Please select your home edition
Edition
Ocean Safety 2023 - New Identity - LEADERBOARD

Antarctic winter sea ice hits 'extreme' record low

by Daria Blackwell 3 Oct 00:03 UTC

The preliminary Antarctic Sea Ice Maximum and Arctic Sea Ice Minimum are both in and the results are alarming scientists.

U.S. National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC) announced that Antarctic sea ice extent peaked this year on Sept. 10, when it covered 16.96 million square kilometers (6.55 million square miles), the lowest winter maximum since satellite records began in 1979. That's about 1 million square kilometers less ice than the previous winter record set in 1986.

Scientists consider it 'An extreme record-breaking year', not just a record-breaking year. Researchers warn that dire consequences could result. Animals such as penguins who breed and rear their young on the sea ice may be severely impacted while it may also hasten global warming by reducing how much sunlight is reflected by white ice back into space.

An academic article published earlier this month in the journal Communications Earth and Environment pointed to climate change as a potential factor. The shift toward record-low conditions has scientists concerned climate change may finally be presenting itself in Antarctic sea ice.

The preliminary 2023 Arctic sea ice minimum is also in...

  • Arctic summer minimum - 6th lowest on record in 45 years of satellite records
  • The last 17 years are the lowest 17 on record
  • Minimum was reached 5 days later than the 1981-2010 median
This article has been provided by the courtesy of the Ocean Cruising Club.

Related Articles

End of Life Boats
The disposal of old GRP boats has become a significant problem The question of what to do with boats at the end of their useful lives has been an issue for a long time. The Green Blue is looking to tackle the problem and is asking for assistance from the public. Posted on 4 Dec
Medical supplies delivered to The Gambia
Thanks to Agustin Martin, the Ocean Cruising Club Port Officer in Gran Canaria Thanks to Agustin Martin, the Ocean Cruising Club Port Officer in Gran Canaria, we were able to bring two bags of medical supplies to the clinic in Banjul, Gambia. Posted on 3 Dec
170 trillion plastic particles afloat in oceans
That is more than 21,000 pieces of plastic in the oceans for each of the Earth's 8 billion residents That is more than 21,000 pieces of plastic in the oceans for each of the Earth's 8 billion residents. Posted on 21 Nov
Sailing-related injuries
1 in 5 cruises resulted in an injury An observational study published in Wilderness and Environmental Medicine showed that 1 in 5 cruises resulted in an injury regardless of demographic, injury, and voyage characteristics. Posted on 19 Nov
The Corinth Canal is closed for restoration work
Works are estimated to be completed in March 2024 The Corinth Canal SA informed customers and partners that the Ministry of Infrastructure & Transport ceased operations after the 31st of October. Posted on 15 Nov
Reductions in Panama Canal traffic announced
The Panama Canal announce new operational measures After the driest month of October since 1950, the Panama Canal announced new operational measures with nearly 50 days remaining in the rainy season. Posted on 14 Nov
New acoustic device to deter orcas to be tested
Sea trials to being on sailboats in Portugal Starting in October, if the orcas are present, a device already tested in fishing vessels in Norway, will begin sea trials on sailboats in Portugal, where orcas have been "playing" with sailboats. Posted on 12 Nov
Strike, protests & drought creates havoc in Panama
SHIMSHAL is awaiting passage through the Canal and into the Pacific Commodore Simon Currin reports from Panama where SHIMSHAL is awaiting passage through the Canal and into the Pacific, "Yes, It's chaos here in Panama." The US Embassy has issued an alert. Posted on 12 Nov
Heading for the Caribbean this winter?
Do you know where the 17 volcanoes are? Richard Robertson monitors seismic activity across the Lesser Antilles islands in the Caribbean. Posted on 1 Nov
The never-ending Northwest Passage 2023
The limits of the navigation season are usually the month of August and early September In 2023, 18 yachts, 11 passenger cruise ships, and 7 commercial vessels transited the Northwest Passage over a longer period than normal. Posted on 22 Oct
Noble Marine 2022 SW - FOOTERUpffront 2020 Foredeck Club SW FOOTERCrewsaver 2021 Safetyline FOOTER