by natural variability alone. Natural variability and rising global temperatures have worked together to melt greater amounts of Arctic sea ice. Scientists have projected an essentially ice-free Arctic could occur <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/report\/ar6\/wg1\/chapter\/summary-for-policymakers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">at least once<\/a> before the middle of the 21st century.<\/p>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Seeing Through the Clouds<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">To determine sea ice extent, scientists rely on satellites with passive microwave sensors that measure the microwave energy Earth naturally emits. Sea ice emits more of this energy than open water, so it stands out in microwave images. Because microwaves pass through clouds, the satellites can observe sea ice regularly, regardless of weather.<\/p>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The record began in 1978 with data collected by NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/www.earthdata.nasa.gov\/data\/platforms\/space-based-platforms\/nimbus-7\" rel=\"noopener\">Nimbus-7<\/a>, followed by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncei.noaa.gov\/products\/satellite\/defense-meteorological-satellite-program\" rel=\"noopener\">Defense Meteorological Satellite Program<\/a> (DMSP) satellites starting in 1987 and NASA\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/mission\/aqua\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Aqua<\/a> satellite between 2002 and 2011. Starting in 2025, <a href=\"https:\/\/nsidc.org\/sea-ice-today\/analyses\/ssmis-sunsets-amsr2-rises\" rel=\"noopener\">scientists began<\/a> using observations from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/global.jaxa.jp\/projects\/sat\/gcom_w\/\" rel=\"noopener\">GCOM-W satellite<\/a>. The white circle at the center of each image is the \u201cpole hole,\u201d north of which satellite sensors have historically been unable to collect data. The sea ice estimates assume that this hole is ice-filled.<\/p>\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>NASA Earth Observatory images by Michala Garrison, using data from the\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/nsidc.org\/home\" rel=\"noopener\">National Snow and Ice Data Center<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-featured-file-list bg-spacesuit-white padding-x-2 tablet:padding-x-3 desktop:padding-x-4 padding-y-5 desktop:padding-y-6 hds-module align wp-block-nasa-blocks-file-list\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block padding-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-row width-full margin-bottom-4\">\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-22\">\n\t\t\t\t\tDownloads\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-col-12 desktop:grid-col-6\">\n<div class=\"desktop:grid-col display-flex flex-align-center desktop:flex-justify-end\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-row hds-file-list-row\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-thumbnail hds-file-list-thumbnail\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-thumbnail-inner hds-file-list-thumbnail-inner hds-cover-wrapper\">\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"3610\" height=\"2406\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=3610&#038;h=2406&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-thumbnail size-thumbnail\" alt=\"A map of the shows sea ice in September 2026 covering a smaller area than the 1981\u20132010 median, which is outlined in yellow.\" style=\"transform: scale(1.2); transform-origin: 16% 67%; object-position: 16% 67%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" data-video-loop=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=3610&#038;h=2406&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 3610w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=300&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=768&#038;h=512&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=682&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1024&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=2048&#038;h=1365&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2048w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=400&#038;h=267&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=600&#038;h=400&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=900&#038;h=600&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=800&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg?w=2000&#038;h=1333&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 3610px) 100vw, 3610px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-details\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-name hds-file-list-name\">\n<h2 class=\"heading-22\">September 12, 2026<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta\">\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta-item hds-list-date hds-file-list-date\">\n<p class=\"p-sm\">\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-meta-item hds-file-list-filetype\">\n<p class=\"p-sm\">JPEG (3.32 MB)<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-list-cta hds-file-list-download\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a aria-label=\"Download September 12, 2026\" href=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/content\/dam\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/arctic_nsidc_20260912_lrg.jpg\"  download rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg aria-hidden=\"true\" width=\"32\" height=\"32\" viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle cx=\"16\" cy=\"16.0001\" r=\"16\" fill=\"#1C67E3\"\/><path d=\"M15.2357 8.00007L15.2357 16.4829L11.9504 13.4078L10.8801 14.4094L16.0001 19.2001L21.1201 14.4094L20.0499 13.4078L16.7645 16.4829L16.7645 8.00007L15.2357 8.00007Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><path fill-rule=\"evenodd\" clip-rule=\"evenodd\" d=\"M9.6 20.8001V18.4001H8V22.4001H24V18.4001H22.4V20.8001H9.6Z\" fill=\"white\"\/><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">References &#038; Resources<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>IPCC (2021) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ipcc.ch\/report\/ar6\/wg1\/chapter\/summary-for-policymakers\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Summary for Policymakers<\/a>. In: <em>Climate Change 2021: The Physical Science Basis. Contribution of Working Group I to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change<\/em>. Accessed October 6, 2026.