Snow, glaciers and permafrost are of great importance for Switzerland. Their changes are documented by detailed measurements. This web portal shows and explains selected long-term measurement series of the cryosphere.more

Image: NASA Earth Observatory, Jesse Allen and Robert Simmonmore

Arctic sea ice extent: 2011 in review

Arctic sea ice extent fell to its seasonal minimum on September 9, 2011, falling just short of the record low set in September 2007, when summer weather conditions were extremely favorable for ice loss. This summer, the weather was not as extreme as 2007, so it was surprising that ice extent dropped so low. The low ice extent, along with data on ice age, suggests that the Arctic ice cover remains thin and vulnerable to summer melt.

Arctic Sea Ice Extent
Image: National Snow and Ice Data Center: Arctic sea ice extent: 2011 in review
Arctic Sea Ice Extent
Arctic Sea Ice ExtentImage: National Snow and Ice Data Center: Arctic sea ice extent: 2011 in review

Categories

  • Climatic effects
  • Cryosphere
  • Effect
  • Impacts of climate change
  • Sea ice