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How Much Sea Ice Has Earth Lost in the Last 40 Years?

by Robby Deming
October 16, 2023
Living Planet

Declining sea ice impacts more than just sea level rise. It reduces polar bear ranges and causes havoc in coastal communities where the weather is influenced by sea ice. And over the past few decades, the trend is worsening.

The interactive map from Esri charts the average monthly sea ice extent for the Arctic and Antarctic since 1978. It doesn’t matter which polar area you explore —they’re both losing sea ice faster than it can be formed.

Map showing Arctic sea ice extent in August 2023 Launch Interactive Map
(Source: Esri)

In the Arctic, a clear downward trend emerges over time. Since 1979, the yearly maximum has declined, as has the yearly minimum. While there is some variance from year to year, the downward trend persists.   

Sea ice in the Antarctic has been more stable. Still, the minimum Antarctic sea ice extent in 2022 was at its lowest level since 1979. At just 2.16 million km², this deviation is 27.8% below the median for February. 

Map of Antarctic sea ice extent in February 2022.
Minimum sea ice extent in the Antarctic was recorded at 27.8% below the median in February 2022. (Source: Esri)

Sea ice extents normally wax and wane over the year, following seasonal patterns. Sea ice builds in the winter before reaching its maximum coverage. This typically happens in March for the Arctic and in September for the Antarctic. As seasons change and temperatures warm, sea ice dissipates until it reaches its minimum. Minimum coverage usually happens in September for the Arctic and in February for the Antarctic.  

It’s a cycle that used to end in renewal. But as the climate continues to change, the cycle is breaking, and Earth is losing sea ice. With maps, we can identify and quantify these patterns. The insights we gain will be essential for understanding and adapting to climate change.

By the Numbers

Here are the high and low values for minimum and maximum sea ice extent in the Arctic and Antarctic since 1979:

ExtentSea Ice AreaDateDeviation
High Max Extent (Arctic)16.34 million km²March 19795.6% above median
Low Max Extent (Arctic)14.29 million km²March 20177.7% below median
High Min Extent (Arctic)7.67 million km²September 198017.8% above median
Low Min Extent (Arctic)3.57 million km²September 201245.2% below median
High Max Extent (Antartic)19.76 million km²September 20146.4% above median
Low Max Extent (Antarctic)17.86 million km²September 19864.8% below median
High Min Extent (Antarctic)3.89 million km²February 200830.1% above median
Low Min Extent (Antarctic)2.16 million km²February 202227.8% below median

More to Explore

  • Learn more about how this interactive map was created and the data behind it.
  • Check out these fascinating neon-colored maps of historic sea ice extents.
  • View an animated map showing 30+ years of sea ice decline.

About This Map

Title
Sea Ice Aware
Creator
Esri
Data Sources

National Snow and Ice Data Center

Tags
Climate Change Oceans Sea Level Rise
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