<\/li>\n<li>NASA Earthdata (2026, October) <a href=\"https:\/\/www.earthdata.nasa.gov\/topics\/cryosphere\/sea-ice\" rel=\"noopener\">Sea Ice<\/a>. Accessed October 6, 2026.<\/li>\n<li>NASA Earth Observatory (2026, October 6) <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/world-of-change\/arctic-sea-ice\/\" rel=\"noopener\">World of Change: Arctic Sea Ice<\/a>. Accessed October 6, 2026.<\/li>\n<li>NASA Earth Observatory (2016, September 16) <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/sea-ice\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Sea Ice<\/a>. Accessed October 6, 2026.<\/li>\n<li>NASA Earth Science (2026, September 23) <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/science-research\/earth-science\/climate-science\/sea-ice\/arctic-sea-ice-2026-min\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Arctic Sea Ice Reaches 2026 Annual Minimum Extent<\/a>. Accessed October 6, 2026.<\/li>\n<li>National Snow and Ice Data Center (2026, September 23) <a href=\"https:\/\/nsidc.org\/sea-ice-today\/analyses\/arctic-sea-ice-minimum-ties-tenth-lowest-0\" rel=\"noopener\">Arctic sea ice minimum ties for tenth lowest<\/a>. Accessed October 6, 2026.<\/li>\n<li>National Snow and Ice Data Center (2026, March 26) <a href=\"https:\/\/nsidc.org\/news-analyses\/news-stories\/arctic-sea-ice-record-low-maximum-strikes-again\" rel=\"noopener\">Arctic sea ice record low maximum strikes again<\/a>. Accessed October 6, 2026.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-content-lists-inner hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-content-lists\">\n<div id=\"content-list-8581a197-24b4-4d73-8fb2-dae65dbff4d5\" class=\"hds-content-lists margin-y-3 padding-x-0 bg-spacesuit-white width-full maxw-full\" 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data-current-query=\"{\"block_id\":\"content-list-8581a197-24b4-4d73-8fb2-dae65dbff4d5\",\"categories\":\"\",\"content_categories\":\"\",\"exclude_child_terms\":false,\"exclude_child_pages\":false,\"layout\":\"grid\",\"listing_page\":\"no\",\"listing_page_category_id\":2151,\"meta_fields\":[],\"news_tags\":\"\",\"number_of_items\":3,\"order\":\"DESC\",\"orderby\":\"date\",\"current_page\":1,\"requesting_id\":1222578,\"science_only\":false,\"search_query\":\"\",\"show_content_type_tags\":\"yes\",\"show_excerpts\":\"yes\",\"show_pagination\":true,\"show_publish_date\":\"no\",\"show_readtime\":\"yes\",\"show_thumbnails\":\"yes\",\"calendar_overflow_mode\":\"modal\",\"science_org\":\"\",\"content_science_orgs\":\"\",\"internal_terms\":\"\",\"mission_programs\":\"\",\"mission_status\":\"\",\"mission_target\":\"\",\"mission_type\":\"\",\"response_format\":\"html\",\"show_drafts\":false,\"related_content\":\"1351363,1280207,1259433,1272511,1281236,1277835,1398778,1228870,1281157,1226006\",\"use_content_term_filters\":false,\"filter_logic\":\"default\",\"post_types\":\"any\",\"base_terms\":\"{\"category\":\"\",\"science-org\":\"6478\",\"internal-terms\":\"\",\"news-tags\":\"\"}\"}\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-widescreen padding-x-3\">\n<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-start margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<h2 class=\"section-heading-sm line-height-sm\">You may also be interested in:<\/h2>\n<p class=\"margin-top-0 margin-bottom-2 maxh-tablet\">Stay up-to-date with the latest content from NASA as we explore the universe and discover more about our home planet.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container grid-container-block padding-0 margin-0 flex-justify-center\">\n<div class=\" grid-col-12\">\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-container grid-container-block padding-0\" style=\"display: block\">\n<div id=\"filter-tags\" class=\"grid-col-12 filter-tags-container\"><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"smd-orbit-loader\" role=\"status\" aria-hidden=\"true\">\n<div class=\"orbit-plane\"><span class=\"orbit-dot\"><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"post-list-container\" class=\"hds-content-items hds-content-items-grid margin-top-2\" aria-live=\"polite\" data-rest-url=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-json\/smd\/v1\/content-list\">\n<div class=\"hds-content-item content-list-item-post\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/arctic-melt-season-length-levels-off\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-thumbnail\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  content-list-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300px\" height=\"300px\" data-no-id=\"true\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-melt-season-length-levels-off\/arcticmelttrend_20102023_th.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;w=300 300w\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/arctic-melt-season-length-levels-off\/arcticmelttrend_20102023_th.