Antarctic sea ice hits winter record low The Antarctic sea ice is reaching the lowest levels for this time of year since records began 45 years ago, alarming scientists 


ANTARCTIC SEA ICE EXTENT
Millions of square kilometres

22.5
20
17.5
15
12.5
10
7.5
5
2.5
0

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Each line represents one year
Black line: Average from 1981 to 2010


Jul 2023: 14.1 million sq km – more than 2.6 million sq km below 1981 to 2010 average, an area nearly as large as Argentina

Median July ice extent, 1981-2010 

Sea ice on
July 17, 2023

Weddell Sea
ANTARCTICA 
South Pole
Ross Sea
SOUTHERN OCEAN

While natural climate variability affects sea ice, many scientists believe climate change may be major driver for disappearing ice

Picture: David Peterson via Pexels
Source: National Snow and Ice Data Center (NSIDC)
© GRAPHIC NEWS