Sea ice concentration is a quantitative geophysical parameter describing the fraction of a given ocean surface area covered by sea ice, typically expressed as a percentage or a unitless value between 0 and 1. It is derived from satellite remote sensing (e.g., passive microwave, SAR, optical sensors) or in situ observations using algorithms that discriminate ice from open water based on radiometric or spectral signatures. Sea ice concentration is fundamental for characterizing polar climate systems, validating sea-ice and coupled climate models, estimating surface heat and momentum fluxes, and supporting operational navigation, data assimilation, and reanalysis of cryospheric conditions.
In the last few decades, Arctic sea ice has receded ever further, including increasingly in winter when the extent of sea ice is at its most prominent. One of the main drivers of this development is thought to be the warming ...
Earth Sciences
Jun 23, 2025
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A new study of Antarctic seals shows that environmental conditions are leading to a severe decline in their populations in the South Orkney Islands. New results are published today (Wednesday 18 June) in the journal Global ...
Plants & Animals
Jun 18, 2025
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New research reveals the importance of winter sea ice in the year-to-year variability of the amount of atmospheric CO2 absorbed by a region of the Southern Ocean.
Earth Sciences
Jun 18, 2025
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Predicting the extent of Arctic sea ice in September has significant implications for climate change and shipping in the Arctic. However, seasonal forecasts for September sea ice often encounter a challenge known as the "spring ...
Earth Sciences
May 27, 2025
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The disappearance of sea ice in polar regions due to global warming not only increases the amount of light entering the ocean, but also changes its color. These changes have far-reaching consequences for photosynthetic organisms ...
Earth Sciences
May 2, 2025
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139
The winter growth period for sea ice in the Arctic Ocean is now over, with levels at a record low. The winter ice extent on 21 March 2025 was lower than at any time since continuous satellite recording began in 1979.
Earth Sciences
Apr 7, 2025
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With sea traffic set to rise in a warming Arctic, researchers are helping sailors plot a safer course through sea ice and icebergs thanks to more reliable satellite-based forecasts.
Earth Sciences
Mar 14, 2025
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