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;%23038;w=300\" ><\/figure>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-inner\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/arctic-melt-season-length-levels-off\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-heading\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-a11y-heading-22\">Arctic Melt Season Length Levels Off<\/div>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-readtime label margin-bottom-1\">\n                    4 min read                <\/div>\n<p class=\"margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">While the sea ice melt season has lengthened dramatically in most of the satellite era, the trend unexpectedly stabilized around\u2026<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-auto\"><svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><span>Article<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item content-list-item-post\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-changing-world-for-emperor-penguins\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-thumbnail\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  content-list-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300px\" height=\"300px\" data-no-id=\"true\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-changing-world-for-emperor-penguins\/sanaepenguin_oli2_20230104_th.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;w=300 300w\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/a-changing-world-for-emperor-penguins\/sanaepenguin_oli2_20230104_th.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;%23038;w=300\" ><\/figure>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-inner\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/a-changing-world-for-emperor-penguins\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-heading\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-a11y-heading-22\">A Changing World for Emperor Penguins<\/div>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-readtime label margin-bottom-1\">\n                    7 min read                <\/div>\n<p class=\"margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">Experts are analyzing decades of images from Landsat satellites for clues about how the iconic birds have responded to sea\u2026<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-auto\"><svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><span>Article<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item content-list-item-post\">\n                    <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/pink-penguin-guano-provides-diet-clues\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-thumbnail\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  content-list-thumbnail\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"300px\" height=\"300px\" data-no-id=\"true\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/reading-penguin-diets-in-shades-of-guano\/dangerislands_drone_th.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;w=300 300w\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/2026\/reading-penguin-diets-in-shades-of-guano\/dangerislands_drone_th.jpg?fit=clip&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint&#038;%23038;w=300\" ><\/figure>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-inner\">\n            <a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/pink-penguin-guano-provides-diet-clues\/\" class=\"hds-content-item-heading\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-a11y-heading-22\">Pink Penguin Guano Provides Diet Clues<\/div>\n<p>            <\/a><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-content-item-readtime label margin-bottom-1\">\n                    3 min read                <\/div>\n<p class=\"margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">The color of Ad\u00e9lie penguin droppings reveals what the birds are eating, offering scientists a way to track how sea\u2026<\/p>\n<div class=\"display-flex flex-align-center label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-auto\"><svg version=\"1.1\" class=\"square-2 margin-right-1\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" x=\"0px\" y=\"0px\" width=\"16px\" height=\"16px\" viewBox=\"0 0 16 16\" style=\"enable-background:new 0 0 16 16;\" xml:space=\"preserve\"><g><g><path d=\"M8,0C3.5,0-0.1,3.7,0,8.2C0.1,12.5,3.6,16,8,16c4.4,0,8-3.6,8-8C16,3.5,12.4,0,8,0z M8,15.2 C4,15.2,0.8,12,0.8,8C0.8,4,4,0.8,8,0.8c3.9,0,7.2,3.2,7.2,7.1C15.2,11.9,12,15.2,8,15.2z\"\/><path d=\"M5.6,12c0.8-0.8,1.6-1.6,2.4-2.4c0.8,0.8,1.6,1.6,2.4,2.4c0-2.7,0-5.3,0-8C8.8,4,7.2,4,5.6,4 C5.6,6.7,5.6,9.3,5.6,12z\"\/><\/g><\/g><\/svg><span>Article<\/span><\/div>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"pagination-container\" class=\"pagination\">\n<nav class=\"hds-pagination hds-pagination--content-lists\" role=\"navigation\" aria-label=\"Pagination Navigation\" data-mid-size=\"2\" data-end-size=\"1\" data-max-pages=\"4\" >\n<span aria-current=\"page\" class=\"page-numbers current\" aria-label=\"Current Page, Page 1\" aria-current=\"true\" data-page-number=\"1\"><br \/>\n<span>1<\/span><\/span><br \/>\n<a class=\"page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/#\" aria-label=\"Goto Page 2\" data-page-number=\"2\"><br \/>\n<span>2<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/#\" aria-label=\"Goto Page 3\" data-page-number=\"3\"><br \/>\n<span>3<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/#\" aria-label=\"Goto Page 4\" data-page-number=\"4\"><br \/>\n<span>4<\/span><\/a><br \/>\n<a class=\"next page-numbers\" href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/arctic-sea-ice-shrinks-to-its-2026-minimum\/#\" aria-label=\"Goto Next Page\" data-page-number=\"2\">Next<\/a><br \/>\n<\/nav>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"\" class=\"hds-topic-cards nasa-gb-align-full maxw-full width-full padding-y-6 padding-x-3 color-mode-dark hds-module hds-module-full alignfull wp-block-nasa-blocks-topic-cards\">\n<div class=\"grid-container grid-container-block-lg padding-x-0\">\n<div class=\"grid-row flex-align-center margin-bottom-3\">\n<div class=\"desktop:grid-col-8 margin-bottom-2 desktop:margin-bottom-0\">\n<div class=\"label color-carbon-60 margin-bottom-2\">Keep Exploring<\/div>\n<h2 class=\"heading-36 line-height-sm\">Discover More from NASA Earth Science<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid-row grid-gap-2 hds-topic-cards-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/subscribe\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper 