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News: Global sea ice cover has dropped to a record low, with the combined extent of Arctic and Antarctic sea ice reaching just 15.76 million sq km over the five days leading up to February 13, 2025.
About Sea Ice
- Free-floating ice in the polar regions, distinct from icebergs, glaciers, ice sheets, and ice shelves (which form on land). It expands in winter and melts in summer, but some ice persists year-round.
- As of February 13, global sea ice extent dropped to 15.76 million sq km, breaking the previous record of 15.93 million sq km (Jan-Feb 2023).
- Arctic and Antarctic sea ice levels are at or near historical lows, based on satellite data since the 1970s.
Reasons Behind the Dip
- Warm Air & Warm Oceans: Warmer temperatures delay freezing and accelerate melting.
- Ice-Breaking Winds: Antarctic sea ice, being thinner and more mobile, is easily fragmented.
- Storms in the Arctic: Broke apart ice in Barents and Bering Seas.
- Delayed Freezing: Unusually warm waters in Hudson Bay slowed ice formation.
Consequences of Reduced Sea Ice
- Increased Heat Absorption: Less ice means more sunlight is absorbed, raising temperatures further.
- Polar Warming Acceleration: Polar regions are heating faster than the rest of the planet.
- Disruption of Ocean Currents: Freshwater from melting ice lowers ocean salinity, slowing water circulation.
- Impact on Marine Life: Disruptions in food chains and habitat loss.
- Threat to Ice Shelves: Slower ocean currents weaken ice shelf stability, leading to further sea-level rise.
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