The Atmosphere and Climate Modeling - Introduction to Carbon Capture and Sequestration - page 67

Jan 1

Arctic Sea Ice Extent
(1979-2013)
with decadal averages

Ice Extent [10 6 km 2 ]

Dec 1 16 Feb 1

12

Nov 1 Mar 1

8

4

Apr 1

Oct 1

0

Sep 1 May 1

Jun 1

Aug 1

1980s Average
1990s Average
2000s Average
Average 2010-current
2013

Jul 1

Arctic Sea Ice Volume
(1979-2013)
with decadal averages

Jan 1

Ice Volume [1,000 km 3 ]

Dec 1 32 Feb 1

24

Nov 1 Mar 1

16

8

Apr 1

Oct 1

0

May 1

Sep 1

Aug 1 Jun 1

Jul 1

Figure 2.4.7 The Arctic Sea's ice extent and volume, 1979-2013
The top fi gure gives the sea ice extent and the bottom fi gure its volume. The sea ice mini-
mum summertime extent, which is normally reached in September, has been decreasing
over the last three decades as Arctic ocean and air temperatures have increased. The
frozen cap of the Arctic Ocean appears to have reached its annual summertime minimum
extent and broken a new record low on September 16, 2013. 2013's minimum extent is
approximately half the size of the average extent from 1979 to 2000. 2013's minimum extent
also marks the fi rst time Arctic sea ice has dipped below 4 million km 2 . Figures redrawn
from Jim Pettit [2.10].