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src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/about\/NASA-EO-Logo-mediumBlue2016-stacked-mark.png?w=585&#038;h=425&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/about\/NASA-EO-Logo-mediumBlue2016-stacked-mark.png?w=585&#038;h=425&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 585w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/about\/NASA-EO-Logo-mediumBlue2016-stacked-mark.png?w=300&#038;h=218&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/about\/NASA-EO-Logo-mediumBlue2016-stacked-mark.png?w=400&#038;h=291&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 585px) 100vw, 585px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/earth-observatory\/image-of-the-day\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Earth Observatory Image of the Day<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<p class=\"margin-bottom-0 margin-top-2 color-carbon-20-important\">NASA&#8217;s Earth Observatory brings you the Earth, every day, with in-depth stories and stunning imagery.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"2500\" height=\"1407\" src=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=2500&#038;h=1407&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=2500&#038;h=1407&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2500w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=300&#038;h=169&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=768&#038;h=432&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=576&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=864&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, 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https:\/\/assets.science.nasa.gov\/dynamicimage\/assets\/science\/esd\/eo\/images\/iotd\/iotd-banner.jpg?w=2000&#038;h=1126&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 2000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2500px) 100vw, 2500px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/explore\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<p class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Explore Earth Science<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1920&#038;%23038;fit=clip&#038;%23038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=1920&#038;h=1920&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1920w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=150&#038;h=150&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 150w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=300&#038;h=300&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 300w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=768&#038;h=768&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 768w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=1024&#038;h=1024&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1024w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=1536&#038;h=1536&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1536w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=50&#038;h=50&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 50w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=100&#038;h=100&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 100w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=200&#038;h=200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 200w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=400&#038;h=400&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 400w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=600&#038;h=600&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 600w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=900&#038;h=900&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 900w, https:\/\/images-assets.nasa.gov\/image\/NHQ202212160009\/NHQ202212160009~large.jpg?w=1200&#038;h=1200&#038;fit=crop&#038;crop=faces%2Cfocalpoint 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\t\t\t<\/a><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/earth\/data\/\" class=\"mobile:grid-col-12 tablet:grid-col-6 desktop:grid-col-3 topic-card margin-bottom-4 desktop:margin-bottom-0\" rel=\"noopener\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"hds-topic-card hds-cover-wrapper cover-hover-zoom bg-carbon-black\">\n<div class=\"skrim-overlay skrim-overlay-dark skrim-left mobile-skrim-top padding-3 display-flex flex-align-end flex-justify-start z-200\">\n<div>\n<h3 class=\"hds-topic-card-heading heading-29 color-spacesuit-white line-height-sm margin-top-0 margin-bottom-1\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span>Earth Science Data<\/span><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<svg viewBox=\"0 0 32 32\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"><circle class=\"color-nasa-red\" cx=\"16\" cy=\"16\" r=\"16\"><\/circle><path d=\"M8 16.956h12.604l-3.844 4.106 1.252 1.338L24 16l-5.988-6.4-1.252 1.338 3.844 4.106H8v1.912z\" class=\"color-spacesuit-white\"><\/path><\/svg><br \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\n<p class=\"margin-bottom-0 margin-top-2 color-carbon-20-important\">Open access to NASA\u2019s archive of Earth science data<\/p>\n<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"hds-media-background  \"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1536\" height=\"768\" src=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biosphere-sea-2008-lrg.png?w=1536\" class=\"attachment-1536x1536 size-1536x1536\" alt=\"\" style=\"transform: scale(1); transform-origin: 50% 50%; object-position: 50% 50%; object-fit: cover;\" block_context=\"nasa-block\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biosphere-sea-2008-lrg.png 3600w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biosphere-sea-2008-lrg.png?resize=300,150 300w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biosphere-sea-2008-lrg.png?resize=768,384 768w, https:\/\/science.nasa.gov\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/10\/biosphere-sea-2008-lrg.png?resize=1024,512 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