News & Stories
As Earth’s frozen regions change rapidly, NSIDC is committed to growing its research and open access data to better understand these changes. Read about NSIDC research and its contribution to science and policy making. Check out spotlights on how to use NSIDC data, tools, and resources. Learn about how we steward data and collaborate with scientists and organizations across the world to understand how the frozen parts of Earth affect the rest of the planet and impact society.
News and stories
Satellites have continuously monitored Earth’s polar regions since November 1978. Over that period, Arctic sea ice has declined.
Climate models, also known as general circulation models or GCMs, use computers to simulate Earth’s climate.
Sea ice extent increased at a faster than average pace through November and by the end of the month, extent was just within the interdecile range.
Over the course of the satellite record, Arctic sea ice extent has declined. Declines have been observed throughout the year, but they have been most pronounced at the time of the annual minimum each September.
Changes will happen decades earlier than previously thought
